The Windows client operating system will eventually lose its beta tag, but not its code-name as Microsoft opts for "simplicity" with its naming conventions, Nash said on the Vista team blog.

The release is the seventh version of Windows since its inception.

The company may be hoping it can tap into the mythical qualities of the number, which has held significance for Pythagoreans, Babylonians, Egyptians, Jews, Muslims and Christians throughout history. In mediaeval times, there were the Seven Champions. There are the famed Seven Kings of Rome and the Seven Last Words along with the Seven Sages, Seven Wise Masters, Seven Seas and Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

But, of course, there also are the seven deadly sins. Some critics may want to add an eighth after the beating has taken since its release.

Microsoft plans to the first pre-beta of Windows 7 later this month to attendees at its Professional Developers Conference, which begins Oct. 27 in Los Angeles.