Technology Network

      The long wait has finally ended. Microsoft has proudly announced the availability of its next operating system Windows 7 for the Indian customers. It's about time that users should take a step ahead and upgrade their Windows XP/Vista PCs to Window 7. Microsoft Windows 7 Full Pack Product would be available in India at prices starting Rs. 5,899.

      Last October, Microsoft finalized Windows Vista's successor operating system as Windows 7. Steve Ballmer, Microsoft CEO, had showed off first beta of Windows 7 and after that came Release Candidate in May. After the bump ride journey with Windows Vista, Microsoft came out Windows 7 that looks like a smoother version of it.

      Windows 7 shines with new features like Aero Shake, Peek, Snap Jumps List and a totally revamped Task Bar. Several new features have been included in this operating system of which majority got mentioned in our Windows 7 Beta review. For multimedia, users can do more with photos, music, movies and videos. Then there's legendary XP mode for running old productivity applications.

      Microsoft offers Windows 7 in six editions of which two primary editions are Windows 7 Home Premium for home users and Windows 7 Professional for small and medium sized business. Other editions are Windows 7 Starter, Windows 7 Home Basic (for emerging markets), Windows 7 Enterprise and Windows 7 Ultimate.

      Windows 7 Starter edition comes for the netbooks. If you are a netbook owner (regardless of whether you are contemplating to move to Windows 7 or not) check our feature on bidding adieu to Windows XP.

The prices of various Windows 7 SKUs are as follows:

• Windows 7 Home Basic:        Rs. 5,899


• Windows 7 Home Premium:  Rs. 6,799


• Windows 7 Professional:      Rs. 11,199


• Windows 7 Ultimate:             Rs. 11,799

      Microsoft India didn't share prices of Windows 7 Starter edition and Windows 7 Enterprise editions as they aren't sold in as FPPs and both are OEM / license based.

      Now, since Windows 7 has arrived, be ready for a flood of new Windows 7 compatible hardware products and accessories in the coming weeks. From graphics cards to USB Flash Drive, makers would came out with respective device drivers for Windows 7.

      If you wish to experience Windows 7 before purchasing, download Windows 7 release candidate. And if you want to know what we like, then we just listed the seven things we love about Windows 7. Alternatively, you can grab your Windows 7 copy from the retailers, re-sellers or software vendors.

      Note that those who purchased Windows XP or Vista copy or PC pre-loaded with them after June 29, can apply for Windows 7 Upgrade Option Program. From October 31 onwards, Microsoft will roll out this program in 21 countries beyond the existing U.S., Canada and Japan. The offer is valid only on the system purchased from the participating PC and laptop manufacturers. Check out the Update Program page for more details.