Microsoft to Launch Windows 7 in October

Windows 7, which will replace the much-complained-about Windows Vista, will be available then on new PCs. Microsoft, the world's largest software maker, will also sell versions that people can install on existing PCs.

PC makers and resellers will offer free upgrades to Windows 7 for people who buy a new computer running the Home Premium, Business or Ultimate version of Windows Vista shortly before Windows 7 arrives. However, Microsoft did not say whether the upgrade program will begin in time for back-to-school shopping, another crucial period for the PC industry.

Microsoft today revealed that it will complete development of Windows 7 in late July and then make the system broadly available to customers on October 22, 2009. (This is called General Availability, or GA). This date is one week later than what my sources previously told me (October 15, 2009.)

The countdown begins...