Posted 05/11/09 at 03:26:51 PM by Mark Edward Soper

Is it time to put a shiny new Windows 7-based computer on your holiday shopping list? Yes, it is.  Redmond has finally made it official - Windows 7 is coming out this year. In an interview with Cnet's Ina Fried, Microsoft Senior VP Bill Veghte confirmed that "We [Microsoft] are tracking well to a Windows 7 holiday."

So, what makes it possible to roll out Windows 7 early? Veghte points to a couple of factors:

• Excellent early feedback from Windows 7 RC
• Higher level of partner support for Windows 7, notably from graphics chip vendors as well as those already receiving Windows 7 logo certification

To learn more, keep an eye on the Microsoft Tech-Ed 2009 conference opening today in Los Angeles. If you're using Windows 7 RC as your primary OS, how close do you think it is to being "ready to roll?" Join us after the jump and tell us.

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