Microsoft publicly launched a preview version of its next Windows operating system this week that includes an XP mode to entice business users who didn't make the switch to its current Vista operating system.

The release candidate of Windows 7 was officially made available for public download on the Microsoft website on May 5, five days after it was released to subscribers of certain Microsoft networks. Windows has still not said when it will officially launch the final commercial version of the operating system, although technology websites have suggested it could be by January 2010 or sooner.

The previous version of the operating system, Windows Vista, was released in January 2007, after numerous delays.

Users complained Vista was slow, was sometimes incompatible with devices such as printers, and had security features that led to frequent, annoying pop-up alerts. In addition, many computers that had been marketed as "Vista capable" even could not run the full version of the operating system.

Some computer vendors, such as Dell, began giving users the option of choosing Windows XP instead of Vista after an outcry from their customers. Microsoft slashed the price of the boxed version of Vista in 2008 in an effort to boost sales.

Worked to address complaints

Microsoft said it has tried to address some of the complaints with Windows 7, which promises fewer security alerts and better device compatibility. Many of the changes promoted on the Windows 7 website are cosmetic changes such as a full-screen previews for the task bar and an upgraded file search function.

The "professional" and "ultimate" editions of the software target businesses with security features targeted at remote workers, as well as a special mode that allows users to run applications for XP, the Windows version before Vista. The mode is not compatible with all Intel processors, especially those found in many laptops.

Bob Fortier, president of Innovisions Canada, a consulting company that helps companies plan for and manage remote and mobile workers, said that from his experience, Vista is not being used by most organizations.

"Most companies haven't even switched to XP," he said, adding that really large companies have technology that lags by five or even 10 years.

His own company chose not to switch to Vista when it replaced two computers two years ago.

"We know XP, we're familiar with it, our people know it … it's working well, it's very stable, why switch?" he said.

But he said for those companies that do use XP, and are thinking of upgrading to Windows 7, the XP mode is a good idea and may encourage some businesses to make the switch.

"I think that's great," he said.

Fortier also said he also likes the idea of features in Windows 7 that allow workers to connect securely to a company network without using virtual private networks, which are often too cumbersome and expensive for smaller businesses.

Windows 7 also includes more tools to allow companies to lock down and control mobile computer resources centrally. Anil Somayaji, a Carleton University professor who researches computer security, including operating systems, said similar features have made Research in Motion's BlackBerry popular among businesses.

However, he said there is a trade-off, as it prevents legitimate users from customizing the computer and adding applications that could improve productivity.

In most ways, Somayaji said, Windows 7 is very similar to Vista.

Microsoft is promising a Windows 7 version that, unlike Vista, will run on netbooks: tiny, low-powered computers designed primarily for e-mail and surfing the web. However, Windows 7 will only allow the netbook to run three applications at a time.

Somayaji said for most netbook users, that is probably as many as they technically need.

"What's more interesting is just how users will perceive these kinds of trade-offs."