Well, we had to assume something would come after Vista -- or did we think Microsoft just folded its hands, looked at all it had created, and said, "It is good" in the Biblical way? Windows 7, ladies and gentleman. What cool name will the minds at Redmond give it this time? And will they continue with the Spanish version, e.g. Windows Caliente? Or perhaps try some other languages for future projects, like Window Well, we had to assume something would come after Vista — or did we think Microsoft just folded its hands, looked at all it had created, and said, “It is good” in the Biblical way? Windows 7, ladies and gentleman. What cool name will the minds at Redmond give it this time? And will they continue with the Spanish version, e.g. Windows Caliente? Or perhaps try some other languages for future projects, like Windows Akunamatata or Windows FeiChangHao? Who knows? But we have several years to find out: It’s slated for 2009 (but we all know how that works, so let’s plan for 2010). But the first known build of Windows 7 was identified as a Milestone 1 (M1) code drop and was sent to key Microsoft partners this month in both x86 and x64 versions. One of the next-gen OS’s coolest features that’s being discussed: the minimalistic version of the kernel, called MinWin (not to be confused with Windows 2008 Server Core). Back in October, our good friend Long Zheng (who no doubt appreciated my slight use of Chinese pinyin above) posted a demonstration of MinWin here that you might want to watch. Now, I am no fortune teller, but I foresee this next release causing controversy as people complain about it and cry about leaving Vista behind. (By then, of course, everyone will love Vista, and talk badly about their XP systems with words such as cartoon-ish.)Windows Grande Problemo. Catchy name. Software DevelopmentSmall and Medium Business