Microsoft confirms Windows 7 release date

The next version of Windows will be available to buy off the shelf and on new computers from 22 October.

Microsoft announced the launch date at the Computex trade fair in Taipei following months of speculation by industry experts.

Windows 7 introduces a number of new tools and features that Microsoft hopes will capture the public's imagination in the way that Vista failed to.

One such new feature is Windows Touch, which supports touch-sensitive screens so that people can control the **operating system and compatible applications with their fingers. Our video demonstration of the Windows 7's touch-screen features is free to view.

Windows 7 also includes a new way to organise files by type called Libraries, which enables you to view files stored in various folders in a single view. For example, photographs stored in separate folders, and even on external storage devices, can all be viewed by double-clicking the Photos Library.

Microsoft said it was determined not to allow compatibility issues to undermine the success of Windows 7, and would release selected parts of the software code to more than 10,000 companies that joined the Windows Ecosystem Readiness programme.

Daniel Weisbeck of creative software vendor Corel said Microsoft invited his company to see its Windows 7 plans early on. "The biggest update is definitely the introduction of Windows Touch, which will enable us to move beyond the traditional software-menu to create new ways for people to interact with their software."

An evaluation version of the operating system is available so home PC users can decide whether they want to upgrade. It is a fully functional test version that will last until June 2010. A Workshop on installing and using Windows 7 Release Candidate 1 will appear in the next issue of Computeractive published on 25 June.