• Microsoft Windows 7 is the operating system which is scheduled to follow Microsoft Windows Vista. It was scheduled to be released on May 5, 2009, but was delayed until October 22, 2009. The cost of the software has not been shared publicly.Computer World: Microsoft Sets May 5 Date for Windows 7 RC Public ReleasePC World: Confirmed: Windows 7 Launches October 22

  The new version will reportedly include a Windows XP mode, allowing users to run applications designed for Windows XP more easily.CNET: Windows 7 to Have an 'XP Mode'

• 1. Final release name: Windows 7
  2. Developed by Microsoft
  3. Follow-up to Microsoft Windows Vista
  4. Former codenames include "Blackcomb" and "Vienna"
  5. Scheduled for official release on May 5, 2009Download Squad: Windows 7 scheduled for a mid-2009 release (November 7, 2008)
  6. Beta version leaked to BitTorrent on December 27, 2008Microsoft Watch: Who Leaked Windows 7? December 30, 2008)
  7. Official beta version made available for download on January 10, 2009CNet: Windows 7 beta now available (January 10, 2009)
  8. Uses the same kernel as Windows Vista

• Torrent Leak

  On December 27, 2008, Windows 7 was leaked on to BitTorrent, just days before its scheduled beta release. Microsoft Watch blogger Joe Wilcox theorized that the lead was "a craftily timed Microsoft marketing leak."Microsoft Watch: Who Leaked Windows 7? December 30, 2008) The official beta version was made available for download from Microsoft on January 10, 2009.CNet: Windows 7 beta now available (January 10, 2009)

• January 2009 Release

  At the Consumer Electronics Show in January of 2009, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer demonstrated a preliminary version of Windows 7 and announced that test versions would be made available to consumers beginning January 9. Ballmer also discussed upcoming Microsoft mobile-search deals with Verizon and Dell at the presentation.Wall Street Journal: Microsoft Wins Key Search Deals (January 7, 2009) Due to heavy traffic to the download site on January 9, 2009, the server was overwhelmed and Microsoft was forced to push the beta release back by one day. After adding "additional infrastructure support," Windows 7 beta was available for download on January 10.ComputerWorld: Microsoft postpones Windows 7 public beta (January 9, 2009) CNet: Windows 7 beta now available (January 10, 2009)

• Windows 7 Features

  While a full feature list has not been released, Microsoft has released some information about the new features of Windows 7. The OS will aim for boot times of under 15 seconds and allow users to be selective about what they install.PC Authority: Windows 7 beta - what would change your opinion... The OS will also support touch-screen technology.Silicon Alley Insider: Microsoft Windows 7? We Already Hate It* (May 28, 2008)

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