Microsoft Corp. says Windows 7 is complete, and has sent the final code for its next computer operating system to manufacturers for an Oct. 22 launch.

According to Microsoft, Windows 7 should be an easier launch than Vista, because at its core, the new version is a lot like Vista. If a company updated a product to work with Vista in the last few years, it should also work with Windows 7. Windows 7 has also progressed in an orderly way, which means outside companies have had more time to make sure their products will work. Vista was plagued by changes to Microsoft’s plans, leaving partner companies scrambling to keep up.

Microsoft has also built in a way for companies to run older, Windows XP programs in Windows 7, in an attempt to avoid losing those corporate customers that skipped Vista altogether because critical software wasn’t compatible. Companies that have long-term agreements to buy Microsoft software in bulk will be able to download and start installing Windows 7 in a few weeks, and starting Oct. 22, Windows 7 will come on new PCs, and be available for people to buy separately and install on their existing machines.

Source: AP