TipsFocus.com

Microsoft is launching a second online store which included the update to Games for Windows Live.

The Microsoft Store, which opened for business Thursday, is designed to carry the largest and most up-to-date selection of the software giant’s product lines, such as Office, Windows, Xbox, and Zune.

However, Microsoft will allow you to re-download products until mainstream support for the product ends.  Usually, that ends after five years.  Of course, you have the option of copying the download should you wish to access it beyond what the mainstream lifetime will support it.

Users log on with a Windows Live ID, and when a purchase is completed, the receipt includes a product key and a “Download File” link. While files can be downloaded through the browser, Microsoft recommends using the associated download manager. The download manager is only compatible with Internet Explorer versions 6 through 8, and only on Windows operating systems.

The Microsoft Store also sells office products for Mac, but currently only in DVD form.

“I’m not going to get all granola on you and try to quote you an exact environmental impact,” Chow said, “But think of the savings of gasoline in shipping products, driving back and forth in your car to a retail store, or even the plastic manufactured and used for the CD jewel cases. With everyone getting worried about their ‘carbon footprint,’ every little bit counts, so why not buy ESD if you can?”