Microsoft releases near-final version of Windows 7

Do I have to buy #7 of windows operating system? Okay, I will wait for #999 of it.

when I moved to Ubuntu Linux a while back, I was struck by how many programs I really had on my system and how everything was free. I no longer needed to download trial/shareware nonsense that may have compromised my security. As a result, my computer is not prone to crash, nor am I supporting crackers and malcontents. I finally just use my computer, not worry about downloading all the time.

I too am a fan of Linux but some of the programs I run need to be on windows, actually have a Linux certification. Without doubt there are many things and programs that Linux does better than windows such as overall operation but alas I am stuck with windows. Won't be upgrading to the new improved packaging with the same old program in inside though.

" adds a few new features, including a way to run Windows XP applications. "

Why is it touted as a "new feature" that an OS runs applications from an earlier version? Shouldn´t that be a matter of course??

I have a rock-solid way to run Windows XP apps ... I use Windows XP.

The Windows 7 “release candidate” will be available for anyone to download and try out on May 5.

If I was interested in trying out a new operating system, I'd try out linux long before I'd try out a new version of Windows.

GET A MAC.... Problem Solved!!!!!!

+1 for Ubuntu here. I'm using it on multiple computers and it just works. Easy to install, FREE, runs smoothly and more stably than any Windows install I can remember using.

Microsoft operating systems aren't "near final" until they get past Service Pack 2.

"near final"!?!?!?! Bwahahahahaha. I agree with JohnBecker, wait until after Service Pack 2. Then a few months later they'll announce Windows 8 coming soon, and delay its release, then announce support for all previous Windows will stop after Windows 8 is released. I really think that XP was a great OS, don't know why they had to make Vista. Now with Windows 7 sounds like Windows users may have to learn how to use it all over again. Being from Seattle, I hope that Microsoft does well. Personally I prefer to use MacOSX, though I am interested in trying out Linux.

I will take the penguin anytime. long live Linux. I have a vista machine and it crashes constantly. My linux machine runs like energizer bunny

with loads of bugs so we`re forced to upgrade for years