Microsoft has officially launched Windows 7 locally for installation on new computers and for purchase in computer retailers across Kenya. Windows 7 is Microsoft’s newest version of its popular Windows desktop operating system, which promises to be the best yet to be distributed by the company. As each version of Windows was released over the years, more features, better ways of working together with team members, staying in touch with friends and family, and general computer usage have been refined and simplified to allow almost anyone to quickly learn how to use a computer. With Windows 7, Microsoft believes to have taken its research and development of the software to another level of improvement.  

“A billion Windows users worldwide gave Microsoft a great opportunity to listen and learn. That is how the company developed Windows 7.Windows 7 represents years of in-depth listening to our customers and partners around the globe, and is the most well-researched, well-planned Windows release ever,” said Louis Otieno, General Manager, Microsoft East and Southern Africa. “Eight million people took part in our Windows 7 beta testing program worldwide, including Windows users from across the African continent. This input and feedback helped shape Windows 7 into a product that people really wanted. “Notably 91 percent of Windows 7 Release Candidate testers told us they would recommend Windows 7 - we are incredibly excited and humbled at the response so far,” Otieno added. “No matter where users intend utilising Windows 7, it has something for everyone: For consumers - Microsoft designed Windows 7 to be more reliable, more responsive, and to make the things customers do every day easier.  For small to medium sized businesses - Windows 7 is the best operating system for work, whether people work From their company office, from home or on the go. Windows 7 works the way you want enables you to get more done and keeps your work safe. For enterprises - Windows 7 was designed to meet the rigorous demands of the enterprise. It makes users productive anywhere, delivers enhanced security and control to reduce risk, and streamlines PC manageability to reduce costs. Matthew Rudd – Regional Manager Comztek East Africa Limited, a Microsoft partner, said: “A major plus for Comztek is the savings in hardware upgrades that will result from the Windows 7 rollout. The much faster interface inherent in Windows 7 has breathed new life into the older machines negating the need to replace or upgrade these for at least another year.”  Microsoft has developed different versions of Windows 7 to cater to for the different things people want to do with their PC: Windows 7 Starter and Windows 7 Home Basic – ideal for first-time PC-buyers or those looking to purchase a PC loaded with Windows 7 on a budget ,Windows 7 Home Premium – the best edition for consumers, Windows 7 Home Premium provides the best gaming and entertainment experience on your PC,Windows 7 Professional is ideal for the small to medium sized business user and has all the features you need to do your job, along with all the great media and entertainment features of Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 7 Enterprise and Windows 7 Ultimate are the most versatile and powerful editions and are designed to address the needs of both enterprise customers and consumers who run high-end computers and want every feature of Windows 7. Windows 7 is available in 14 languages today including English, French and Portuguese and 19 further languages by 31 October.  Microsoft is working to ensure Windows 7 will be available in local African languages within 18 to 24 months.At the same time Windows 7 is available on new computers and at certified Microsoft resellers.