Microsoft Launches Windows 7

January 8, 2009 5:37 a.m. EST

Las Vegas, NV (AHN) - Microsoft Corporation released on Wednesday a trial version of Windows 7 to programmers. On Friday it will release the same version to consumers willing to try it on their computers.

Windows 7 is a follow-up to Microsoft's Windows Vista operating system which had bad reviews. Microsoft targets to release the final version of Windows 7 next year, with the expectation it will address the flaws complained by users in Vista.

Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer said at the Consumer Electronic Show, "We are on track to deliver the best Windows ever... Windows will remain the center of people's technological solar system."

Ballmer also announced on Wednesday the use of Microsoft's search engine on new computers made by Dell and a five-year exclusive agreement with Verizon Wireless to install Windows Live search software on majority of mobile phones sold by Verizon.

Vista was launched by Microsoft in January 2007. Users said it slowed down their PCs and it caused difficulty interacting with other devices such as cameras and cellphones. Despite the bad press Vista got, it sold 180 million copies. Microsoft insists 90 percent of its buyers were satisfied with Vista.

Windows 7 will facilitate search and retrieval of files such as photos, movies or documents from other machines on the same network. It will also have a quick start page whenever a device is plugged into a PC for the first time.