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By George Norman - Software News Editor

Added on 06 Jul 2009(758 Views)

Reports on the web have it that the next iteration of the Windows-based operating system, mainly Windows 7, will reach RTM (release to manufacturing) status one week from today, on the 13th of July, the same day that the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference (WPC) 2009 will kickoff in New Orleans. The conference, which will take place through July 16th, is meant to provide “the partner community with a forum to learn about the latest Microsoft programs, strategies, and cutting-edge technologies.”

According to geek SMACK, they can confirm that Windows 7 RTM will be announced on June 13th. But then they go and say that their sources close to the Redmond-based software giant gave them the confirmation, not Microsoft itself. For that reason alone, I have decided to put this article in the “rumor mill” category in our filling cabinet.


“Through our sources close to Microsoft, we can now confirm that the Windows 7 RTM build that will be chosen over the next few days will be officially announced on July 13th, 2009. Microsoft is still in the process of testing and choosing from the RTM candidate builds as they need to ensure that all show-stopper bugs present in the OS have been eradicated to ensure as much of a smooth, bug-free release as possible. TechNet, MSDN, and other partner connections will be getting their hands on the RTM build shortly after, if not on the same day,” said geek SMACK.

Windows Communications Manager on the Windows Client Communications Team, Brandon LeBlanc, announced last month that Windows 7 RTM will drop in the second half of July, without providing an exact date. I personally hope that Windows 7 RTM will indeed be announced on the 13th.

After Windows 7 RTM, there is one more step in the evolution of Windows 7 and the development process of the operating system will be complete. This last step is Windows 7 GA (General Availability), which will occur on the 22nd of October. It is important that you do not get RTM mixed up with GA. Windows 7 RTM means that the OS is distributed to Microsoft partners and OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) so that they can work out any issues between Microsoft’s software and their hardware; GA represents the moment when you can walk into a retail store and pick a Windows 7 box set of the shelf.

How much with Windows 7 set you back when you want to purchase the OS? Estimated retail prices for upgrade packaged retail product of Windows 7 in the US of A are:
Windows 7 Home Premium (Upgrade): $119.99
Windows 7 Professional (Upgrade): $199.99
Windows 7 Ultimate (Upgrade): $219.99

And the estimated retail prices for full packaged retail product of Windows 7 in the US of A
Windows 7 Home Premium (Full): $199.99
Windows 7 Professional (Full): $299.99
Windows 7 Ultimate (Full): $319.99

Or you could pre-order and get Windows 7 Home Premium for $49.99 and Windows 7 Professional for $99.99 (limited time-offer deal, details here).

Now if you don’t want to pay, you could get Windows 7 RC and use that; the OS is available for download for free until August 15th and you can keep using it for free until August 1st, 2010 (details here).

In related rumor mill news, there is talk about selling Windows 7 on thumb drives and talk about a Windows 7 Family Pack.





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Tags: Microsoft, Windows 7 RTM

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