Windows 7 timeline up to October 22
Microsoft confirmed this week that it will publicly launch its next OS - Windows 7 - on October 22. However, there's plenty of activity that will take place between now and October. Here's the breakdown of some key events and revelations leading up to the Windows 7 release.
Windows 7 release-to-manufacturing
Another step in the Windows 7 release process will be the transition into the release-to-manufacturing (RTM) phase of development. That's the final phase before the software becomes available to consumers, and - as its name suggests - entails Microsoft sending the Windows 7 code to PC manufacturers so they can start preparing new systems for the October 22 release.
Windows 7's RTM phase is expected to begin in late July or early August.
Windows 7 Compatibility Center
Microsoft's official Windows 7 Compatibility Center will launch in conjunction with the software itself, according to a FAQ posted on the Microsoft site.
The Compatibility Center will allow you to make sure your devices and applications will work with Windows 7 before making the upgrade.
Vista's Compatibility Center launched with a very different timeline. The service went online in July 2008, a full year-and-a-half after Vista's release. In an ironic twist, the Vista Compatibility Center also seemed to have some compatibility issues of its own - the site was completely inaccessible to users during its first days online.
Microsoft, no doubt, is hoping Windows 7's release and reception will be a far less bumpy experience. If early coverage is any indication, that wish just may come true.
Don't take our word for it, though - try Windows 7 out for yourself. The Windows 7 Release Candidate is still available for download as of now. Microsoft has said the functionality and features will remain relatively constant from that version to the final release.
Comments
Ade_J said: I wont be upgrading until they come up with a better price for those customers that splashed out on the much lauded Ultimate version only to get no useful extras at all - or they have a price crash when they realise they no longer have the credibility to push a new OS on people like they used to They scraped back from the Windows ME fiasco because XP was significantly different and better - Windows 7 is just what Vista should have been
Skidz said: XP always works fine here to
A Macrae said: XP is still working just fine
colin said: here we go again if it aint broke dont fix it money grabbin monkeys pushed vista out wi so much useless baggage n they not even prepared 2 stand up n say ok we fyuked up on a collosal scale they just move on 2 the next big mess n leave every 1 who got vista thinkin ok its got probs but MS will iron them out in the cold nice bizzzness practice wonder how many cars bmw would sell if the wheels fell off n they told customers well u can upgrade 2 this 1 amp it mite b ok lol
tricky said: Reckon Ill wait until at least service pack one has been released before opting for Windows 7
Dragon said: CB not everyone can afford to pay for an upgrade When my old PC broke down I scraped together the last of my savings to buy this PC E-Machines should not have put out a PC loaded with Vista Home Basic with only 512MB RAM It has been problematic from Day1 My old XP ran beautifully on 512 Having bought the PC I cant afford to get it changed to XP or buy more RAM so Im stuck with it I agree with Jim Everyone who is dissatisfied with the Pigs Breakfast that is Vista should be offered a free copy of Windows 7
C B said: The discount is so people dont stop buying PCs until Windows 7 is released so there is little benefit to them to role it out across the whole Vista userbase If its really as bad as you make out Vista users would probably be willing to pay to upgrade
John Green said: No reason why they shouldnt issue an upgrade program at a reasonable price for current Vista owners Many times Ive wanted to throw this Vista laptop through the window At least it now seems to hibernate properly but Windows Explorer still seems mighty slow to me etc etc
Jim Watkin said: They should offer a rebate to everyone who purchased the flawed operating system which goes under the name Vista just to m ake amends for promising so much and in true not delivering very much Any discount shouldnt just be offered to someone who has recently bought a PC it should go to anyone buying Vista period