The new Microsoft Windows operating system will cost the same as comparable versions of the previous version, Windows XP, the company said Tuesday.

The software maker also said Windows Vista remains on track to be delivered to businesses in November and to consumers in January. During the past week we have been reviewing the new Vista. It is a big improvement and contains some very neat new elements such as a live currency converter that sits on the desktop, easy to navigate sections with a much improved install process.

Vista has a cleaner install process and a more accurate system performance rating tool, and a slicker 3D user interface.

However, the user account control is still an issue and I did have major problems trying to load new Adobe fonts. During the next week we wil run a full review of Vista including the new Media Centre software.