The next generation of Windows is coming out with a brand new sensitive touch screen which could spell the end of the mouse.

Microsoft’s new PC operating system now has a final launch date. This week the company revealed that it will make Windows 7 available to the public on October 22. That should be a huge boost for the OS as new PCs will have it installed and ready for the busy holiday shopping season.

Microsoft decided to go ahead with the launch date following a good response to the already released release canidate version of Windows 7. Microsoft also plans to have a program where people who buy a Windows Vista PC close to the release of Windows 7 to upgrade to the new OS

Last year the software giant made about a third of its £60bn income from selling the operating system. Windows Vista has been attacked for being too complicated and Microsoft bosses hope the new system will restore public confidence in the product.

Users with touch-sensitive screens will be able to control their computers with the touch of a finger, rather than with a keyboard and mouse. The device, as popularised on the iPhone and iPod Touch by Apple, is a direct challenge to Microsoft’s arch-rival. Microsoft is battling against a growing market in netbooks – smaller PCs ideal for surfing online and emailing. One of the leading manufacturers, Acer, has become the first to announce a line of small PCs to run Google’s new Android operating system.

Free upgrades to the new system will be offered to computer buyers shortly ahead of the launch. Microsoft said: “We’ve produced the best Windows operating system ever, designed according to how people want to use it.”The primary focus throughout the development of Windows 7 has been quality.”