Windows XP, the predecessor to Windows Vista.

Now the eagerly awaited Windows 7 Release Candidate 1 will be posted to members of Microsoft\’s Developer Network and TechNet for download on April 30. RC1 will be made generally available on May 5

Windows 7 has been pretty much completed from a usability perspective for a while, with people already using the operating system at work.

Windows 7 is delivered as final product, unless major bugs or faults are uncovered. Microsoft pointedly did not give a date for Windows 7\’s release to manufacturing when it announced the RC and has been clinging to a 2010 time frame.

Consumers are expected to get Windows 7 on new PCs and as boxed product starting in September and October or the holiday shopping season a little later.