Developers praised features such as the revamped task bar, Aero Peek GUI and touch-screen capability, while said it was just Vista with a prettier interface. That debate will carry on in 2009.

But despite the mounting pressure on Windows 7, the campaign for it has been subtle so far-at least by Microsoft standards. With all the news about and users , Windows 7 has been pushed into the shadows a bit, which is probably fine with Microsoft as it quietly positions Windows 7 as a lean, customer-focused OS designed to handle any and all compatibility issues.

The OS is also being positioned-by pundits and the press more than Microsoft-as a savior for the ailing Vista, and many industry experts believe rather than the anticipated release of early 2010.

It's a lot to ask of an OS to be a panacea, but if Windows 7 is rock solid and ships in a timely fashion, it could smooth over a lot of negative perceptions about Vista ... and Microsoft itself.

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