Yesterday, Microsoft introduced a few basic details of the next generation of software, an alpha edition of Windows 7. The new version is going to get the Windows 7 brand , because it is the seventh in a long line of operating systems for PCs developed by the company since the 1980s. The company said it would issue a public beta of the Vista successor, Windows 7 in early 2009.
Microsoft didn't mention a fixed ship date for Windows 7, company executives only mentioned late 2009 or early 2010 as the release year. Microsoft also reported that Windows 7 would completely replace the unsuccessful Windows Vista in January 2010.
According to the software giant, the new operating system was created in order to function like a tighter version of Vista. Steven Sinofsky, Senior Vice President of Windows, while speaking to participants at a Microsoft developers' conference in Los Angeles said, Microsoft has learned its lessons from Vista, Windows 7 is going to be fully compatible with all relevant devices and applications.
Among the many innovations revealed by Microsoft, a touch-screen capability was presented. By using it users are going to be able to select folders and control programs without using a mouse. Windows 7 is also going to feature faster boot-up times, an updated task bar that contains previews of open windows, a new desktop look and a set of features optimized for laptops. Moreover, by using the new operating system, it is easier to coordinate and access files over networks and to configure settings for different networks automatically.
Microsoft operating systems still power some 90 per cent of the world's personal computers. However, Vista has accumulated only an 18 per cent share since its launch. Microsoft on Tuesday said it would launch free on-line versions of Office that are going to be supported by advertising. Many analysts are afraid that the provision of an on-line version could cannibalize the most profitable line of Microsoft products.
Microsoft also said that it was planning to offer versions of many of its Office applications through a Web browser instead of as an application on a PC, through the Microsoft Office Live Web service. It also plans to provide them to businesses through a hosted subscription.
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Microsoft plans to introduce Windows 7 public beta next year
Microsoft introduces Windows 7: the end of Vista comes…
A successor of Vista unveiled