Microsoft Corp. said that its new operating system, Windows 7, will be launched on October 22, 2009, well ahead of its original schedule of early 2010, making it just in time for the holiday shopping season. This version will be available on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, tablet PCs, netbooks, and media center PCs.

It’s been less than 3 years since its predecessor, Windows Vista, was released. However, Vista wasn’t a huge success due to problems such as compatibility with other software applications and components. Many corporate customers avoided the program, saying that it required costly hardware upgrades and that they preferred to rely on the earlier operating system, Windows XP. Vista overall received many complaints and now it is up to Microsoft to reverse its previous missteps with their new release of Windows 7.

Microsoft has said that Windows 7 will come in 5 different editions in most markets – Starter, Home Premium, Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate. Windows 7 will include a number of new features, such as advances in touch and handwriting recognition. Presentations given by the company in 2008 have focused on multi-touch support, which is often associated with Apple products.

I am actually very excited to use Windows 7. I have been wanting a netbook (the mini laptops) for awhile now and I’ve considered getting it during this summer. However, a friend of mine bought up a good point and asked, “Why don’t you just wait until Windows 7 comes out?” In fact, I might actually do just that. The only downside about its release date is that Microsoft will miss some opportunity from students going back to school in the fall.

There are some YouTube links featuring the new Windows 7 if you want to check out some of their new features:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8AqXaNr8ag

Another question arises to our attention? How will Apple handle Microsoft’s new release? Do they also have something locked up, perhaps even better than Windows 7?