Microsoft is ramping up for the release of it’s newest operating system, Windows 7.  Set for general release on October 22, 2009 it promises to fix a lot of the stigma associated with Windows Vista.  The new OS is much nicer in a variety of areas than in predecessor (in our informal beta tests).  Overall it’s just a more polished OS, nicer interface, less intrusive security, and less of a hardware hog.

If you’d like to get your hands on this new operating system, but don’t want to either buy a new PC with Windows 7 preinstalled or shell out the $120 – $320 for the new OS (depending on the edition and if you buy the upgrade or full-retail version), then host a Windows 7 house party!  Microsoft is giving away special Ultimate Editions of Windows 7 to select groups in the U.S. and select other countries for spreading the word and hosting a house party between October 22 and October 29, 2009.

The folks over at ARS Technica have more information on the program, along with details on how to sign up.  Are you as excited about Windows 7 as we are?

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!

Windows Vista has been with us for awhile now, and SP1 was released a few months ago to address a number of issues. 

Overall, sales have been less than predicted and reviews throughout the PC world have been less than stellar.  All of this may make you ask, as an IT professional “Should I skip Vista all together and just wait for Windows 7”?

Definitely a valid question, but in all honesty, even though I’m not a massive fan of Vista (I love some things and hate others) there are a number of reasons to deploy now and not wait until Windows 7.

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