gmb45
5th June, 2009, 07:00 PM
The next generation of Windows will be launched this autumn with a touch sensitive screen which could spell the end of the mouse.
Microsoft announced it will roll out Windows 7, which will take the place of the unpopular Windows Vista, from October 22.
The launch is months ahead of schedule and the operating system will be ready for Christmas buyers.
Nine out of ten of the world's computers run on Windows software.
Last year the software giant made about a third of its ?60bn income from selling the operating system.
Windows Vista has been attacked for being too complicated and Microsoft bosses hope the new system will restore public confidence in the product.
Users with touch-sensitive screens will be able to control their computers with the touch of a finger, rather than with a keyboard and mouse.
The device, as popularised on the iPhone and iPod Touch by Apple, is a direct challenge to Microsoft's arch-rival.
Microsoft is battling against a growing market in netbooks - smaller PCs ideal for surfing online and emailing.
One of the leading manufacturers, Acer, has become the first to announce a line of small PCs to run Google's new Android operating system.
Free upgrades to the new system will be offered to computer buyers shortly ahead of the launch.
Microsoft said: "We?ve produced the best Windows operating system ever, designed according to how people want to use it.
"The primary focus throughout the development of Windows 7 has been quality."
Microsoft announced it will roll out Windows 7, which will take the place of the unpopular Windows Vista, from October 22.
The launch is months ahead of schedule and the operating system will be ready for Christmas buyers.
Nine out of ten of the world's computers run on Windows software.
Last year the software giant made about a third of its ?60bn income from selling the operating system.
Windows Vista has been attacked for being too complicated and Microsoft bosses hope the new system will restore public confidence in the product.
Users with touch-sensitive screens will be able to control their computers with the touch of a finger, rather than with a keyboard and mouse.
The device, as popularised on the iPhone and iPod Touch by Apple, is a direct challenge to Microsoft's arch-rival.
Microsoft is battling against a growing market in netbooks - smaller PCs ideal for surfing online and emailing.
One of the leading manufacturers, Acer, has become the first to announce a line of small PCs to run Google's new Android operating system.
Free upgrades to the new system will be offered to computer buyers shortly ahead of the launch.
Microsoft said: "We?ve produced the best Windows operating system ever, designed according to how people want to use it.
"The primary focus throughout the development of Windows 7 has been quality."