Traditional live support via the phone, e-mail and chat are still available, but Microsoft has added new resources. For example, there is support through Twitter, a library of software "fix its" that can help consumers solve problems with a single click, and other diagnostic and repair tools available through Windows 7 itself.

"Windows XP had little built-in support, and Windows Vista included some diagnostics to assess network connectivity issues," said Lori Brownell, general manager of product quality and online support at Microsoft. "But Windows 7 truly reflects broad customer feedback that has enabled us to build a comprehensive set of resources that solve customers' most pressing problems and even keep them ahead of potential problems."

Easy, Quick Windows Installs

According to Roger Kay, principal analyst at Endpoint Technologies Associates, Windows 7 is the best OS that Microsoft has ever built. Because it's a highly stable environment that delivers information faster, more securely, more flexibly, and in a better organized manner, he said, businesses can see tangible benefits and real ROI immediately. "No need to wait for Service Pack 1 to reap the rewards," Kay said.

As part of the run-up to the Windows 7 launch, Kay did a study for Microsoft that examined the experiences of early adopters in the small and midsize business community. Kay reported a great degree of unanimity in opinions about the new OS and future plans.

Specifically, out of 16 companies interviewed, all but one said Windows 7 saved them time in three general categories: Faster install time, faster boot/shutdown/suspend/resume, and a hundred savings a day of a few seconds apiece from more convenient, more accessible navigation and search.

"The majority of these beta testers either plan to deploy Windows 7 more fully across their organizations or have already done so. In one case, a Microsoft distribution partner recently converted 100 percent of his machines," Kay said, noting that factors limiting fuller deployment include tight budgets and the adequacy of existing systems rather than compatibility issues or a dislike of the new software.

Predicting Windows 7 Success

Given the extremely positive reception garnered by Windows 7 even before its official launch and the stability of the system in advance of any service packs, Kay is predicting that businesses will adopt Windows 7 earlier than previous versions of Windows.

In general, he noted, PC shipments correlate with economic variables like GDP and consumer confidence as well as follow a seasonal pattern. No technology introduction has had a truly significant impact on PC shipments since Windows 95. This time, however, Kay expects to see a significant pop in commercial shipments in 2010.

"All stars are aligned: Companies have been holding back due to the recession and a dislike of Windows Vista, and their machines are old. The new system is much better and presents an inviting platform for improved productivity just as the recession is nearing its end and budgets are opening up," Kay said.

Kay's conclusion: Windows 7 will likely be a boon to the whole Windows ecosystem -- Microsoft, component suppliers, contract manufacturers, branded system vendors, independent software vendors, and IT services companies -- as well as to IT shops that purchase the new OS and end users who use it.