Windows 7 is Microsoft's next Windows client operating system, formerly known by its code-name(s) "Blackcomb" and "Vienna".
The first questions users ask when they hear about Windows 7 are usually:
- Does it look like Windows Vista?
- Is it a major Windows Version?
The first question is easy to answer: Yes. It does look a lot like Windows Vista, but from my early (and still limited) usage, it also looks, feels and acts the way Vista should have been.
The second question is a bit more difficult to answer. According to Microsoft Windows 7 is a major Windows release, but if you read the white-papers and other statements released by Microsoft that describe the technical aspects of Windows 7 it reads more that it will be a minor release.
In a post on the Engineering Windows 7 blog last August, Microsoft corporate vice president Steven Sinofsky wrote: "When we started planning the release, the first thing some might think we have to decide is if Windows 7 (client) would be a "major release" or not. I put that in quotes because it turns out this isn't really something you decide nor is it something with a single answer. The magnitude of a release is as much about your perspective on the features as it is about the features themselves. One could even ask if being declared a major release is a compliment or not. As engineers planning a product we decide up front the percentage of our development team will that work on the release and the extent of our schedule-with the result in hand customers each decide for themselves if the release is "major", though of course we like to have an opinion. On the server blog we talked about the schedule and we shared our opinion of the scale of the releases of Windows 7 client and server. Our goal is about building an awesome release of Windows 7."
I will update this page regularly with information on Windows 7.
Windows 7: Which Edition Should You Choose?
September 15, 2009 - 13:15 GMT
Like Windows Vista, Windows 7 includes a number of product versions that make it difficult for users to know which version they should choose. As I did with Windows Vista, I'm providing a listing of the differences between the products.
Microsoft Confirms Windows 7 Family Pack Pricing
August 4, 2009 - 14:00 GMT
At the end of July Microsoft confirmed that the rumors we had been hearing for some time that a Family Pack was in the works for Windows 7 were correct. Microsoft has now released some additional details and pricing.
Windows 7: Released to Manufacturing
July 23, 2009 - 12:55 GMT
It had been expected to happen this month, and last Wednesday evening Microsoft announced that Windows 7 had been released to manufacturing (RTM).
When will you get Windows 7 RTM?
July 22, 2009 - 10:55 GMT
Yesterday, July 21st, Microsoft posted a note on the Windows Blog, listing the dates that the Windows 7 RTM will be available to the various groups.
Microsoft Announces Windows 7 Pricing - including exiting 50% pre-order discount!
June 25, 2009 - 19:30 GMT
Today Microsoft announced the Windows 7 Upgrade Option Program & Windows 7 Pricing, as well as the General Availability (GA) of Windows 7. Microsoft also announced an exiting 50% pre-order discount for Windows 7!
Windows 7 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
June 25, 2009 - 19:30 GMT
Frequently asked questions and general information about Windows 7.
Windows 7: Release Candidate Review
May 12, 2009 - 21:40 GMT
Last week Microsoft released Windows 7 Release Candidate to the general public to download & test.
Microsoft: There will only be one Beta for Windows 7
February 13, 2009 - 17:45 GMT
At the end of January, in a posting to the Windows 7 Engineering Blog, Steven Sinofsky senior vice president for the Windows and Windows Live Engineering Group made it clear that Microsoft will only ship one Beta of Windows 7 before releasing a Release Candidate (RC).
February 7, 2009 - 18:05 GMT
With the first beta of Windows 7 available to the general public to download, I will take you through an overview of Windows 7.
Microsoft Announces Windows 7 Editions
February 3, 2009 - 21:25 GMT
Today Microsoft announced the SKU lineup of Windows 7, and while the company says it will focus mainly on two editions: Windows 7 Home Premium and Windows 7 Professional; Microsoft offers a total of six different Windows 7 versions.
November 28, 2008 - 19:00 GMT
Microsoft did a lot of work on the new taskbar for Windows 7. They looked extensively how people where using their computers and started making improvements based on those observations.
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