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Microsoft Windows 7

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Windows 7 is the successor to Microsoft's Windows Vista operating system. Currently available only in Release Candidate and Release To Market editions, Microsoft Windows 7 as we know it now will operate fully until June 1, 2010. A non-expired version of the operating system will then need to be purchased. After March 10, 2010, Windows 7 RC will begin shutting down every two hours. The retail version launched on October 22nd, 2009, and it has no kill switch.

WIndows 7 is intended as an incremental update to its predecessor rather than a complete overhaul. It boasts many interface changes, including a more powerful, OS X dock-esque taskbar, Libraries that consolidate images, videos, and music for easier file management, more control over User Account Control prompts, improved device management, and support for multi-touch input devices.

Microsoft says Windows 7's performance improves on Vista's, offering faster startups and better power management. Networking improvements include two-click wireless network connections and a new HomeGroup system intended to make sharing files and resources over a network simpler. Windows 7 does not include many previously-bundled applications, including Windows Mail and Windows Movie Maker, instead offering them as free "Windows Live Essentials" downloads.

The Calculator, Paint, and WordPad programs, however, are still built in and have gotten their first significant enhancements since the release of Windows 95 - Calculator now includes unit conversion, date calculations, and financial worksheets, while Paint and WordPad now sport the "ribbon" interface introduced in Microsoft Office 2007. Internet Explorer 8 will also be bundled.

Like Vista, Windows 7 was released in several different editions, including netbook (OEM only), Starter, Home Premium ($199), Professional ($299), Enterprise, and Ultimate ($319). Surprisingly, Home Premium sells for a mere $107 in the UK — nearly half of what it costs in the U.S.

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