Today is the Windows 7 Launch. Much hype surrounds today, because this could be Microsoft's best OS since XP. Vista was critical hated, and still is today. However, after 3 years since its release, I don't believe it deserves all the abuse it still gets. Though the failing of Vista, will certainly help Windows 7's certain success.

Before the Vista launch, the release had mixed reactions. The OS itself was shaping up to be a huge improvement over the ageing Windows XP. Shiny new interface and tons of new features. Although, the OS looked solid, support from vendors and pressure to release Vista on time was likely to hinder the launch. Delays to fix and fine tune Vista was the start of the problems. Microsoft wanted Vista out of the door before Christmas, a lot of pressure was applied to make sure this happened. Vista was rushed out of the Redmond doors before it was stable. Not enough time was given for Hardware vendors to get drivers sorted for the new OS.

When Vista was released in January, there were 3 main problems:

• Terrible Hardware/Software Support – Vendors had not been given enough time to support the new OS. Hardware and Software failed to work with Vista, and if they did, not very well.
• Unstable – Vista was rushed to be released, was not fully tested.
• High System Requirements – Vista was a big jump from XP, most people's computers could not run it.

These main problems plagued Vista for many months. Most of these problems were solved, but sadly no one forgot about them. Critics still criticise the OS, Businesses and Home users have not bothered to try it again and Apple has done extremely well exploiting the issues with Vista.

People mentioning how bad Vista is today, tick me off. Windows Vista is a great OS. I personally really like the look of the OS, has many great features and in some areas, it does perform quicker than XP (some games, can utilise more RAM and Dual/Quad Core). People who complain about Vista, should stop living in 2007 and look at Vista in 2009. Hardware/Software issues were fixed by vendors releasing new drivers and updates. Vista has had two service packs which have made Vista more stable and quicker. People have now purchased newer computers, to meet the system requirements. The problems of Vista are now solved, people can enjoy using a good OS.

Now, with the release of Windows 7, which is shaping up to be one of Microsoft's best products. Windows Vista will go down in history as being one of Microsoft's worst. I believe it was Windows Vista's failings which has helped Windows 7 become a success. Two reasons I believe this. First, Microsoft have had a wake up call, and realised that they can't release another product unstable again. They made excellent decisions by having a long testing process and releasing Windows 7 beta & RC to the public. Secondly, Windows 7 has the same problems as Windows Vista! The difference is that these problems have been fixed, thanks to Windows Vista.

• Hardware/Software Support – Windows XP hardware drivers and applications wont run in Windows 7, like with Vista. The difference, this time round, is that vendors have released updates which will allow hardware/software to work with Windows Vista & 7.
• Stability – Windows 7 has been in testing, really since the development of Windows Vista. All the bugs and crashes found in Vista will not happen in 7, because they have been fixed in Vista. Windows 7 is made up of Vista with all the fixes and a few more.
• High System Requirements – Windows 7 suffers from the same high requirements as Vista. Though actually, 7's system requirements are higher. Windows 7 requires 1GB RAM, while Vista only needs 512MB. The difference this time, is that people now have newer computers, they will not suffer the same problems as they did with the XP to Vista upgrade.

Essentially, think it like this. If Windows 7 was released in January 2007, it will go down in history as Microsoft's worst OS.