PCs come with Windows. Unless you've been into IT for over fifteen years or have taken the time and expense to try a rival operating system (and very few of us have), the presence of Windows on a PC is as inevitable and unquestioned as the presence of a mouse or keyboard. But ought this mean that we take Windows for granted, that we stick unquestioningly to the operating system that has sat on our computers ever since the first day we turned them on?

After all, not every version of Windows is the same, nor has it been. The current (albeit not for much longer - more of that later, though) version; Vista, has almost nothing in common with the original edition of Windows other than the name; after twenty-four years, this is hardly surprising. Indeed, it wasn't even until the mid-90s that Windows became the standard PC operating system that it is today; the now-near-universal notion that you turn on your computer and Windows opens immediately, with you doing everything you need to do through its system, really began with the '95 edition of the software.

And a new edition is poised to appear in October 2009 - Windows 7. The intention is that it should consign to history many of the problems inherent in Vista, and offer a huge leap forward for the millions of individuals and businesses still using an earlier version of the software (most likely XP - a recent study by Hitslink.com confirms that almost 72% of all PCs are currently running XP, out of a total of 93% of PCs running one form of Windows or another). However, if you are using Vista or XP, be it at home or for your business, why should you upgrade to 7?

Windows Vista has received a lot of criticism since its launch at the beginning of 2007. The unexpectedly high technical demands caused the software to function poorly on many computers that would be expected to run Windows without any difficulty. These high demands led to Vista having issues of stability and slow responses that infuriated ordinary users all over the world.

Windows 7 addresses these issues, as well as making further improvements in many other areas. Microsoft have made a great effort to improve the software's reliability in comparison to Vista. 7 has already won widespread applause for its much improved stability and consistency in keeping working even on technically limited machines - and working quickly, smoothly enough not to inhibit a user on a more limited machine. Microsoft have also sought to make Windows more intuitive - that is, to ensure that the software does what it is expected to do, that when the user wants something to happen, they can understand how to do it without having to reach for a large manual.

Many of Microsoft's rivals - most notably Apple - have turned out a steady stream of programs designed to feel natural and simple for even the least experienced user and Microsoft wants to make sure that Windows runs every bit as smoothly and easily. Much like watching a swan, the user's experience should be as smooth and graceful as can be, with no concern for the complexities of what's going on out of sight. Plus, of course, if Vista's problems can be eradicated, then fewer troubles will mean less time wrestling with the computer, a greater ease of use, and more efficient work.

7 also offers a much more secure computing experience. Windows' success has meant that it is more of a target for hackers and virus creators than its rivals and Microsoft has sought to create the most secure operating system on the market, so that you can feel confident that your work is safe. It can also help prevent against more physical, more human security threats - BitLocker technology built into 7 as standard can provide instantaneous encryption for all your sensitive data, so that if a laptop or drive is stolen, the information will be useless - and when you need to use it, you can access it with the simplest ID measures, safe in the knowledge that no-one will have touched it whilst you've been away.

A working environment that is smoother, more efficient, and safer - what more could you ask for? Installing Windows 7 on your office or home computers can make a significant difference to your business (particularly if coupled with a short training course to ensure that you or your staff know just how to get the best out of it), removing the problems caused by the limitations and failings of earlier operating systems. Windows 7 is almost here - and it can help your business to progress.