Okay, so maybe Vista wasn't the most fantastic of operating systems ever to invade your PC (the least fantastic being ME) but now the Steve Balmer-lead Microsoft is already talking follow-up. In this blog, Corporate VP, Windows Product Managemet (sic), Mike Nash gives the reasons for the new name.

"The decision to use the name Windows 7 is about simplicity.

"Over the years, we have taken different approaches to naming Windows. We've used version numbers like Windows 3.11, or dates like Windows 98, or 'aspirational' monikers like Windows XP or Windows Vista.

"And since we do not ship new versions of Windows every year, using a date did not make sense. Likewise, coming up with an all-new 'aspirational' name does not do justice to what we are trying to achieve, which is to stay firmly rooted in our aspirations for Windows Vista, while evolving and refining the substantial investments in platform technology in Windows Vista into the next generation of Windows.

Simply put, this is the seventh release of Windows, so therefore 'Windows 7' just makes sense."

Riiiight, so Windows 7 is not aspirational although it does "stay firmly rooted in our aspirations". And unlike the datey versions, it "makes sense". Phew.

You'll be able to find out more about the O/S, "In a few weeks", when "we are going to be talking about the details of this release at the PDC and at WinHEC. We will be sharing a pre-beta "developer only release" with attendees of both shows and giving them the first broad in-depth look at what we've been up to. I can't wait for them to see it."

Huzza! Time to start investing in RAM and GFX cards maybe?

Full spiel is here.