The next version of Windows operating system, the seventh, must honor promises not fulfilled by Windows Vista. The new version is already being analyzed by the U.S. government and, even without a definite name, has the "names" Vienna and Blackcomb, given by their developers.

A milestone version of the system is already on the Internet, but it is very unstable and has no guarantee from the company. The reference is "Windows 7 Milestone 1 (M1) Ultimate Edition Build 6.1.6519.1" and is not very different from the current Windows Vista. In addition, to use it it is necessary to install it over Vista, that is, it is not yet possible to format the HD and perform the installation from zero.

At first, Windows 7 should be ready at the end of 2009, unless it is late as Vista and initially presents itself with Aero look with light touches. Microsoft has stated, for the next official test versions, that it will release a new additional look to Aero.

In practice, the changes are very little significant, because if the internal code of the system is analyzed, it is Windows 6.1 (the same version of Vista SP1 and Windows Server 2008), but with a somewhat more advanced build. Vienna must bring the final versions of Internet Explorer 8, Windows Media Player 12 and DirectX 11, as well as the likely debut of WinFS (Windows File System), a promised feature since Vista's development. This is a new file system, superior to the current NTFS, which aims to be faster, safer and with fewer fragmentation problems.

[.via imasters.]