Microsoft has released a beta version of its new operating system, Windows 7.

 

January 14, 2009: Microsoft has released a beta version of its new operating system, Windows 7.
Designed as an improved version of the current Vista OS, it is touted as being “more user-centric” and focusing on performance improvements and addressing problems with the current Vista OS. Windows 7 includes advances in speech, touch and handwriting recognition plus support for virtual hard disks and multi-core processors. It also offers faster boot-up and shut-down times and speedier access to files and documents.
New items added to the Control Panel include a Display Colour Calibration Wizard, Recovery, Troubleshooting, Workspaces Centre, Location and Other Sensors, Credential Manager, Biometric Devices, System Icons, Clear Type Text Tuner and Display controls. Windows Security Centre has been renamed the Windows Action Centre and covers both security and computer maintenance.
A new Quick Launch toolbar has been merged with the task buttons to create a “Superbar” with a Jump Lists feature for quick access to common tasks. A new Peek feature allows all visible windows to be made transparent for a quick overview of what’s on the desktop. Windows 7 will also support colour depths of 30-bit and 48-bit, along with the scRGB wide colour gamut. The latter can be converted for HDMI 1.3 and output as xvYCC. Video is supported in -bit sRGB, 24-bit sRGB, 30-bit sRGB, 30-bit with extended colour gamut sRGB, and 48-bit scRGB.
Details of the new system and Beta trial downloads can be found at www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/.