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Microsoft launched the latest version of its Windows operating system today in a bid to 'make it easier for people to do the things they want on a PC'. Windows 7 aims to improve on its predecessor Vista by simplifying everyday tasks after listening to feedback from billions of customers around the world.
Online retailer Amazon.co.uk said the operating system was now its 'biggest grossing pre-order product of all time', having overtaken the likes of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and Nintendo Wii.
Sales may have been bumped by the well-received Beta version, which had favourable reviews from various technology websites.
The latest features include a redesigned taskbar with less clutter, a tool showing the status of connected devices including cameras and mobile phones, and quicker, slicker previews of an application's open windows.
James Gorbold, deputy editor of Custom PC, said: 'It's a massive step forward from Vista.'
He said Vista was annoying frustrating, and came at too high a price while Windows 7 'sorts out these problems and adds lots of useful features'.
'It's a lot faster and much more responsive,' he said.
The versions PC users are most likely to see for sale are the Home Premium and Professional editions. A Home Premium software upgrade will cost £79.99 until 1 January 2010, at which point it will go up to £99.99. The full version costs £149.99.
Leila Martine, head of Microsoft UK's Windows consumer business group, said: 'The development of Windows 7 was a huge collaborative project that involved listening to the feedback from millions of people around the world.'
Microsoft hopes Windows 7 will put it back in contention with Apple, which saw profits soar to £1billion between July and September this year. The software giant even plans to open its own chain of branded shops.
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