Today, Microsoft releases updates to both it’s desktop and server operating systems:
Windows 7
Windows 7 marks the latest edition of the Microsoft Windows desktop workstation operating system. While its predecessor, Windows Vista, introduced quite a few new features, the Windows 7 release is a more focused, incremental upgrade to the Windows product line, geared toward being more “user-centric”, according to Microsoft. Improvements include a redesigned Windows Shell, a home networking system called HomeGroup, and other general performance improvements.
Windows 7 will be available in six different editions, but only Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate will be widely available from retail outlets. The other editions are focused on other markets, such as the developing world or enterprise use.
The Windows 7 Family Pack Upgrade edition is also available, which will license the update of three machines from any 2000 (any edition), XP (any edition), or Vista (Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium editions) to the Windows 7 Home Premium edition.
See more details at Microsoft’s website: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/
Windows Server 2008 R2
Often referred to as “Windows 7 Server”, Windows Server 2008 R2 is also now available. This update to the server line of operating systems introduces several significant enhancements. New features include new virtualization features within Hyper-V, new Active Directory features, IIS 7.5, and support for 256 processors. Most notably, support for 32-bit x86 architecture processors has been removed in this release.
For more details on the new and updated features in the Windows Server 2008 R2 release, visit http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/r2-compare-features.aspx
