Release date announced for Win 7

[Platypus]

http://arstechnica.com/microsoft/new...october-22.ars

"Those waiting anxiously for the next version of Windows now have a date to anticipate. Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 7 will be launched on October 22, 2009. This announcement is in line with Microsoft's statement saying that it would have Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 ready by the holidays."

[NooNoo]

Interesting, thanks.

[BOB IROC]

Nice....I plan to build a new computer this fall and I am looking forward to this release. I have been using Vista since its release and have been happy with it. Now to see if I can con my Microsoft Rep out of a couple free copies of Win7 like I did Vista. Hmmm I may have to kiss his a$$ again with a little flattery but its worth it for a couple free copies of Win7 Ultimate. I love working in education, I do not think I have ever paid for my copies of Windows and Office this way. Just schmooze over the MS rep saying I would like to evaluate the product on my own time and recommend that my school district upgrade and walla free software.

[Ferrit]

Frankly I think its a joke. With Vista having only approx 2.5 years under its belt ,now I am gonna have 3 different operating systems that need support.

[Niclo Iste]

Personally, I can't wait. I like Windows 7 I've been using it on 2 machines in my house now since it came out. One 32 bit version and the other being the 64 bit. I have vista on my main system still and win2k on my forum/research PC. The only thing I won't like is having to find a way to save up for 2 copies of win7 on my self employed poor economy budget.

[Guts3d]

I am still supporting Win98 and Win2k machines!!!

[slgrieb]

I'm currently running build 7100 and I'm very happy. The only problems I've had with even the original Beta have all been sound related. With build 7000 I lost the rear speakers from my Audigy2 ZS, and with build 7100 I lost all my audio and had to pull the Soundblaster and use my on-board Realtek AC '97 and Via Vinyl codecs. Now, I can set up my audio as 4 channel again. Of course, while the speaker test delivers sound to all 4 speakers, no application software will. But 7 is definitely a nice facelift for Vista.

Niclo, what you need to do is get online and enroll yourself in the Microsoft System Builder and Channel Partner Programs. They offer tons of free info and tech support, training, etc. Attending the MS Roadshows is an excellent way to pick up free software (including copies of the latest MS OS) and check out vendors, as well as enhancing your cap and T-shirt collection. I still have my Windows XP baseball and my Eddie "Reliable" Trustman bobblehead on my desk.