2009-10-21 06:26:55
Personal computers are about to get a makeover with the launch of the latest
Windows operating system.
Microsoft is hoping the successor to Vista will be more of a hit with users
when it launches on 22 October.
Many of the features take into account multimedia applications and the fact
that users are beginning to store their data on the internet.
In the UK some computer stores are due to open at midnight so keen PC users can
get their hands on the software.
Microsoft has also encouraged people to hold Windows 7 launch parties and has
gone as far as to prepare party packs for those willing to get their friends
together to mark the release.
Low key
PC World said it would open its flagship store on London's Tottenham Court Road
at midnight on 21 October to sell the operating system.
Tech support staff will be on hand to answer queries about installing the
software.
Despite this, the launch of Windows 7 is likely to be a low key event compared
to launches of earlier incarnations of Windows. In the past Microsoft has
called on the Rolling Stones and comedian Jerry Seinfeld to help launch its new
operating system.
The formal launch will take place over several days in New York at a series of
events that will see appearances by Microsoft boss Steve Ballmer and other
senior executives. Many PC firms are expected to unveil Windows 7 machines on
launch day.
Microsoft has partnered with Seth MacFarlane, creator of Family Guy, to produce
a Windows 7 themed TV show that will air on 8 November.
The launch of Windows 7 also coincides with the opening of the first Microsoft
retail store in Scottsdale Arizona that will showcase and sell Microsoft
compatible goods. A second store is planned for a mall called Mission Viejo in
California.
Six editions
Windows 7, formerly codenamed Blackcomb and Vienna, is being released less than
three years after the launch of Vista.
The operating system will be released in six separate editions. The versions PC
users are most likely to see on shop shelves are the Home Premium and
Professional editions.
Other versions are aimed at users in developing nations and corporate
customers. All but the most basic edition of the software will be available in
32 and 64 bit versions.
Those buying a family pack of Windows 7 will be able to install the software on
up to three PCs.
A Home Premium edition of the software will cost 79.99 until 1 January 2010,
at which point it will go up to 99.99.
While Microsoft claims Vista has been a success, in that it has sold more than
its predecessor Windows XP, analysts have levelled many criticisms at the
software including the heavy demands it puts on PC resources.
By contrast Windows 7 boots up more quickly and is designed to work on low cost
portable machines known as netbooks.
Vista runs poorly on such machines. Sales of small network-centred machines
have boomed over the past few years.
Windows 7 has greater support for multi-touch interfaces, handwriting
recognition and improvements to its ability to work with multi-core processors.
Changes have also been made to the familiar taskbar that most users have at the
bottom of the screen.
Some of the features will be familiar to Apple Mac users as similar functions
have been rolled out in Mac operating systems.
While Windows 7 has won praise in its beta, or trial, versions, some experts
cautioned against rushing out and buying it.
John Bogue, from Which? Computing, said: "Software bugs are par the course for
newly released programs, and operating systems are no exception. Unless you
like downloading patches and updates, we recommend waiting a year."