Intel Releases Windows 7 Graphics Driver

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Hardware vendors are getting an early jump on Microsoft's next OS to avoid Vista-style compatibility headaches.

 

In an effort to avoid compatibility problems that plagued the launch of Windows Vista, Intel is giving developers a jump on its Windows 7-based product line.

 

The company has released a pre-production version of Windows 7 drivers for graphics chipsets. The WDDM1.1 graphics driver is designed for "enabling the full Windows 7 experience," Intel said, noting that the driver is the result of ongoing collaboration with Microsoft.

 

 

"As a result of the collaboration, OEMs and beta users can stay in step with Windows 7 prereleases for smooth product development," Intel said

 

Drivers allow hardware components to communicate with a computer operating system. Windows 7, the successor to Windows Vista, is expected by industry observers to be released in late 2009 or early 2010.

 

 

 

When Vista launched in January of last year, many hardware makers -- including Intel -- didn't have fully compatible drivers ready. The problems marked the beginning of a slew of bad press for Vista that ultimately led many businesses and consumers to reject the OS

 

 

To avoid a repeat of those problems, Microsoft earlier this year ordered computer and other hardware makers to begin testing their devices on Windows 7 as soon as the first beta version becomes available

 

 

Source: InformationWeek