Microsoft Canada has released the pricing details for Windows 7, the latest version of their operating system. In addition to the standard retail and upgrade prices, the company has added two new programs aimed at making the transition better. These include a special pre-order promotion that includes a 50% discount, a move perhaps to assuage any lingering resentment from Vista's poor reception, and an upgrade program designed to counter Windows 7's late release on October 22nd, after the laptop-buying season. The company will allow those who purchase a computer during the fall sales to make the upgrade later at no extra cost. Here's the details:

Available on October 22nd, Windows 7 will be available through three programs; Pre-Order, General Availability, and Upgrade. The Upgrade Program starts tomorrow, June 26th, and will be available through participating dealers. If you purchase a PC with Vista Home Premium, Business, or Ultimate edition on it, you'll get the option to upgrade to the corresponding version of Windows 7 later at no extra cost. That promotion runs until January 31, 2010.

For those planning on buying a copy of Windows 7 for their existing computer, there will be a pre-order program also starting tomorrow and running until July 11th that will include a 50% discount.

UPDATE: HP Canada has announced that they will start the Windows 7 Upgrade program today. One caveat they offer is "for consumer PCs, both the software upgrade and shipping andhandling are free; whereas for commercial PCs, the software upgrade is free, but the customer or reseller will need to pay a nominal shipping and handling fee". Visit their official upgrade website for more details.   

· Windows 7 Home Premium (Upgrade): $129.95

· Windows 7 Professional (Upgrade): $249.95

· Windows 7 Ultimate (Upgrade): $279.95

For the Full Retail Packages:

· Windows 7 Home Premium (Full): $224.95

· Windows 7 Professional (Full): $329.95

· Windows 7 Ultimate (Full): $349.95