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Microsoft is releasing a new version of its Windows software that experts say could be make or break for the computer giant.
The firm has faced increased competition from Apple and small "netbooks" that run rival software.
Microsoft was heavily criticised for its current version of Windows, Vista, which many users claimed was slow and prone to crashes. The £80 software upgrade - Windows 7 - will be released on 22 October and Microsoft hopes many of the billion Windows users will upgrade.
"The Launch of Windows 7 is hugely important for Microsoft," said Paul Allen, editor of Computeractive magazine. "Vista has a stinker of a reputation and Microsoft has to address that."
Windows 7 features faster graphics and is more responsive. It will also allow users to control their computers using a finger on a touch sensitive screen, and Microsoft said it had undergone more testing than any other software it had released.
Leila Martine, Microsoft UK's Windows 7 product manager, said: "Customers made it clear they wanted something that was fast and reliable."
The Standard found Windows 7 isn't perfect - but it's a step in the right direction. It's very fast and responsive, even on the cheapest laptops. The question is why it took Microsoft so long to produce such an easy to use and reliable system.
Reader views (7)
So now people that bought Vista a few months ago I expected to fork out more money for Windows 7. Frank is spot on in his comments.
- Howard Expat, Malaysia
Why should Microsoft bother developing anything other than crappy, sub-standard products? They give zero consideration to what makes products user-friendly to consumers; their bottom line has always been profit above all else. As long as people continue buying their products, then Ballmer, Gates, and the rest of them continue to enjoy being rich. Apple offers only a very expensive alternative--Macs are overpriced, although Apple's operating systems have been consistently superior to their Microsoft rivals.
PCs are affordable, but do yourselves a favor; buy a PC and upgrade to Linux.
- Db, Seattle, United States
MS Windows always was and always will be a Mickey Mouse
OS.
Use a real one, Unix/Linux instead!!
- Lb, Bromley
Microsoft always claim their latest operating systen is the best ever and will fix all the bugs in earlier versions, telling us that they admit earlier versions were in fact buggy at release.
Windows does nothing that a UNIX box could not do in the late 70s early 80s except fast realtime graphics.
To date an old Apple Lisa or Mac is still a better option than any windows product.
Microsoft sell cheap products that are not ceative, clever or secure. I beats me why the product is found in ATMs, banks and government systems etc.
- Steve, London
Microsoft's decision to abandon Windows XP and replace it with that useless lemon called Vista was stupid. Their refusal to continue to sell XP to people that wanted some continuity was even stupider.
They'd better have something good this time. Removing XP from the market left only one alternative to Vista: a Macintosh!
- Nigel, London
You mustn't forget what a disaster Office 2007 turned out to be. Along with Vista this must rank amongst the worst "development" ever. The intent was to reduce mouse clicks but I found that I was increasing the mouse clicks as I use more than a couple functions. Almost gave me RSI at one place I worked!
- Dannyp, Egham
M.S. always release their products broken and then get users to do their testing for them.
With all those billions behind them and the numerous developers they employ, they have consistently failed to even build a web browser that works or conforms to WWW3 standard compliances.
You build a website for Firefox and hack it later for the many versions of IE.
- Frank, Home Counties, England.
