Q1: How does Windows 7 Solid Foundation make it a compelling platform for developers?

Great user experiences start with a solid foundation. Windows 7 delivers a solid development platform and innovative tools that give you more options, increased application compatibility, better performance, and sophisticated document support. This results in a simple, more reliable environment for your applications and a familiar, intuitive one for your users.

Improved fundamentals
Compatible: Works with your Windows Vista-based applications and devices

Secure: Greater flexibility with User Account Control (UAC) while keeping security a priority

Responsive: Improved system performance and resource management

Greater developer productivity
More powerful scripting automation with PowerShell 2.0

Enhanced MSI engine makes software deployment easier

Improved accessibility and global support

Remote and virtual multi-monitor support

Simpler VHD mounting from within explorer

Q2: How does Windows 7 offer Richer Application Experiences?

We've kept the user interface consistent, predictable and easy to use, while adding multitouch support, scrolling, and other intuitive interaction features that take advantage of the latest PC and mobile device capabilities. With Windows 7, you have the power to build the right user experiences for your applications. Windows 7 enables you to build applications today that will run on the PCs of tomorrow. Service-enabled software and devices, such as mobile phones, portable media players, and digital cameras, demand constant connectivity and advanced applications. Windows 7 delivers a platform for both, making it easy for you to take advantage of the functionality and features of next generation hardware, while ensuring that users are always on and always connected.

More natural user interaction
Windows Touch, ink, gesture support, plus handwriting recognition enable new input capabilities.

New taskbar, destinations, and shell integration enhance discoverability and usability.

New extensible Ribbon adds Office 2007-style controls, menus, and galleries to your application.

Rich animation framework helps you integrate smooth dynamic motion.

Libraries enable you to find and organize data as collections of items that span multiple locations on the local computer as well as on remote computers.

Access hardware innovations
Direct 2D/3D allow you to deliver high-fidelity graphics and media

Multi-core support enhances application and device performance

Sensor and Location Platform provides native support for sensors, including location sensors, such as GPS devices.

Windows Device Experience enables rich, customizable software experiences for connected devices

Q3: How does Windows 7 offer the Best of Windows and the Web?

With Windows 7, it's easy to get connected and stay connected. Windows networking offers you better options for caching and sharing of data to improve network performance. Network diagnostics in Windows 7 give you relevant information for monitoring network issues. Internet Explorer 8 is the essential platform for building fast, rich Web experiences. Whether the goal is to connect devices, connect to a network, or connect to the Internet, Windows 7 provides an enhanced platform.

Extend Web services to client applications
Internet Explorer 8, Silverlight, and Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) enable web to rich client applications -- using common platform and tools

Windows Web Services API enables high-performance web-services integration.

Enable rich Web experiences
Standards compliant Internet Explorer 8 delivers of "out-of-the-box" access to online services from within the page

Built-in developer tools within Internet Explorer 8 enable you to write code, preview, and edit in the same window