Microsoft Justifies Its Windows 7 Naming Decision
Posted 10/15/08 at 02:27:43 PM by Alex Castle
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Two days ago, Microsoft announced that the code name “Windows 7” was in fact more than a code name, and that the OS would actually be released under the moniker. Since then, there’s been some head-scratching about what exactly Windows 7 will be the seventh of. Today, Mike Nash posted again to clear up the confusion, and explain exactly how Microsoft arrived at the name.
In brief, Nash explained that the up through Windows 3.0, each release got its own number. Then, they started getting a little more conservative with release numbers, with NT still being part of version 3, and all the 9x platforms making up 4.0. 2000 and XP comprised number 5, and Vista is 6.0.
So, naturally it’s called Windows 7 because it’s Windows 7.0, right?
Err, no. Windows 7 is actually Windows 6.1. He explains the reasoning for this as follows:
“We learned a lot about using 5.1 for XP and how that helped developers with version checking for API compatibility. We also had the lesson reinforced when we applied the version number in the Windows Vista code as Windows 6.0-- that changing basic version numbers can cause application compatibility issues.”
So Windows 7 is certainly not the seventh Windows release, and it’s not Windows 7.0, either. It’s just… Windows 7. What do you think of the name? Hit the jump and let us know.
Mickey Mantle's Number!
Submitted by gleep on Thu, 10/16/2008 - 9:37am
Since Microsoft had Seinfeld in their commercials, they must get the George Costanza character to be in the commercials for Microsoft 7.
Submitted by sjl1986 on Thu, 10/16/2008 - 7:02am
Personally I don't know why they ever strayed from the naming scheme they started with Windows 95, and followed with 98, 98se, and 2000. They also do the same with Windows server editions. It's much easier to remember a year than it is a version number. Understandably most software needs version numbers because they are updated many more times than once a year, but an OS would have no problems with that.
Apparently MS doesn't learn....
Submitted by ghot on Thu, 10/16/2008 - 4:22am
Yes it seems that MS is adding more crap to Vista and calling it a new OS.
Yes it doesn't matter what they call it...just make it work properly.
Yes Openoffice 3.0 just came out....run MS run!
Yes Linux IS the wolf scratching at your' door MS.....run MS run!
Yes, MS if you don't start placing functionality above bling, you're going to lose the OS war!
Yes, mean, lean and functional IS important....not what it's called or how shiny it is!
Yes, if you don't get rid of that stupid ribbon bar, I'm personally flying to Redmond to explain to you why it's assine, so even YOU can understand! run MS run!
Submitted by jvc08 on Wed, 10/15/2008 - 6:18pm
they said it's windows version 6.1, then, it should be called 6.1!
Submitted by ioftro on Wed, 10/15/2008 - 3:59pm
The name of the o.s. is not all that important. They can call the next windows, Windows Junk and nobody would really care. If it works better than the previous versions and word is spread, people will buy it. It's the experience of the first thousand or so users that will propel a good product and not the name.
WINDOW 7 is a good name though. It's more on the safe side and if it performs well, people will forgive and forget the vista blunder. Don't forget that consumers want value for their money. Make it affordable, stable and useful and prove that the apple mac ads are false. Then maybe, I will switch to Windows 7 and say bye bye to XP.
Submitted by bcweir on Wed, 10/15/2008 - 2:53pm
So instead of Windows being an all new OS, it's going to be Windows Vista Second Edition?
Submitted by Budgetperson on Wed, 10/15/2008 - 2:08pm
Haha that is interesting....
First Core i7 then Windows 7.. haha found that weird.
Like other posters, I definetly hope they stick to this naming scheme.. instead of jumping around.
But to me it doesnt really matter.. but I still dont know which one came first, WinME or 2000?
(I'm pretty sure ME though)
www.upbeatpc.com
2000
Submitted by patrickmaher on Wed, 10/15/2008 - 3:30pm
2000 was first. 2000 was not meant for home use. ME differed in the naming of certain items compared to 2000/98 and it had system restore, those new names and system restore carried over to XP.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Microsoft_Windows#Windows_2000
I think it's 7 because that
Submitted by brainwins on Wed, 10/15/2008 - 12:49pm
I think it's 7 because that number is associated with a bunch of "good" stuff.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven
Submitted by Mjolnir on Wed, 10/15/2008 - 12:45pm
I just hope they stick with this naming scheme. The idea of coming up with new odd names is just a pita. With this format it will be easy to keep track of which version came before which for the years to come.
It's kind of goofy that the
Submitted by theplustwo on Wed, 10/15/2008 - 12:10pm
It's kind of goofy that the actual release version number will be 6.1 but how often do you ever even see that number? It basically makes no difference so I guess if it means increased compatibility then it's all good.
7
Submitted by KOMMANDER on Wed, 10/15/2008 - 11:59am
I like the name just hope that it lives up to the hype. I by-passed Vista and decided to wait till Windows 7 comes out, of course I will wait for about 6 months after its release to let the major bugs get worked out but yep I will at that time switch the whole family over. One things for sure when someone ask what version of windows your running typing in 7 is gonna be easy. KOMMANDER
My thoughts
Submitted by zstadt on Wed, 10/15/2008 - 11:56am
I think Microsoft can call it whatever the hell they want. If people are going to gripe about its name, how will they react to the product itself? We shall see.
Submitted by lostcause64 on Wed, 10/15/2008 - 11:52am
I just got the same headache I get when I listen to politicians explain something...
John
Try to be smarter than the object you're working with! It will make things easier, and might just save your life...
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