Windows, Operating System | featured news

When Microsoft released Windows XP in October of 2001, the software got upbeat reviews and sold briskly. But I doubt if even XP's biggest boosters would have predicted just how long-running a hit it would be. Nine years later, it's still the the world's favorite operating system.

Microsoft should once again release its next mainstream version of Windows about three years after the last, a roadmap obtained this week reveals. The schedule has the major revision, tentatively titled "Windows 8," launching in 2012 or about three years after Windows 7.

Microsoft says it is pleased with the demand for Windows 7 as it reports an 18% fall in quarterly profits.

Microsoft Corp. put a new edition of Windows on sale Thursday, hoping for a fresh start after a bad reception for the previous version of the software that runs most of the world's personal computers.

As for gaming, however, Windows 7's release feels almost funereal. Read the reviews and you'll learn all about the streamlined taskbar, the smarter security system that leaves you alone, the slick new touch-based input features, and the friendlier approach to media-hub device management.

Windows 7 is hardly flawless, but here's an in-depth look at how Microsoft has changed its OS — mostly for the better .

Walt Mossberg calls Windows 7 a boost to productivity and a pleasure to use -- Microsoft's best operating system yet.

Microsoft unveiled bigger-than-expected discounts for some buyers of its forthcoming Windows 7 operating system, as it sought to stoke up demand for new PCs and put the poor reputation of Windows Vista behind it.

XP Mode is Microsoft's solution to legacy application compatibility under Windows 7. I won't get into the details a second time, but if you're curious how it works, check out the previous post on the subject.

Microsoft Corp said on Friday a version of its long awaited Windows 7 operating system will be made available from next week.