Next Version of Windows Detailed
Millions of PC users haven't even made the switch to Windows Vista yet, but that's not stopping Microsoft engineers from getting to work on the next version. For now, It's simply called Windows 7, as it will be the seventh iteration of the venerable (and frequently reviled) computer operating system (OS). Microsoft employee Eric Traut recently gave a presentation at the University of Illinois regarding various Windows-related topics, among them the next release of the operating system. He didn't get into too many details, primarily focusing on the OS's new kernel called MinWin. A kernel is the term for the core of the operating system -- the basic functionality required for things like operating disk drives and accessing RAM. MinWin is an effort to strip out all the unnecessary functionality introduced into the operating system over the decades with the hopes of making it clean and fast.
When can we expect Windows 7 to be boxed and available for install? Likely not for quite some time. Work on Vista (initially called "Longhorn") started way back in 2001 and wasn't released until January of 2007. Vista was delayed much longer than anticipated, but even so, it doesn't look like you'll have to upgrade past Vista for at least another five years. In the meantime, if you'd like to watch Eric's full presentation, it's hosted here.
From Slashdot
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mike Glen @ Oct 19th 2007 10:31AM
Just what we need another version of windows. With Vista barely out of the starting gates ( no pun) Gates is considering another upgrade? How much will this one cost?? Will it be compatible with programs written before Vista? Or is this just another scam for money? Personally I am sticking with XP till either my system melts down or something really revolutionary comes along
Mikey the Nail @ Oct 19th 2007 11:55AM
Here's the problem: Vista sucks. Everyone who is anyone is wiping Vista and installing Windows XP Professional, which is really the only truly good operating system MS has created.
They'll probably find a way to make Windows 7 the new paradigm by leaning on software writers to engineer incompatibility with any MS OS prior to Vista. But serious users will, in all likelihood, continue to use XP Pro.
Chris @ Oct 19th 2007 7:07PM
I suppose I am the only one who hasn't had any problems with Windows Vista. I had more problems with XP than I ever did with Vista, but I am excited to see Windows 7, which from what I am hearing in the development community, will be something NO ONE has ever seen before.
bobby saffel @ Feb 24th 2008 8:18AM
Everyone complained about XP when it first came out. Except for vista, every other OS has been a spin off of the one before it, therefore making it easier to crack. Vista isn't a bad OS. Vista can do things XP can't. it's all in what you're looking to do. Microsoft has always worked on another OS before the one before it was done. Most people don't know this, but if you turn of the user account controls (UAC) you can run just about anything on it.
Karl @ Feb 24th 2008 2:17PM
Never had a problem with Vista, I have used it since beta and think a lot of the bashing is just anti Bill Gates crying.
John Doe @ Feb 27th 2008 8:50PM
Vista Rocks....Xp when it first came out sucked.....Its not bad now but Vista isn't bad either. U just need More memory...