DIY Windows 7 for free

We won't lie: we're looking forward to Microsoft's final release of its Windows 7 operating system. It's well-designed, with some strong usability features that make it smooth and comfortable to operate. However, it will also cost a small pile of cash to update.

Luckily, if you've got a Vista computer, there are ways to tease out some of that new functionality and look without an upgrade. CNET Executive Editor Tom Merritt shows you the free downloads you can get to turn Vista into Windows 7.

Since we do so enjoy assembling freeware alternatives for you, here's another roundup. This time we've collected programs you can use to pull together a free or cheap multimedia suite (depending on the apps you choose.) That means programs to edit photos and video, create movies and photo projects, play DVDs, burn your media, and copy movies to a portable device, like your iPhone. Dig in!

If you've got favorites we missed, don't forget to share them in the comments.