There’s a pretty strong rumor spreading throughout the web stating that Vista users will get a free upgrade to Microsoft’s newest operating system Windows 7 upon its release.

Vista received pretty poor reviews after its worldwide launch on January 30, 2007, mostly due to incompatibility issues with some software and hardware. Microsoft has been trying to repackage Vista over the last 2 years, but has struggled to repair the public image. In response to slumping sales Microsoft is preparing to release Windows 7.

Unlike its predecessor, Windows 7 is intended to be an incremental upgrade from Vista, with the goal of being fully compatible with device drivers, applications, and hardware with which Windows Vista is already compatible.

So what does this mean for those of us (yes, me included) who purchased Vista just two short years ago. A FREE UPGRADE!! Well, that’s the rumor. PC Magazine has been kicking this rumor around as well giving it increased credibility.

Not all Vista users will get the upgrade though. “They” say that users who buy Vista computers or software between July 1, 2009 and January 31, 2010 will be the ones eligible for the free Windows 7 upgrade.

I’m thinking that the rest of us who bought Vista when it first came out should at least get Windows 7 at a discounted price, say $50.

When XM and Sirius satellite radio first came to the market at the beginning of the millennium, it was as if the heavens above were beaming down the greatest gift to earth. Over 100 channels broadcasting any and everything from talk radio, sports, the current top 20, and even Playboy radio (however that works). Car makers were adopting it, there were portable versions, it was hot and everyone wanted it.

Now after the two companies have merged into XM Sirius or Sirius XM (whatever the new name is), it’s becoming obvious that improvements in technology are forcing change in the market. So the real question is why pay $10 a month when there are numerous other mediums that deliver almost the same product, for FREE. There are several reasons to not dish out money for audio and below is a short list of my top three reasons to cancel your Sirius XM account today.

Internet Radio - You’re probably thinking, internet radio has been out forever, what good does that do me in my car? Thanks to Apple and its brilliant invention the iPhone, you can now stream internet radio through your car speakers anywhere that you have a cellular signal. Just download Pandora, or numerous other internet radio streaming app’s, and you’re ready to go. You’re already paying for your cellular bill, put it to good use.

MP3 Players - These nifty devices, which have gone through a myriad of changes over the years, are a great way to transport audio. Download your favorite music, talk radio, online book or whatever you want and listen to it freely in your car. With the iTouch you can even watch movies and play games as well. Create some lengthy playlists so that you can put your mp3 player on autopilot. There’s tons of free media that you can legally download out there, iTunes is a great start.

CD’s - Yes they still exist, and hands down they offer some of the best audio quality on the market. Compare the quality of sound of your satellite radio to a CD and you’ll notice a huge difference. Use it like you would an MP3 player, burn your favorite audio to it. You can pick up a pack of 20 blank CD’s for a couple of bucks and I’ll bet your car is already equipped to play it.

Don’t forget about the old dinosaur FM radio, assuming that you are lucky enough to live near a good station. There is also tape and 8-track which I’m willing to bet you don’t have a means of playing. Take advantage of a practically free way to listen to audio and stop dishing out $10 a month.