Microsoft hopes for a fresh start with Windows 7

REDMOND, Wash.  — Microsoft Corp.‘s newest version of Windows has arrived. Windows 7 is available on new computers, and as an upgrade for some older PCs.

Microsoft hopes people like Windows 7 more than its predecessor, Vista, which tended to be slow and didn’t work well with existing programs and devices. Windows 7 promises to boot up faster and cut down on the clicks needed to get common tasks done.

Microsoft has also updated the look of Windows and added features to help people keep track of open programs or folders.

Thursday’s launch of Windows 7 comes as computer makers and retailers such as Best Buy Inc. are cutting prices for PCs to try to goose holiday-quarter sales.