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| {{Infobox OS version | |||
| | name = Windows 7 | |||
| | family = Microsoft Windows | |||
| | logo = Windows 7 logo.svg | |||
| | screenshot = Windows_7.png | |||
| | caption = Screenshot of Windows 7 Ultimate | |||
| | developer = Microsoft | |||
| | website = | |||
| | source_model = ] / ] | |||
| | license = ] | |||
| | supported_platforms = ], ] | |||
| | kernel_type = ] | |||
| | updatemodel = ] | |||
| | first_release_date = ''']:''' July 22, 2009<br>'''Retail:''' October 22, 2009 | |||
| | first_release_url = http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/windows7/archive/2009/07/22/windows-7-has-been-released-to-manufacturing.aspx | |||
| | release_version = 6.1<ref>{{cite web|url=http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/windowsvista/archive/2008/10/14/why-7.aspx|title=Why 7?|publisher=Windows Vista Team Blog|first=Mike|last=Nash|accessdate=23 October 2009|date=14 October 2008}}</ref> (build 7600.16385.090713-1255<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mydigitallife.info/2009/07/23/windows-7-and-windows-server-2008-r2-officially-rtm-at-build-version-6-1-7600-16385/ |title=Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 Officially RTM At Build Version 6.1.7600.16385 |accessdate=2009-07-23}}</ref>)<br> | |||
| | release_date = {{release date|2009|10|22}} | |||
| | release_url = http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/windows7/archive/2009/07/22/windows-7-has-been-released-to-manufacturing.aspx | |||
| | preview_version = | |||
| | preview_date = | |||
| | preview_url = | |||
| | support_status = Mainstream support | |||
| | other_articles = | |||
| <ul> | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| </ul> | |||
| | date = January 2009 <!-- approximate date of template insertion for dating hidden maintenance categories --> | |||
| }} | |||
| '''Windows 7''' is the newest version of ], a series of ]s produced by ] for use on ], including home and business ], ]s, ]s, ]s and ] PCs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.news.com/2100-1016_3-6197943.html|first=Mike|last=Ricciuti|title=Next version of Windows: Call it 7|date=July 20, 2007|publisher=CNET News}}</ref> Windows 7 was released to manufacturing on July 22, 2009,<ref name=rtm/> and general retail availability on October 22, 2009,<ref name="bott20090511">{{cite web|url=http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/features/2009/Jun09/06-02SteveGuggenheimer.mspx|title=Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 Timelines Shared at Computex|publisher=Microsoft|date=June 3, 2009|accessdate=2009-06-03}}</ref> less than three years after the release of its predecessor, ]. Windows 7's server counterpart, ], was released at the same time. | |||
| Unlike its predecessor, which introduced a large number of ], 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/windows7/archive/2008/10/28/windows-7-unveiled-today-at-pdc-2008.aspx|title=Windows 7 Unveiled Today at PDC 2008|last=Nash|first=Mike|date=28 October 2008|accessdate=2008-11-11|work=Windows Team Blog|publisher=Microsoft}}</ref> Presentations given by Microsoft in 2008 focused on ] support, a redesigned ] with a new ], referred to as the Superbar, a home networking system called HomeGroup,<ref name="leblanchomegroup">{{cite web|url=http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/windowsexperience/archive/2008/10/28/how-libraries-amp-homegroup-work-together-in-windows-7.aspx|title=How Libraries & HomeGroup Work Together in Windows 7|last=LeBlanc|first=Brandon|date=28 October 2008|accessdate=2008-11-11|work=Windows Team Blog|publisher=Microsoft}}</ref> and performance improvements. Some applications that have been included with prior releases of Microsoft Windows, including ], ], ], and ], are not included in Windows 7;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.techpluto.com/softwares-missing-in-windows-7/|title=Windows 7 to Skip Photo, Mail, Calendar and Movie Editing tools}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.networkworld.com/community/node/33084|title=E-mail, photos, movie making will not be included in Windows 7}}</ref> some are instead offered separately as part of the ] ] suite.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/windowsexperience/archive/2008/10/28/the-complete-windows-experience-windows-7-windows-live.aspx|title=The Complete Windows Experience – Windows 7 + Windows Live|last=LeBlance|first=Brandon|date=28 October 2008|accessdate=2008-11-11|work=Windows Team Blog|publisher=Microsoft}}</ref> | |||
| ==Development== | |||
| {{main|Development of Windows 7}} | |||
| Originally, a version of Windows codenamed ] was planned as the successor to ] (codename ]) and ]. Major features were planned for Blackcomb, including an emphasis on searching and querying data and an advanced storage system named ] to enable such scenarios. However, an interim, minor release, codenamed "]" was announced for 2003, delaying the development of Blackcomb.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.theregister.co.uk/2001/10/24/gates_confirms_windows_longhorn |title=Gates confirms Windows Longhorn for 2003 |last=Lettice |first=John |date=2001-10-24 |publisher=The Register |accessdate=2008-03-05}}</ref> By the middle of 2003, however, Longhorn had acquired some of the features originally intended for Blackcomb. After three major ] exploited flaws in Windows operating systems within a short time period in 2003, Microsoft changed its development priorities, putting some of Longhorn's major development work on hold while developing new ]s for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. ] was also restarted, and thus delayed, in August 2004. A number of features were cut from Longhorn.<ref>{{cite web | title=Microsoft cuts key Longhorn feature | url=http://www.seattlepi.com/business/188339_msftcuts28.html | work=Todd Bishop | publisher=Hearst Seattle Media, LLC | date=August 28, 2004 | accessdate=2009-03-25}}</ref> | |||
| Blackcomb was renamed ''Vienna'' in early 2006,<ref name=thurrottfaq>{{cite web |url=http://www.winsupersite.com/faq/windows_7.asp |title=Windows "7" FAQ |last=Thurrott |first=Paul |authorlink=Paul Thurrott |publisher=Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows |date=14 February 2007 |accessdate=2008-01-05}}</ref> and again to ''Windows 7'' in 2007.<ref name="zdnet592">{{cite news | first=Mary J |last=Foley |title=Windows Seven: Think 2010 |date=2007-07-20 |publisher=] | url=http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=592 |accessdate = 2007-09-19}}</ref> In 2008, it was announced that ''Windows 7'' would also be the official name of the operating system.<ref>{{cite news | first=Ina | last=Fried | title=Microsoft makes Windows 7 name final | date=2008-10-13 | publisher=] | url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10064971-56.html | accessdate=2008-10-13}}</ref><ref name="CBC14Oct08"> {{cite news|url = http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2008/10/14/tech-windows.html|title = For Microsoft's Windows, 7th time's a charm|accessdate = 2008-10-27|last = ]|authorlink = |year = 2008|month = October}}</ref> | |||
| The first external release to select Microsoft partners came in January 2008 with ], build 6519.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.w7forums.com/windows-7-build-numbers-t58.html|title=Windows 7 Build Numbers|author=Ian Cunningham|date=3 December 2008}}</ref> At ] 2008, Microsoft demonstrated Windows 7 with its reworked ]. Copies of Windows 7 build 6801 were distributed at the end of the conference, however, the demonstrated ] was disabled in this build. | |||
| On December 27, 2008, Windows 7 Beta was leaked onto the Internet via ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.osnews.com/story/20703/Windows_7_Beta_1_Leaked |title=OSNews.com |publisher=OSNews.com |date= |accessdate=2009-05-25}}</ref> According to a performance test by ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.zdnet.com/hardware/?p=3236&page=2 |title=Windows 7 beta 1 performance - How does the OS compare to Vista and XP? | Hardware 2.0 | ZDNet.com |publisher=Blogs.zdnet.com |date=2009-01-01 |accessdate=2009-05-25}}</ref> Windows 7 Beta beat both Windows XP and Vista in several key areas, including boot and shut down time and working with files, such as loading documents. Other areas did not beat XP, including PC Pro benchmarks for typical office activities and video editing, which remain identical to Vista and slower than XP.<ref> {{cite web|url = http://www.pcpro.co.uk/blogs/2008/11/12/follow-up-benchmarking-windows-7/|title = Follow-up: Benchmarking Windows 7 |accessdate = 2009-01-29|last = Graham-Smith|first = Darien|authorlink = Darien Graham-Smith|year = 2009|month = January}}</ref> On January 7, 2009, the ] version of the Windows 7 Beta (build 7000) was leaked onto the web, with some torrents being infected with a ].<ref></ref><ref> {{cite web|url = http://w7info.com/articles/2009/01/windows-7-64-bit-beta-hits-the-web/|title = Windows 7 64-Bit Beta Hits the Web|accessdate = 2009-01-07|last = Pennington|first = Kenneth|authorlink = |year = 2009|month = January}}</ref> At ] 2009, Microsoft CEO ] announced the Windows 7 Beta, build 7000, had been made available for download to MSDN and TechNet subscribers in the format of an ISO image.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2009/jan/08/steve-ballmer-ces-keynote |title=CES: Steve Ballmer unveils Microsoft's Windows 7 | Technology | guardian.co.uk |publisher=Guardian |date= |accessdate=2009-05-25}}</ref> The Beta was to be publicly released January 9, 2009, and Microsoft initially planned for the download to be made available to 2.5 million people on this date. However, access to the downloads was delayed because of high traffic.<ref>{{cite web | title=Microsoft delays first Windows 7 public beta | url=http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/01/10/winows_7_beta_delay/ | work=Gavin Clarke | publisher=The Register | date=January 10, 2009 |accessdate=2009-03-25}}</ref> The download limit was also extended, initially until January 24, then again to February 10. People who did not complete downloading the beta had two extra days to complete the download. After February 12, unfinished downloads became unable to complete. Users could still obtain product keys from Microsoft to activate their copy of Windows 7 Beta, which expired on August 1, 2009. The release candidate, build 7100, has been available for MSDN and TechNet subscribers and Connect Program participants since April 30 and became available to the general public on May 5, 2009. It has also been leaked onto the Internet via ].<ref>{{cite web|last=Miller |first=Paul |url=http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/24/windows-7-rc-7100-making-its-way-to-oems-a-torrent-tracker-near/ |title=Windows 7 RC 7100 making its way to OEMs, a torrent tracker near you |publisher=Engadget.com |date=2009-04-24 |accessdate=2009-05-25}}</ref> The release candidate is available in five languages and will expire on June 1, 2010, with shutdowns every two hours starting March 1, 2010.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/download.aspx | title = Windows 7 Release Candidate Customer Preview Program | accessdate = 2009-05-05 | publisher = Microsoft}}</ref> Microsoft stated that Windows 7 would be released to the general public on October 22, 2009. Microsoft released Windows 7 to MSDN and Technet subscribers on August 6, 2009, at 10:00am PDT.<ref></ref> Microsoft announced that Windows 7, along with ] were released to manufacturing on July 22, 2009. Windows 7 ] is build 7600.16385, which was compiled on July 13, 2009, and was declared the final RTM build after passing all Microsoft's tests internally.<ref name=rtm> {{cite web|url = http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/windows7/archive/2009/07/22/windows-7-has-been-released-to-manufacturing.aspx | title = Windows 7 Has Been Released to Manufacturing | author=Brandon LeBlanc}}</ref> "The launch of Windows 7 has superseded everyone’s expectations, storming ahead of '']'' as the biggest-grossing pre-order product of all-time, and demand is still going strong," claimed managing director Brian McBride, Amazon UK on October 22."<ref name=rtm> {{cite web|url = http://www.itpro.co.uk/616597/windows-7-preorders-already-top-vista-sales | title = Windows 7 Topples Harry Potter | author=Pradeep}}</ref> | |||
| ===Goals=== | |||
| ], in an interview with'' ]'', suggested that this version of Windows would "be more user-centric".<ref name="gates">{{cite web|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16934083/site/newsweek/page/4/print/1/displaymode/1098/|title=Bill Gates on Vista and Apple's 'Lying' Ads|author=Steven Levy|date= 3 February 2007}}</ref> Gates later said that Windows 7 will also focus on performance improvements.<ref name="gates2">{{cite web|url=http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/exec/billg/speeches/2008/05-07japanwdlc.mspx|title=Bill Gates: Japan—Windows Digital Lifestyle Consortium|author=Bill Gates|date=12 May 2007}}</ref> ] later expanded on this point, explaining in the ''Engineering Windows 7'' blog that the company was using a variety of new tracing tools to measure the performance of many areas of the operating system on an ongoing basis, to help locate inefficient code paths and to help prevent performance regressions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blogs.msdn.com/e7/archive/2008/12/15/continuing-our-discussion-on-performance.aspx |title=Continuing our discussion on performance |last=Sinofsky |first=Steven |authorlink=Steven Sinofsky |date=15 December 2008 |accessdate=2008-12-18 |work=Engineering Windows 7 |publisher=Microsoft }}</ref> | |||
| Senior Vice President Bill <!--Do not change this to Gates. It is Veghte.-->Veghte stated that ] users migrating to Windows 7 would not find the kind of device compatibility issues they encountered migrating from ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.softpedia.com/news/Windows-7-Will-Not-Inherent-the-Incompatibility-Issues-of-Vista-88625.shtml|title=Windows 7 Will Not Inherit the Incompatibility Issues of Vista|first=Marius|last=Oiaga|date=24 June 2008}}</ref> Speaking about Windows 7 on October 16, 2008, Microsoft CEO ] confirmed compatibility between Vista and Windows 7,<ref name="DignanOctober2008">{{cite web|url = http://blogs.zdnet.com/BTL/?p=10464|title = Ballmer: It’s ok to wait until Windows 7; Yahoo still ‘makes sense’; Google Apps ‘primitive’|accessdate = 2008-10-17|last = Dignan|first = Larry|authorlink = |year = 2008|month = October}}</ref> indicating that Windows 7 will be a refined version of Windows Vista.<ref name="DignanOctober2008" /> | |||
| ==Features== | |||
| ===New and changed features=== | |||
| ], which replaces ]]] | |||
| {{main|Features new to Windows 7}} | |||
| Windows 7 includes a number of new features, such as advances in touch and ], support for ], improved performance on ] processors,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.windowsvienna.com/windows-7-takes-more-advantage-of-multi-core-cpus-a24.html |title=Windows 7 Takes More Advantage of Multi-Core CPUs - Windows 7 |publisher=Windowsvienna.com |date= |accessdate=2009-05-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=1612 |title=Windows 7 to get parallel-processing tweaks | All about Microsoft | ZDNet.com |publisher=Blogs.zdnet.com |date=2008-09-30 |accessdate=2009-05-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pctipsbox.com/windows-7-to-get-parallel-processing-tweaks/ |title=Windows 7 to get parallel-processing tweaks | PC Tips |publisher=Pctipsbox.com |date=2008-10-05 |accessdate=2009-05-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://vista.blorge.com/2008/09/30/windows-7-enters-parallel-universe/ |title=Windows 7 enters parallel universe |publisher=Vista.Blorge |date=2008-09-30 |accessdate=2009-05-25}}</ref> improved ] performance, ], and ] improvements. Windows 7 adds support for systems using multiple heterogeneous graphics cards from different vendors (Heterogeneous Multi-adapter), a new version of ],<ref name="tgdailym1">{{cite web|first=Wolfgang|last=Gruener|url=http://www.tgdaily.com/content/view/35641/118/|title=TG Daily — Windows Vista successor scheduled for a H2 2009 release?|publisher=TG Daily|date=2008-01-16|accessdate=2008-01-17}}</ref> a ] for Windows Media Center, improved media features, the ] Essentials Pack and ] being included, and a redesigned ] with multiline capabilities including ''Programmer'' and ''Statistics'' modes along with unit conversion. Many new items have been added to the ], including ] Text Tuner, Display Color Calibration Wizard, ], Recovery, Troubleshooting, Workspaces Center, Location and Other Sensors, Credential Manager, Biometric Devices, System Icons, and Display.<ref></ref> ] has been renamed to Windows Action Center (Windows Health Center and Windows Solution Center in earlier builds), which encompasses both ] and maintenance of the computer. <ref>{{cite web | |||
| |url=http://blogs.zdnet.com/igeneration/?p=1826 | |||
| |title=Windows 7 UAC flaw: "Pandora's box of all vulnerabilities" | |||
| |author=Zack Whittaker | |||
| |date=2009-06-12 | |||
| |accessdate=2009-06-14 | |||
| }}</ref> Microsoft's Windows kernel engineer ] acknowledged the problem, but noted that there are other vulnerabilities that do not rely on the new setting.<ref>{{cite web | |||
| |url=http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/2009.07.uac.aspx | |||
| |title=User Account Control Inside Windows 7 User Account Control | |||
| |publisher=Microsoft Corporation | |||
| |first=Mark | |||
| |last=Russinovich | |||
| |accessdate=2009-06-14 | |||
| }}</ref> Windows 7 also supports Mac-like RAW image viewing through the addition of WIC-enabled image decoders, which enables raw image thumbnails, previewing and metadata display in Windows Explorer, plus full-size viewing and slideshows in Windows Photo Viewer and Window Media Center.<ref></ref> | |||
| The taskbar has seen the biggest visual changes, where the Quick Launch toolbar has been replaced with pinning applications to the taskbar. Buttons for pinned applications are integrated with the task buttons. These buttons also enable the ''Jump Lists'' feature to allow easy access to common tasks.<ref name="Softpedia04Nov08"> {{cite web|url = http://news.softpedia.com/news/Windows-7-User-Interface-The-Superbar-Enhanced-Taskbar-97143.shtml|title = Windows 7 User Interface – The Superbar (Enhanced Taskbar)|accessdate = 2008-11-12|last = Softpedia|authorlink = |year = 2008|month = November}}</ref> The revamped taskbar also allows the reordering of taskbar buttons. To the far right of the system clock is a small rectangular button that serves as the ''Show desktop'' icon. This button is part of the new feature in Windows 7 called ''Aero Peek''. Hovering over this button makes all visible windows transparent for a quick look at the desktop.<ref></ref> In touch-enabled displays such as touch screens, tablet PCs, etc., this button is slightly wider to accommodate being pressed with a finger.<ref></ref> Clicking this button minimizes all windows, and clicking it a second time restores them. Additionally, there is a feature named ''Aero Snap'', that automatically maximizes a window when it is dragged to either the top or left/right edges of the screen.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.msdn.com/e7/archive/2009/03/17/designing-aero-snap.aspx|title=Engineering Windows 7 : Designing Aero Snap|publisher=Steven Sinofsky/Microsoft|accessdate=2009-06-08}}</ref> This also allows users to snap documents or files on either side of the screen to compare them. When a user moves windows that are maximized, the system restores their previous state automatically. This functionality is also accomplished with keyboard shortcuts. | |||
| Unlike in ], window borders and the taskbar do not turn opaque when a window is maximized with ] applied. Instead, they remain transparent. | |||
| ] | |||
| For developers, Windows 7 includes a new networking ] with support for building ] web services in ] (as opposed to .NET-based ] web services),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://channel9.msdn.com/pdc2008/PC01/|title=Windows 7: Web Services in Native Code|publisher=PDC 2008|accessdate=2008-09-26}}</ref> new features to shorten application install times, reduced UAC prompts, simplified development of installation packages,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://channel9.msdn.com/pdc2008/PC42/|title=Windows 7: Deploying Your Application with Windows Installer (MSI) and ClickOnce|publisher=PDC 2008|accessdate=2008-09-26}}</ref> and improved globalization support through a new Extended Linguistic Services API.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://channel9.msdn.com/pdc2008/PC52/|title=Windows 7: Writing World-Ready Applications|publisher=PDC 2008|accessdate=2008-09-26}}</ref> At ] 2008 Microsoft announced that color depths of 30-bit and 48-bit would be supported in Windows 7 along with the wide color gamut ] (which for ] 1.3 can be converted and output as ]). The video modes supported in Windows 7 are 16-bit sRGB, 24-bit sRGB, 30-bit sRGB, 30-bit with extended color gamut sRGB, and 48-bit scRGB.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://download.microsoft.com/download/5/E/6/5E66B27B-988B-4F50-AF3A-C2FF1E62180F/GRA-T583_WH08.pptx |title=WinHEC 2008 GRA-583: Display Technologies |publisher=Microsoft |date=2008-11-06 |accessdate=2008-12-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.softpedia.com/news/Windows-7-High-Color-Support-98741.shtml |title=Windows 7 High Color Support |publisher=Softpedia |date=2008-11-26 |accessdate=2008-12-05}}</ref> Microsoft is also implementing better support for ]s,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.msdn.com/e7/archive/2009/05/05/support-and-q-a-for-solid-state-drives-and.aspx|title=Support and Q&A for Solid-State Drives|work=Engineering Windows 7|publisher=Microsoft|date=2009-05-05|accessdate=2009-05-09}}</ref> including the new ], and Windows 7 will be able to identify a solid-state drive uniquely. Microsoft is also planning to support ] in a subsequent patch, although support was not included in the initial release because of delays in the finalization of the standard.<ref> {{cite web |url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-13924_3-10083822-64.html |title=Microsoft describes USB 3.0 delays |last=Crothers |first=Brooke |date=6 November 2008 |accessdate=2008-11-13 |publisher=CNet }}</ref> | |||
| Internet ], Internet ] and Internet ], which were removed from Windows Vista, were restored in Windows 7. Windows 7 includes ] and ]. {{Wikinews| Windows 7 will allow users to disable Internet Explorer}}Users also are able to disable many more Windows components than was possible in Windows Vista. New additions to this list of components include Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player, Windows Media Center, ], and the Windows Gadget Platform.<ref name="Engineering Windows 7">{{cite web|url=http://blogs.msdn.com/e7/archive/2009/03/06/beta-to-rc-changes-turning-windows-features-on-or-off.aspx|title=Beta to RC Changes — Turning Windows Features On or Off}}</ref> Windows 7 includes 13 additional sound schemes, titled Afternoon, Calligraphy, Characters, Cityscape, Delta, Festival, Garden, Heritage, Landscape, Quirky, Raga, Savanna, and Sonata.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.winsupersite.com/win7/win7_7048_02.asp|title=Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows: Windows 7 Build 7048 Notes|date=2009-03-08|accessdate=2009-04-24|first=Paul|last=Thurrott|publisher=Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows}}</ref> A new version of Virtual PC, ''] Beta'' is available for Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate editions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/ |title=Windows Virtual PC |publisher=Microsoft |accessdate=2009-05-06 }}</ref> It allows multiple Windows environments, including ''Windows XP Mode'', to run on the same machine, requiring the use of ] or ]. Windows XP Mode runs ] in a virtual machine and redirects displayed applications running in Windows XP to the Windows 7 desktop.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://download.microsoft.com/download/7/5/A/75A2C993-BFCC-47D0-8B6C-7C8CE2BA9833/Windows%20XP%20Mode%20for%20Windows%207_brochure.pdf |title=Windows XP Mode for Windows 7 brochure |publisher=Microsoft |accessdate=2009-05-06 }}</ref> Furthermore Windows 7 supports the mounting of a virtual hard disk (VHD) as a normal data storage, and the bootloader delivered with Windows 7 can boot the Windows system from a VHD.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=90&p=&SrcDisplayLang=en&SrcCategoryId=&SrcFamilyId=80ede31d-3509-407b-a896-0beea8705589&u=http%3a%2f%2fdownload.microsoft.com%2fdownload%2f7%2f0%2fF%2f70FE9C38-08D1-4FCC-BEF8-42B47DD968FE%2fWindows7VHDBoot.wmv |title=Demonstration: Windows 7 VHD Boot |publisher=Microsoft |accessdate=2009-04-29 }}</ref> The ] (RDP) of Windows 7 is also enhanced to support real-time multimedia application including video playback and 3D games. That means that DirectX 10 can be used in a remote desktop environment.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://channel9.msdn.com/pdc2008/ES21/ |title=Windows 7 Presentation Virtualization: Graphics Remoting ( RDP) Today and Tomorrow |publisher=Microsoft |accessdate=2008 }}</ref> The three application limit will be removed from Windows 7 Starter.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/windows7/archive/2009/05/29/let-s-talk-about-windows-7-starter.aspx |title= Let’s talk about Windows 7 Starter |publisher=Windows 7 Team |accessdate=2009-05-29}}</ref> | |||
| ===Removed features=== | |||
| {{main|Features removed from Windows 7}} | |||
| A number of capabilities and certain programs that were a part of ] are no longer present or have changed, resulting in the removal of certain functionality. Some notable Windows Vista features and components have been replaced or removed in Windows 7, including the classic ] user interface, ], ], and ]. Four applications bundled with Windows Vista — ], ], ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://download.live.com/windows7|title=Finding your applications in Windows 7|accessdate=2009-10-23|date=2009-10-22|publisher=Microsoft|author=Windows Live team}}</ref> and ] — are not included with Windows 7, but are instead available for free in a separate package called ]. | |||
| ==Antitrust regulatory attention== | |||
| As with other Microsoft operating systems, Windows 7 is being studied by United States federal regulators who oversee the company's operations following the 2001 '']'' settlement. According to status reports filed, the three-member panel began assessing prototypes of the new operating system in February 2008. ], an analyst at ] said that, "<!--The word "Microsoft" is in square brackets here because it was inserted into the quote to replace the unclear pronoun "Their " in this context. Please do not wikify this as it would make it look like the word "Microsoft" was in the original quote which is not the case --> challenge for Windows 7 will be how can they continue to add features that consumers will want that also don't run afoul of regulators."<ref> {{cite web|url = http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9068339&taxonomyId=14&intsrc=kc_top|title = Windows 7 eyed by antitrust regulators|accessdate = 2008-03-19|last = Keizer|first = Gregg F.|authorlink = |year = 2008|month = March}}</ref> | |||
| ===Editions=== | |||
| To avoid running afoul of European antitrust regulations, Microsoft chose to ship Windows 7 without ] in ] member countries.<ref name="win7-noIE">{{cite web|url=http://microsoftontheissues.com/cs/blogs/mscorp/archive/2009/06/11/working-to-fulfill-our-legal-obligations-in-europe-for-windows-7.aspx|title=Working to Fulfill our Legal Obligations in Europe for Windows 7|date=June 11, 2009|publisher=Microsoft}}</ref> It was also announced that the upgrade versions of Windows 7 would also not be available in Europe because of the possibility of needing additional testing for how upgrades would react to the versions without Internet Explorer.<ref name="neowin-noupgradeE">{{cite web|url=http://www.neowin.net/news/main/09/06/25/no-windows-7-upgrade-option-in-the-eu|title=No Internet Explorer in Windows 7 version for Europe|last=Sams|first=Brad|date=June 11, 2009|publisher=Neowin|accessdate=2009-08-01}}</ref> | |||
| Microsoft also proposed to the European Commission allowing users to download a competing browser from a "ballot" screen instead of providing a version of Windows completely without Internet Explorer installed at all.<ref name="neowin-browserballot">{{cite web|url=http://www.neowin.net/news/main/09/07/24/microsoft-propose-browser-ballot-screen-to-the-eu|title=Microsoft proposes "Browser Ballot Screen" to the EU|first=Kevin|coauthors=Weiner|date=July 24, 2009|publisher=Neowin|accessdate=2009-08-01}}</ref> In response to criticism involving Windows 7 E and concerns from manufacturers about possible consumer confusion if a version of Windows 7 with Internet Explorer were shipped later after one without Internet Explorer, Microsoft announced that it would scrap the separate version for Europe and ship the standard upgrade and full packages worldwide.<ref name="neowin-noE">{{cite web|url=http://www.neowin.net/news/main/09/08/01/microsoft-scraps-windows-7-e-version-for-europe|title=Microsoft scraps Windows 7 'E' version for Europe|last=Warren|first=Tom|date=August 1, 2009|publisher=Neowin|accessdate=2009-08-01}}</ref> | |||
| However, in Europe, an N version, which does not come with ] has been released, but only for sale directly from Microsoft sales websites and select others. Again, this is believed to have been done to please EU legislators under anti-trust reasoning. As it is priced at the same as the non-N versions, it is likely that sales will be low of this version, as the similar N-versions of Vista achieved.<ref>, accessed 2009-09-09.</ref> | |||
| ==Reception== | |||
| In only eight hours, Pre-orders of Windows 7 at Amazon.co.uk surpassed the demand Windows Vista had in its first 17 weeks.<ref>{{cite news |title=Windows 7 flies off virtual shelf |date=2009-07-15 |publisher=]|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8151342.stm|accessdate=2009-07-15}}</ref> It became the highest-grossing pre-order in Amazon's history, surpassing sales of the previous record holder, the ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Windows 7 set to break retail records|date=2009-10-21 |publisher=]|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2009/oct/21/windows-7-launch|accessdate=2009-10-21}}</ref> | |||
| Reviews of Windows 7 were mostly positive, praising its usability when compared to its predecessor, Windows Vista. ] gives Windows 7 Home Premium a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars,<ref>{{cite news|title=Microsoft Windows 7 (Home Premium) Review - CNet|date=2009-07-31|publisher=]|url=http://reviews.cnet.com/windows/microsoft-windows-7-home/4505-3672_7-33704139.html}}</ref> stating that it "is more than what Vista should have been, it's where Microsoft needed to go". | |||
| Some Vista Ultimate users have expressed concerns over Windows 7 pricing and upgrade options.<ref>{{cite web|title=Some Vista users say they're getting the Ultimate shaft|date=2009-7-2|url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10277506-56.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Vista Ultimate users fume, rant over Windows 7 deals|date=2009-7-2|url=http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9135121/Vista_Ultimate_users_fume_rant_over_Windows_7_deals}}</ref> Windows Vista Ultimate users wanting to upgrade from Windows Vista to Windows 7 must either pay $219.99<ref>{{cite web|title=Shop: Windows 7 |date=2009-10-22|url=http://www.microsoft.com/windows/buy/default.aspx}}</ref> to upgrade to Windows 7 Ultimate or perform a clean install, which requires them to reinstall all of their programs.<ref>{{cite web|title=Windows 7 Upgrade Considerations |date=2009-10-22|url=http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/upgrade-considerations.aspx}}</ref> | |||
| After the launch, 64-bit versions of Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate editions sold out in Japan.<ref>{{cite web|title=64bit版Windows 7は人気でやや品薄、週明けには回復？|date=2009-10-24|url=http://akiba-pc.watch.impress.co.jp/hotline/20091024/etc_win75.html}}</ref> | |||
| ==Editions== | |||
| {{main|Windows 7 editions}} | |||
| Windows 7 is available in six different editions, but only the Home Premium, Professional, and Ultimate editions are available for retail sale in most countries.<ref name="ExtremeTech">{{cite web|url=http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,2845,2340431,00.asp |title=All Windows 7 Versions—What You Need to Know |publisher=ExtremeTech |date=2009-02-05 |accessdate=2009-02-05}}</ref> The other editions are aimed at other markets, such as the developing world or enterprise use.<ref name="ExtremeTech"/> Each edition of Windows 7 includes all of the capabilities and features of the edition below it.<ref name="ExtremeTech"/><ref name="supersite">{{cite web|url=http://www.winsupersite.com/win7/win7_skus.asp|title=Windows 7 Product Editions|last=Thurrott|first=Paul|date=2009-02-03|accessdate=2009-02-03}}</ref><ref name="cnet">{{cite web|url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10155193-56.html|title=Windows 7 will come in many flavors|publisher=CNET News|date=2009-02-03|accessdate=2009-02-03}}</ref><ref name="Softpedia">{{cite web|url=http://news.softpedia.com/news/Windows-7-Editions-Features-on-Parade-103766.shtml |title=Windows 7 Editions - Features on Parade |publisher=Softpedia |date=2009-02-05 |accessdate=2009-02-05}}</ref><ref name="PCWorld">{{cite web|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/158870/microsoft_announces_six_windows_7_editions.html |title=Windows 7: Which Edition is Right For You? |publisher=PCWorld |date=2009-02-03 |accessdate=2009-02-05}}</ref> With the exception of Windows 7 Starter and Home Basic, all editions will support both ] (]) and ] (]) ] ]s.<ref name="ExtremeTechStarter">{{cite web|url=http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,2845,2340433,00.asp |title=All Windows 7 Versions—What You Need to Know - Windows 7 Starter |publisher=ExtremeTech |date=2009-02-05 |accessdate=2009-02-05}}</ref> The installation media is the same for all the consumer editions of Windows 7 that have the same processor architecture, with the license determing the features that are activated, and license upgrades permitting the subsequent unlocking of features without re-installation of the operating system.<ref name="closewindows7look">{{cite web |url=http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/windows7/archive/2009/02/04/a-closer-look-at-the-windows-7-skus.aspx |title=A closer look at the Windows 7 SKUs |last=LeBlanc |first=Brandon |date=February 9, 2009 |accessdate=2009-02-09 |work=Windows Team Blog |publisher=Microsoft }}</ref> Users who wish to upgrade to an edition of Windows 7 with more features can then use ] to purchase the upgrade, and unlock the features of those editions.<ref name="supersite"/><ref name="closewindows7look"/><ref name="ExtremeTechDateCostUpgrades">{{cite web |url=http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,2845,2340432,00.asp |title=All Windows 7 Versions—What You Need to Know - Release Date, Cost, and Upgrades |publisher=ExtremeTech |date=2009-02-05 |accessdate=2009-02-16 }}</ref> | |||
| Microsoft is offering a family pack of Windows 7 Home Premium (in select markets) that will allow installation on up to 3 PCs.<ref name="WindowsTeamBlogFamilyPack">{{cite web |url=http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/windows7/archive/2009/07/21/when-will-you-get-windows-7-rtm.aspx |title=Microsoft Announces "Family Pack" For Windows 7 |publisher=Microsoft |date=2009-07-21 |accessdate=2009-07-21 }}</ref> The "Family Pack" will cost USD 149.99 in the United States.<ref name="WindowsTeamBlogFamilyPack">{{cite web |url=http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/windows7/archive/2009/07/31/windows-anytime-upgrade-and-family-pack-pricing.aspx |title=Windows Anytime Upgrade and Family Pack Pricing |publisher=Microsoft |date=2009-07-31 |accessdate=2009-08-15 }}</ref> | |||
| On September 18, 2009, Microsoft said they were to offer temporary student discounts for Windows 7. The offer will be running in the ] and the ], with similar schemes available in Canada, Australia, Korea, Mexico, France and Germany. Students with a valid .edu or .ac.uk email address can apply for either Windows 7 Home Premium or Professional, priced at $30 or £30.<ref>{{cite web |title=Windows: Student Offer |url=http://www.microsoft.com/uk/windows/studentoffer/default.aspx |author=Microsoft |accessdate=2009-09-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Microsoft: Students to get Windows 7 for £30/$30 |first=Tom|last=Warren |url=http://www.neowin.net/news/main/09/09/17/microsoft-uk-students-to-get-windows-7-for-30 |accessdate=2009-09-18}}</ref> | |||
| ==Windows 7 Launch Party video == | |||
| ''Windows 7 Launch Party'' is a video advertisement designed to market Windows 7. It features a group of people in a kitchen explaining the concept of a party to launch the operating system in their own homes. The video received widespread criticism as a marketing effort,<ref></ref><ref></ref><ref></ref> and consideration was given as to whether it was intentionally bad, in order to generate content mocking it, or whether it was just poorly put together. ] commented "If you create something so bad that it goes viral, is it a public relations disaster or a video marketing triumph?"<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jarboe |first=Greg |title=Microsoft Windows 7 House Party: Public Relations Disaster or Video Marketing Triumph? |url=http://blog.searchenginewatch.com/090929-094401 |publisher=] |date=2009-09-29 |accessdate=2009-10-13}}</ref> Barbara Lippert, ad critic for '']'' magazine stated "This is so beyond-belief bad that I just cannot believe it’s for real ... the script is so fake, with all the sales messages in there… if this is what they think is hip, it’s just so sad — and poignant"<ref>{{Cite web |last=Van Buskirk |first=Eliot |title=Microsoft’s Windows 7 Party Video: Yes, It Is Real |url=http://www.wired.com/epicenter/2009/09/microsofts-windows-7-party-video-yes-it-is-real/ |publisher='']'' |date=2009-09-30 |accessdate=2009-10-13}}</ref> Rob Pegoraro of '']'' described the video by saying "by two minutes into the video, I could only hold my head in my hands, cringing and saying, “No, no, no, this can't possibly be real!”"<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pegoraro |first=Rob |title=Comedy Is an Uninvited Guest at Microsoft's 'House Party' |url-=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/fasterforward/2009/09/microsofts_house_party_an_invi.html?hpid=sec-tech |publisher='']'' |date=2009-09-24 |accessdate=2009-10-13}}</ref> CNET described the video as looking "like the Food Network threw a cooking party only to have it geek out and go completely sideways", and came as part of a pattern of Microsoft advertising such as that for a previous piece of software that was such a "weird (to say the least) attempt to humanize software that failed so terribly I still find it hard to believe it was real."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rosenberg |first=Dave |title=New Windows 7 launch video breaks bizarre barrier |url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-13846_3-10360431-62.html |publisher=] |date=2009-09-23 |accessdate=2009-10-12}}</ref> Minneapolis Star Tribune columnist James Lileks said of the video: "If Microsoft had been put in charge of marketing sex, the human race would have ended long ago, because no one would be caught dead doing something that uncool."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lileks |first=James |title=Thursday, Sept. 25 |url=http://lileks.com/bleat/?p=3903 |date=2009-09-25 |accessdate=2009-10-15}}</ref> | |||
| However, about 5000 copies of Windows 7 Ultimate Signature Edition (containing both 32 bit and 64 bit DVDs) were sent to Windows 7 Launch Party Hosts through the in Australia, Canada, USA, UK, Japan, India, Mexico, Spain, Hong Kong, Germany, France, and Italy. The entire party package included 10 tote bags with new, Windows 7 desktop pictures printed on them, one puzzle, and one poster. | |||
| ==Hardware requirements== | |||
| Microsoft has published their minimum specifications for a system running Windows 7.<ref name="7requirements">{{cite web|url=http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/system-requirements|title=Windows 7 system requirements|publisher=Microsoft}}</ref> Requirements for the 32-bit version are much the same as recommendations for premium editions of Vista, but the 64-bit versions are higher. Microsoft has released an upgrade advisor that scans a computer to see if it is compatible with Windows 7. | |||
| <!--Do not change these from what the sources say, unless you switch to a better source.--> | |||
| {| class="wikitable" cellspacing="3" cellpadding="0" border="1" style="margin:auto; text-align:center;" | |||
| |+ <big>Minimum hardware requirements for Windows 7</big><ref name="7requirements" /> | |||
| |- | |||
| ! Architecture | |||
| | '''32-bit''' | |||
| | '''64-bit''' | |||
| |- | |||
| ! ] | |||
| | 1 GHz 32-bit processor | |||
| | 1 GHz 64-bit processor | |||
| |- | |||
| ! ] | |||
| | 1 GB of RAM | |||
| | 2 GB of RAM | |||
| |- | |||
| ! ] | |||
| | colspan=2 | DirectX 9 graphics processor with WDDM driver model 1.0 (For Aero) | |||
| |- | |||
| ! ] free space | |||
| | 16 GB of available disk space | |||
| | 20 GB of available disk space | |||
| |- | |||
| ! ] | |||
| | colspan=2 | DVD drive (only to install from DVD/CD Media) | |||
| |} | |||
| '''Additional requirements to use certain features:'''<ref name="7requirements" /> | |||
| *] requires a ] to use BitLocker To Go. | |||
| *] requires an additional 1 GB of RAM, an additional 15 GB of available hard disk space, and a processor capable of ] with ] or ] enabled. | |||
| *] (included with Home Premium, Professional, Enterprise, Ultimate), requires a ] to receive and record TV. | |||
| ==See also== | |||
| {{Portal|Microsoft}} | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| {{clear}} | |||
| ==References== | |||
| {{reflist|colwidth=30em}} | |||
| ==External links== | |||
| {{wikinews|Windows 7 gets 'early release' in China; software pirates beat Microsoft to the punch}} | |||
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| {{Microsoft Windows family}} | |||
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