Windows 7 facts for kids
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| Developer | Microsoft Corporation |
|---|---|
| OS family | Microsoft Windows |
| Source model | Closed source / Shared source |
| Released to manufacturing |
July 22, 2009 |
| Latest release | 6.1 / February 22, 2011 |
| Repository |
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| Update method | Windows Update |
| Platforms | IA-32 and x86-64 |
| Kernel type | Hybrid |
| License | Proprietary commercial software |
| Preceded by | Windows Vista |
| Succeeded by | Windows 8 |
| Support status | |
| Mainstream support ended as of January 13, 2015. Extended support until January 14, 2020. |
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| Articles in the series | |
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Windows 7 is a version of Microsoft Windows, which is an operating system for computers. According to Microsoft, Windows 7 is faster, more reliable and more compatible than the previous version named Windows Vista.
The beta version of Windows 7 was released on January 9, 2009, and the release candidate was released on May 5. The final version of Windows 7 was sent to PC manufacturers on July 22, 2009, so that they have three months to change it and include it with their computers. Windows 7 was released to the public on October 22, 2009. Microsoft stopped providing security updates for Windows 7 on January 14, 2020.
Contents
Development
First, a beta version of Windows code-named Black-comb was planned as the successor to Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. Big features were planned for Black-comb, including an emphasis on looking for data and an advanced storage system named WinFS to enable such situations. However, an interim, minor release, codenamed Longhorn was announced for 2003, delaying the making of Black-comb. By the middle of 2003, however, Longhorn had gotten some of the features meant for Black-comb. After three major viruses exploited flaws in Windows operating systems within a short time in 2003, Microsoft changed its development priorities, putting some of Longhorn's major development work on hold while they made new service packs for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. Development of Longhorn Windows Vista was also reset, or delayed in September 2004. A number of features were cut from Longhorn.
Blackcomb was renamed Vienna in early 2006, and again to Windows 7 in 2007. In 2008, it was announced that Windows 7 would also be the official name of the operating system.
Early testing versions
Milestone 1
The first known build was called Milestone 1. It was just a customized version of Windows Vista and it had a send feedback feature since it was a pre-release version.
Milestone 2
The next build was called Milestone 2. It had a new taskbar and got Windows Live v 3.1.1.0.
Milestone 3
The third Milestone was released in September 2008. It looked like Vista, but it had a new Action Center instead of the Security Center. The action center shows messages for many more things, not just security for Windows.
Build 6801
Build 6801 was a customized version of Milestone 3 that was shown at the Professional Developers Conference and was given to the people that were there.
Pre-beta
Build 6933 was shown at PDC but was not given to the people attending. In December 2008, a leaked version of build 6956 was available for download on Peer To Peer Networks.
Beta
On January 9, 2009, build 7000 was released as a public beta. According to the Engineering Windows 7 team, they had a lot of feedback from users.
Release Candidate (RTM)
The Release Candidate was made available on May 5, 2009 and the build number is 7100.
Final version
Windows 7 was launched on October 22, 2009.
New and Changed Features
Windows 7 includes many new features, such as touching the screen, supporting virtual hard disks, being faster on multi-core processors and the taskbar is the biggest improvement. The taskbar allows users to pin the most frequently used programs. Also, the glass user interface, Aero, has been improved.
Windows 7 has removed Inkball, Windows Ultimate Extras, the classic Start Menu, Windows Mail, Windows Movie Maker, Windows Photo Gallery and Windows Calendar. Windows Mail, Windows Movie Maker, and Windows Photo Gallery were replaced by Windows Live Essentials. The Windows Live Essentials are not included in Windows 7. They have to be downloaded.
Editions
There are six editions of Windows 7, which are
- Starter (for low-cost Personal computers)
- Home Basic (released only in poor countries)
- Home Premium (for home users)
- Professional (for small businesses)
- Ultimate (all features)
- Enterprise (same as Ultimate, but for businesses)
| Preceded by Windows Vista |
Windows Versions 2009-2012 |
Succeeded by Windows 8 |
Images for kids
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Windows 7 live thumbnails, showing Internet Explorer 11 tabs
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Action Center window, showing no problem detected
See also
In Spanish: Windows 7 para niños
