Windows 7 Alpha has been released and promises an change for Microsoft. A big surprise is many of the applications that have been stuffed into windows for years will be taken out. Outlook Express, Movie Maker, Windows Photo Gallery. The plan is to make the O/S a bit thinner. The applications along with other will be available for download via Windows Live.

It would seem Microsoft is positioning Windows Live to become a search and services portal and by somewhat forcing Windows users through the site there hoping some will stay and steer away from Google.

A key aspect of Windows 7 is it being coded in a more modular way. The same basic pipes are still there but the plan is by modular coding and testing they can have a more secure infrastructure and fewer bugs. This is really a result from the Vista burn that Microsoft is still shaking off today. A big feature set Microsoft is working with vendors on is faster booting and load times and improved accessory management (play DVDs without Booting the entire O/S).

I have to admit I am excited about the upcoming release. It seems Microsoft really gets it right about every other release so if things hold true it should be a winner. I read Steve Balmer is pressing the schedule of the release up nearly two years, if this is true and he pushes to hard not allowing time for testing it could be a disaster. Time will certainly tell.