The next version of Microsoft’s Windows operating system is set to launch on October 22, 2009.  This new release will be the next step from Windows Vista, which most businesses I know have skipping in favor of remaining with Windows XP.

For most businesses, especially the ones I work with, this will probably be a non-issue for a while.  Everyone expects a new operating system to be buggy or incompatible with their software.  While I know that will inevitably be the perception, I contend that Windows 7 will be solid and usable from day one.

In fact, I have been using Windows 7 on my 4-year-old laptop for a couple months.   I had only one minor snag with the video card driver, but that’s ATI’s fault for not updating their driver with the release of Windows Vista.  Even with the driver problem, my display is still fine using the standard video driver, and my screen is running full color at it’s natural resolution of  1680×1050.

Windows 7 has some nice visual improvements as well as some streamlined functionality, including a redone task bar and start menu.  File management and  network connectivity also got some developer attentionThere are a slew of extra features in Windows 7, most of which will likely go unnoticed to the average user.  Much of this is good news for IT administrators, like myself, because it means more compatibility, stability, and  increased functionality.

This is not just another name for Windows Vista, although I think that Windows Vista got an unfair stigma associated with it.  This was mostly because of their annoying administrative pop-ups (which were easily mitigated, by the way).  People really shouldn’t hesitate to upgrade to Windows 7 if their computer can handle it and their custom software is compatible.  My rule of thumb would be that any computer under 2 years old should be able to handle it (like I said, mine is 4 years).

With three months to go until the release date, I really encourage folks to consider Windows 7.  I am personally going to wait to replace my ancient laptop until after the Windows 7 release.  Microsoft is even offering an unprecedented $50 off any pre-release orders.  Now is the time to jump on the Windows 7 bandwagon!