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Microsoft claims Windows 7 has been designed to cut through complexity and make it easier for people manage devices and access their files from multiple devices in any location. The operating system includes a new feature, called Home Group, to help consumers connect PCs together to access music, photos and more regardless of where it is stored.

The beta will feature a cleaner interface, and according to Microsoft, it will require fewer mouse clicks to access your files and applications. The OS will also boot faster, shows fewer pop-ups and helps extend battery life on notebook PCs, said Microsoft.

"I'm thrilled to announce the availability of the Windows 7 beta, which is on track to deliver simplicity and reliability," said Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. "Windows 7 and Windows Live are part of an incredible pipeline

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of consumer technology that is making it easier than ever for people to communicate, share and get more done."

According to the company, its Windows 7 developers surveyed more than a quarter of a million people to learn more about how they use a computer and digital devices, and also conducted thousands of online interviews, enlising 3,600 customers for user research and usability studies.

They said that while people enjoy the convenience and features of the many digital devices they have these days - from cameras to music players - they also want it to be easier to use their devices with their PCs, to do everyday tasks such as moving pictures from a camera to multiple PCs, or sharing music, or printing to a network.

"Windows 7 delivers on customer feedback and does a bunch of really important things that customers told us matter most to them. We're working hard and are on track to ensure it gives people a more responsive experience from boot-up to shut-down, so they can do the things they want to do more quickly," said Mike Ybarra, general manager for Windows.

"We're shipping the Windows 7 beta earlier than people expected, and with higher quality than people expected. It's a very stable platform and a complete release. It's going to be the foundation of what we push for on the PC."

Pick up the a copy of Computer Shopper issue 254 to find out just how good Windows 7 really is.