Regardless of the current downward spiraling economy, countless individuals across the world are waiting eagerly for the latest and greatest in computer technology. Unfortunately, many people are skeptical about new computer operating systems after Microsoft’s last release, Windows Vista.
With numerous individuals looking for the newest technological gizmo, Microsoft has finally released the beta version of their highly anticipated Windows 7. The latest version consists of several improvements while increasing computer performance and Microsoft executives have already considered commercial release as early as this summer.
"Right now, our focus is on RC1 [and] I don’t expect a change in that plan" corporate vice president of Windows product management Mike Nash said.
However, before the operating system can be released to the general public, it must pass a phase know as a "release candidate" or RC. During the process, chosen testers look for major bugs in the operating system. The process is repeated until a bug free product is developed.
One of the attractive features of the new operating system is the novel "superbar." The old taskbar has had a facelift and the functionality of the bar has been multiplied.
Compared to Window’s previous release, Windows 7 is supposed to be able to run faster on computers than Windows Vista.
Evident problems at the moment include difficulties with connecting to external monitors and software incompatibility. Currently, there is no support for built-in web cameras either.
In comparison to Windows Vista, Windows 7 expects to have fewer problems upon release since it is essentially built on Windows Vista.
Microsoft’s focus on an RC suggests that Microsoft is attempting to only have one beta release. Programs incorporated into the new Windows platform include Internet Explorer 8 which is on its second beta.
Understandably, Microsoft is feeling the pressure from the current economic troubles. Windows 7 could possibly be a favorable choice for students going to college and for individuals during the holiday season.
In theory, Microsoft reports that Windows 7 may not be released until early 2010. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer admits the short testing time period for operating system beta but Nash recently hinted at a possible June release.
Despite the unprecedented number of testers, the entire release process is a bit more complicated and releasing a new product that early would be very difficult.
"That [schedule] would be really aggressive," Directions on Microsoft analyst Matt Rosoff said. "I would expect it [RTM] nearer the end of the summer."
Microsoft is trying very hard to work out all the problems with the operating system but user testing is still required.
Several months prior to the official release of the software, there have been numerous torrent sites that have posted copies of Windows 7.
Microsoft feels the pressure to release a strong operating system after their last experience with poor customer feedback from Windows Vista.
The main goal is to release a strong product as soon as possible. It is also to help the company in a financially troubling period, with the bad economy.
(Some information courtesy of internetnews.com).