It appears that Microsoft is inching closer to completing its much-anticipated operating system (OS), Windows 7. According to reports, the new OS should be headed to manufacturing in one week, on July 13th, just in time for the Worldwide Partner Conference (WPC09) in New Orleans.

Tech blog Geeksmack has confirmed that Windows 7 will indeed be "Released to Manufacture," otherwise known as RTM, a week from today. However, the Redmond-based company plans to test the new operating system right up until the end, in an attempt to work out all of the kinks prior to July 13th.

MS Seeks Redemption over Vista Criticism

Microsoft has assured insiders that the version of Windows 7 headed to manufacture (and retail by October 22, 2009) will be smoother, quicker, and less bug-ridden than its predecessor, Windows Vista. (Source: geeksmack.net)

As most of us are aware, this is a big step for Microsoft in its crusade to regain consumer confidence in the software market. Opinions of the company spiraled downward after the 2007 release of Vista, which many felt was too slow, experienced too many compatibility issues with a slew of third-party products.

In short: Vista felt like a step backward from Windows XP, which many businesses and home users decided was a better fit for their uses. In fact, many consumers to this day have chosen to use XP and wait for Windows 7, which many hope will rectify the problems experienced since Vista's launch two and a half years ago.

Several websites will be running their own tests of the Windows 7 RTM build when it's shipped to manufacturing next week. Reports suggest TechNet, MSDN, and several other yet unnamed sites will have their own copies of the OS on July 13th.

Win7 Ahead of Schedule

One of the most surprising parts of the RTM announcement is the date. Previously, Microsoft had promised such a build by the end of July, meaning the RTM is at least a week or so ahead of schedule. Many are floored by Microsoft's energy on this one, given the company's history of delays.

It just goes to show that Windows 7 is an exceptionally important product for the ubiquitous software firm, which should be stinging from the Vista criticism for a good long time. (Source: arstechnica.com)