If you’re like a lot of people, you will be wondering why Microsoft’s latest incarnation of their new OS is going to be called Windows 7. Surely there have been more versions than just the 7? Well yes and no – I think most people are getting confused by the fact that some versions of Windows, weren’t actually major releases but were really evolutions of previous OS’s.

For instance – did you know that Windows 95, 98 and Me were all covered by the same version number? It’s also a surprise when you realise that Windows 2000 and XP are also covered by the same version number. If you have been involved with the system side of those two OS’s, you’ll know that they do share a lot of commonality. So, here is the definitive guide to the numbering of Windows and why Windows 7 is going to be called Windows 7:

As you can see from the table above, the development for the business market, and the home market remained separate, until Windows XP came on the scene – although the two sides shared common version numbers.

Hopefully that clears up why Windows 7 is going to be called Windows 7 and not 8 or 9 or something else.