Windows 7 Launch Party Finalists SelectedWindows 7 Launch Party Finalists Selected

Microsoft has e-mailed select tech fans to notify them they've been chosen as finalists in its competition to become an official Windows 7 Launch Party host.

"Receiving the finalist email doesn't mean you've been accepted to host just yet. You will need to be among the first to respond via a link within your email to be confirmed as a host," wrote Brandon LeBlanc, Microsoft's in-house Windows bloggers, in a post Monday.

"This extra step is needed due to the amazing response we've had from people interested in hosting a local Launch Party. Spots to host a Launch Party are limited so we want to make sure folks who signed up are still able to host," said LeBlanc.

Microsoft earlier in the month invited members of the public to apply to become official Windows 7 Launch Party hosts. Selected hosts receive online access to various party materials and a Web site to which they can upload photos from their party and chat with other party hosts across the country.

Party hosts also have "a good chance" of winning a Windows PC worth $750, according to Microsoft.

Microsoft is also encouraging those who are not selected as official party hosts to invite friends over to celebrate the Windows 7 launch regardless, if they're so inclined. "You can still hold a Windows 7 gathering of your own," wrote LeBlanc. "We are providing Windows 7 tips, content, demos, and training … for you to host your own gathering or 'meet-up'," said LeBlanc.

Windows 7 is already available to some business customers and rolls out to the public on Oct. 22nd.

Attend this Windows 7 virtual event to gain exclusive access to our one-stop information destination, packed with resources to guide you in your decision-making process. Sept. 30, 2009. Find out more and register.