History

• On January 30, 2007 Windows Vista was released to the general public. Work then began on Windows 7. Windows 7 is the seventh version of the Windows operating system that Microsoft has released, though the first since Windows 3.1 to use its version number as part of the naming convention.
  
  

New Features

• Windows 7 includes many new features, such as improved search and taskbar functions, a greatly enhanced desktop, and Internet Explorer 8. There are also changes to how it manages home networking and device management.
  
  

Desktop and Toolbar Enhancements

• Windows 7 gives us Aero Peek. Aero Peek allows users to preview open programs right from their taskbar, creating a much easier way to manage open software and documents. Additionally, users can now "shake" an open window with the mouse and minimize all other windows open on the desktop. These, along with other changes, have created substantial improvements in the user interface.
  
  

Search

• Search functions have been greatly improved as well. Now, when a user clicks on the Windows logo in the left-hand corner (this has replaced the "Start" button that has been present from Windows 95 through Windows XP) along with options to launch software, there is a search box. The moment a user starts to type in the search box Windows begins to show documents and software that are relevant based on that search. Right from the results box the user can then launch the document or program.
  
  

Release

• While Microsoft has made the Release Candidate available for download, the official version of Windows 7 will be released on October 22, 2009. There will be three editions: Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 7 Professional, and Windows 7 Ultimate.