**Microsoft has said it is “pleased” with the “strong consumer demand” for its new Windows 7 operating system.**The new operating system was rolled out worldwide on 22 October.
Windows 7 was not included in its results from July to September, for which it reported net profits of $3.57bn (£2.18bn), down 18% from 2008.
The results were better than had been expected. Microsoft said reducing costs had helped it to cope with “tough overall economic conditions”.