Windows 7 made its official debut to the public on October 22, 2009 as the latest in the 25-year-old line of Microsoft Windows operating systems and as the successor to Windows Vista (which itself had followed Windows XP). Windows 7 was released in conjunction with Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 7’s server counterpart.
Enhancements and new features in Windows 7 include multi-touch support, Internet Explorer 8, improved performance and start-up time, Aero Snap, Aero Shake, support for virtual hard disks, a new and improved Windows Media Center, and improved security.
Another important change in Windows 7 is the replacement of Windows Vista’s Quick Launch toolbar with a new “Superbar” that makes it possible for applications to be pinned to the taskbar. The “Superbar” also adds features like Jump Lists and Aero Peek.
An initial service pack (SP) for Windows 7 is currently in development, with the official release of Windows 7 SP1 expected in early 2011.
