Microsoft's official Windows 7 Compatibility Center will launch in conjunction with the software itself, according to a Windows 7 FAQ posted on the Microsoft Web site. The Compatibility Center will help you make sure that your devices and applications will work with the new OS before you upgrade.

Vista's Compatibility Center launched with a very different timeline: That service went online in July 2008, a full year and a half after Vista's release. And ironically, the Vista Compatibility Center also seemed to have some compatibility issues of its own-the site was completely inaccessible to users during its first days online.

Microsoft is no doubt hoping Windows 7's release and reception will be far less bumpy. If early coverage is any indication, that wish just may come true.

Don't take our word for it, though-try Windows 7 out for yourself. The Windows 7 Release Candidate is still available for download . Microsoft has said that functionality and features will remain relatively unchanged from that version to the final release.