While Windows Vista (launched in early 2007) addressed a number of Window’s XP’s biggest issues, most notably a much needed security refresh, Microsoft’s most current operating system (OS) came with its own string of new headaches, like incessant pop-ups and some frustrating incompatibilities (not to mention its own set of flaws).
Despite what those Mac vs. PC commercials might say, Microsoft has been listening, and its answer is Windows 7.
It recently gave a preview version to a number of early-access developers and journalists, so let’s run down some of the highlights of their early impressions of this OS that could still be several years away.
Improved User Interface – Vista looks a lot like XP, an important thing for ease of transition from one operating system to the next.
So, naturally, Windows 7 will look an awful lot like Vista, but, that’s not to say that it won’t deliver a number of important additions, perhaps the biggest being a series of “gestures” that will interpret your mouse hovering over something as an indication that you’d like to see more information about it.
For those who didn’t know Windows is based on the original WIMP used on RISC OS machines which powered Archimedes machines, I know – I had one 
WIMP was what was displayed “Windows, Icons, Menu and Pointer” i think.
magic
Originally Microsoft had given Windows XP OEM licenses until 31st January 2009 however – Microsoft have eased off and renewed the deadline for OEM distributors to make Windows XP OEM licenses available up until 31st December 2009.