Windows 7:  Not just a Codename!

Microsoft has announced that the final, official release name of the next version of Windows will be the same as the codename assigned during testing - Windows 7. That makes this the first version of Windows to keep its codename as its release name. This is one of the earliest naming announcements from Microsoft for an operating system. Windows 7 hasn't even reached its first beta version, but a pre-beta was announced to be among the handouts to attendees of the PDC (Professional Developers Conference) and WinHEC (Windows Hardware Engineering Conference) conferences held at the end of October.

More Advantages of Multi-Core Processors
We all want the best performance for the money, but the problem with dual core, triple core, quad core and other multi-core processors has always been that all too often software can rarely take full advantage of them. This is due to the very design of the software. The way applications are coded, chances are that when one core runs a certain part of the software's program code, and another core runs a different part, if the two parts are dependent on each other, one of them will fail if the other one doesn't finish on time. To spur on development of applications software that really performs, Intel has been strongly encouraging developers to target multi-core CPU technology with their code. With Windows 7, Microsoft is taking a step towards that by changing some of the design of Windows 7 to accommodate and take advantage of all the available cores. Windows 7 will contain a series of changes that will help Windows 7 take advantage of the newer CPUs in a way that Windows Vista was unable to. Microsoft plans to replace the Windows core in future versions of Windows with fully managed code that is designed specifically with parallel processing in mind.

Beta Tester?
Cant wait to get your hands on the Beta of Windows 7 when it comes out, and you werent at the PDC2008 conference? Dont worry, you can apply to be a beta tester at http://connect.microsoft.com.  There you will find the beta tester application form. If selected, you could get your hands on Windows 7 Beta as early as December. The beta application is typically made available weeks before the beta product is available for download; so it follows that if Windows 7 beta 1 is released in December, Microsoft will most likely be accepting applications as early as November 1. In the past, Microsoft has given priority to beta testers that have been testing other Microsoft products. If you have participated in other beta testing programs through connect.microsoft.com, it is recommended that you use the same Microsoft Passport account to apply for the Windows 7 beta program.

How many versions will 7 have?
As I mentioned in my first article about Windows 7 in August 2007, New Windows is Coming: Codenamed Windows 7!, just like Windows Vista, Windows 7 is still expected to ship in consumer and business versions, and in 32-bit and 64-bit versions. This is an acknowledgment that the availability of native 64-bit applications for the desktop is not expected anytime soon by Microsoft. Redmond, WA-based Microsoft also confirmed that it they may be considering a subscription model for this release of Windows, though there are no available details at this time. Now that Microsoft confirmed that Windows 7 is going to be the name of the real product and they have released a video showing the product, it is much less vapor-ware than before.

How can I get more information on this subject?
As with all new and emerging technologies, we strive to stay up to date and provide you with the latest information available. If you have questions or comments about this article or if there is anything new on the subject, contact me. I would be happy to respond!

 

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