Microsoft Windows 7 to go on sale in October

SAN FRANCISCO, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Microsoft Corp. on Tuesday confirmed that Windows 7, the next version of its operating system, will hit stores on Oct. 22, in time for the holiday shopping season, U.S. media has reported.

The new software will replace the current Windows Vista operating system, which has been the target of much criticism and negative press.

Microsoft said it plans to offer a guarantee program that would offer a free upgrade to Windows 7 for people who purchase computers installed with Windows Vista close to the launching date of Oct. 22, The Seattle Times newspaper reported on its website.

The software giant did not give details on the time frame of the upgrade program or the pricing for Windows 7.

Microsoft expects to wrap up development of Windows 7 by the middle or end of July, Bill Veghte, the company's senior vice president, was quoted as saying on Tuesday by the technology news website CNET.