Microsoft confirms that Windows 7 will arrive this year

Microsoft has officially confirmed that it will be releasing the Windows 7 operating system this year--and in time for the holiday shopping season. This is in contrast to the company's initial, official position that Windows 7 will ship by January 2010, which would mark the third anniversary of Windows Vista's mainstream launch.

In an interview, Microsoft Senior Vice President Bill Veghte noted that early feedback from the Windows 7 RC "convinced Microsoft that it could commit to a 2009 launch." In addition, the level of partner support has also been ideal so far, and the first couple of companies have already gotten Windows 7 logo certification.

And in case you are wondering if your current system will be compatible with Windows 7, Microsoft has released the Beta of Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor to help you on that. To check if your processor is able to support Windows 7 XP Mode, check out the SecureAble freeware utility by GRC.

For more on this story:
- check out this article at CNET News

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