Microsoft stakes all on new Windows

Microsoft is releasing a new version of its Windows software that experts say could be make or break for the computer giant.

The firm has faced increased competition from Apple and small "netbooks" that run rival software.

Microsoft was heavily criticised for its current version of Windows, Vista, which many users claimed was slow and prone to crashes. The £80 software upgrade - Windows 7 - will be released on 22 October and Microsoft hopes many of the billion Windows users will upgrade.

"The Launch of Windows 7 is hugely important for Microsoft," said Paul Allen, editor of Computeractive magazine. "Vista has a stinker of a reputation and Microsoft has to address that."

Windows 7 features faster graphics and is more responsive. It will also allow users to control their computers using a finger on a touch sensitive screen, and Microsoft said it had undergone more testing than any other software it had released.

Leila Martine, Microsoft UK's Windows 7 product manager, said: "Customers made it clear they wanted something that was fast and reliable."

The Standard found Windows 7 isn't perfect - but it's a step in the right direction. It's very fast and responsive, even on the cheapest laptops. The question is why it took Microsoft so long to produce such an easy to use and reliable system.