Windows Release Date

SEATTLE (AP) - It's looking like an October release date for the latest version of Windows. Microsoft is out what what's known as
the "release candidate" of its Windows 7 operating system. The release is being offered to a large group of technology-savvy
testers. It will be available for anyone who wants to download and try out on May 5.

The new version adds several new features to the operating system, including a way for users to run Windows XP
applications. Back when Microsoft released Vista's "release candidate" version, the product went for sale five months later.
If the same timetable is followed now, Vista would be ready by the start of October.

Microsoft is counting on Windows 7 to win over businesses that put off upgrading to Vista, which got off to a rough start because it didn't work well with many existing programs and devices.