It looks like Microsoft is forging ahead diligently with their release schedule for Windows 7. 

At the recent Gartner Symposium 2008, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer stated that Windows 7 is not just Vista SP2, but rather a major OS release.  In fact, Ballmer states “It’s Windows Vista, a lot better”

According to the Microsoft MSDN Developer Conference (MDC), attendees will receive a beta of Windows 7.  The Microsoft MDC is taking place at various locations and dates/times throughout the country, so check their website for locations.

Note:  It also says if the beta isn’t available at the time of the conference, attendees will receive a copy when it becomes available.

So, take it for what it’s worth, but Windows 7 is on the way for sure.  We’re interested to hear from people who have been using the pre-beta releases.  From the early releases, do you see a massive difference from Windows Vista, or are they putting the finishing touches on Vista?

Let us know what you think, what you like and what you don’t!