Posted on 10/22/2009 4:24:06 AM PDT by Dr. Scarpetta
Microsoft on Thursday formally released Windows 7, its latest in a long line of computer operating systems that are meant to bridge the gap between man and personal computing machine.
Windows 7 promises a streamlined interface, support for touch screens, and security features that, while robust, don't interfere with users' day-to-day interactions with their computers, the software maker claims.
Retailers girded for the debut of the new OS--the first since Redmond introduced Windows Vista in January 2007.
Best Buy is offering free shipping on Windows 7 computers, while Web merchant Amazon pledged to deliver the product on "launch day" for a nominal fee.
In a harbinger of its potential popularity, Windows 7 pre-sales were the top seller in Amazon's software category as of early Thursday.
The OS is available in 32-bit and 64-bit editions and pre-sales of both were holding up well.
Microsoft is hosting a Web site, dubbed the Windows 7 Compatibility Center, that lists third-party hardware and software products that have been certified as compatible with Windows 7.
Microsoft needs Windows 7 to be a hit, given that the company's software sales have experienced sharp declines in recent quarters. Windows sales were off 13% in Redmond's last fiscal year.
Consumer scrutiny of Windows has been fueled by the fact that Vista was found lacking by numerous critics.
Common gripes pointed to its horsepower requirements, incompatibility with older systems, and its disruptive security measures.
Microsoft claims Windows' major problems have been fixed with Windows 7, which is said to be significantly more user friendly than its predecessor Vista.
Microsoft also has introduced new tools designed to ensure customers can run Windows 7 on their PCs, laptops, and mobile devices.
The full version of Windows 7 Professional is $299, with upgrades going for $199.
Windows 7 Ultimate is priced at $319, with the upgrade version at $219.
The full version of Windows 7 Home Premium is priced at $199, with an upgrade from Vista or XP costing $119.
“Microsoft’s reputation, future riding on Windows 7”
‘Most important release ever,’ argues one analyst, as experts ponder Windows 7’s chances
Microsoft’s standing as an operating system developer is on the line today as the company launches Windows 7, according to analysts and other experts.
“There’s a reputation issue at stake here,” said Michael Silver, Gartner’s primary Microsoft analyst.
“Apple has been making fun of them, and Microsoft wants to put an end to that, and all the talk about Vista.
Microsoft wants to make clear that customers shouldn’t lose faith that they’re able to put out an operating system.”
“A tremendous amount is at stake,” agreed Preston Gralla, a long-time Windows watcher who has extensively reviewed Windows 7 for Computerworld.
http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9139761/Microsoft_s_reputation_future_riding_on_Windows_7
I will be the first not to line-up to buy it.
I’ll be out there this weekend looking for a laptop.
WINDOWS 7 ...
is that short for 7 updates when you first boot up?
why?
Because I already have an operating system from Microsoft that I am not happy with.
I’m in the market for a new laptop and I’ve been waiting on Windows 7 because there was absolutely no way I was going to buy Vista. Now, I’ll wait another month or so to see how it shakes out. I’m thinking Gates better get this one right or Windows will be in deep trouble.
Some enterprising company needs to provide support/fixes of the former MS systems that people liked.
No, it’s short for the 7 0-day security exploits that will be announced.
No need to wait. I’ve been using it since last year (I work for MS) and it’s great. Much better than Vista in every way. Performance as good in many cases and better in some aspects than XP. Driver support is better than when Vista launched, but if you have older hardware you should check. There is an “Windows 7 upgrade advisor” tool that you can download that I believe will check for you.
OK good.. glad it doesn’t mean 7 reboots before startup!
I should add that if you’re running Vista now, there are no driver worries because the device drivers are the same. But if you’re currently on XP, you may want to check for Vista/Win7 drivers before upgrading.
You are making a huge mistake then. I have been running W7 since May with absolutely no issues.
Now have W7 Ultimate on all of our work machines (we are MSDN members and got early release last month). it uses less than 50% of the resources of Vista, boots within seconds instead of minutes, and uses about 50% of the HD space as Vista.
It is fast, user friendly, have yet to find one compatibility issue.
To be honest I am surprised it is a MS product, it is that good.
Have already pre-purchased home premium for all my machines at the house. They will all be loaded tonight.
No offense and I believe you’re correct based on what I read but your disclaimer gives me pause. I’ll still wait for user reports after it hits the market.
With the MS track record, it won’t be 7. More like 17. :D
Also, forget about upgrading from XP. You basically will have to do a clean install and reinstall everything - and most of your XP apps won’t work.
**support/fixes of the former MS systems that people liked.**
Like Windows for Workgroups 3.11 .. NEVER had any problems with that like I did from Windows 95 on.
Methinks LINUX is starting to look like a VIABLE ALTERNATIVE
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