Microsoft to preview Windows 7

REDMOND, Wash., Oct. 26 (UPI) -- Microsoft Corp.'s release of its Windows 7 operating system could be vital to the U.S. company's future success, experts say.

Michael Cherry, an analyst for Directions on Microsoft, a firm that monitors developments at Microsoft, said increased competition from Apple Inc. and highly publicized problems with Microsoft's Windows Vista system have the computer group struggling to maintain its hold on the home computer industry, The Seattle Times reported Sunday.

"When I watch people leaving the Apple store, it's like a kid with a birthday present," said Cherry, referring to the apparent lack of concern in Apple owners compared with other personal computer owners.

Microsoft officials are to reveal the first details of the new operating system during this week's Professional Developers Conference in Los Angeles.

Lee Nichols, global-solutions director for Getronics, said when Windows 7 first arrives in U.S. stores in January 2010, the computing world will be eager to see if the computer company learned from its Vista troubles.

"They don't want to repeat a problem like we had with Vista, where Vista arrived and we just weren't capable of running it," Nicholls told the Times.