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Microsoft will release Windows 7 on Thursday. It is most likely to be the most popular version of its operating system since Windows XP launch in 2001.Microsoft is expected to give a tough competition to Apple and Google with the new OS.
The company is also expected to give more details on another big gamble -its first shops. Microsoft’s most challenging job is to tackle the rise of "the cloud" - vast data centres that host numerous software applications remotely, removing the need to buy upgrades in a box or maintain clunky hard drives in the home or office.
Google, the search giant, announced in the summer it would launch a free PC operating system, Chrome OS.
The unveiling of Windows 7 will take place at a press conference in New York on Thursday by, Microsoft’s chief executive, Steve Ballmer. It is also expected that further details on Microsoft’s plans for standalone stores promoting its software and devices, including the Xbox computer games console and mobile phones running Microsoft software will be provided at the conference.
Microsoft-watcher Matt Rosoff said, "Microsoft has a tough job to do convincing companies and consumers that an operating system still matters."
Microsoft’s last upgrade of Windows did not do well. Bugs plagued Vista after its launch in January 2007. Windows 7 has received favourable reviews and analysts hope it could kick start corporate IT spending.
