Windows 7
| Windows 7 | |
|---|---|
| Part of the Microsoft Windows family | |
| Screenshot of Windows 7 Ultimate | |
| Developer | |
| Microsoft | |
| Website | Official website |
| Releases | |
| Release date | RTM: July 22, 2009 Retail: October 22, 2009 (info) |
| Current version | 6.1[1] (build 7600.16385.090713-1255[2]) (2009-10-22; 19 days ago) (info) |
| Source model | Closed source / Shared source |
| License | MS-EULA |
| Kernel type | Hybrid |
| Update method | Windows Update |
| Platform support | IA-32, x86-64 |
| Support status | |
| Mainstream support | |
| Further reading | |
Windows 7 is the most recent publicly available version of Microsoft Windows, a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, netbooks, tablet PCs and media center PCs.[3] Windows 7 was released to manufacturing on July 22, 2009,[4] and general retail availability on October 22, 2009,[5] less than three years after the release of its predecessor, Windows Vista. Windows 7's server counterpart, Windows Server 2008 R2, was released at the same time.
Unlike its predecessor, which introduced a large number of new features, Windows 7 was intended to be a more focused, incremental upgrade to the Windows line, with the goal of being fully compatible with applications and hardware with which Windows Vista is already compatible.[6] Presentations given by Microsoft in 2008 focused on multi-touch support, a redesigned Windows Shell with a new taskbar, referred to as the Superbar, a home networking system called HomeGroup,[7] and performance improvements. Some applications that have been included with prior releases of Microsoft Windows, including Windows Calendar, Windows Mail, Windows Movie Maker, and Windows Photo Gallery, are not included in Windows 7;[8][9] some are instead offered separately as part of the free Windows Live Essentials suite.[10]
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