The world's largest software maker Microsoft, today launched the much-awaited 'Windows 7' operating system (OS) with a host of tools for multimedia applications for business and retail customers.

Smarting under the failure of its earlier operating system 'Vista', Windows 7 promises significant improvement in productivity levels, enhanced security, reduced risk and manageability costs.

PC makers HCL Infosystems, Acer and Hewlett Packard have started shipping Windows pre-loaded PCs and notebook computers from today.

HP India will retail Windows 7-preloaded PCs between Rs 27,990 and Rs 90,000, company Country Category Manager Consumer Desktops, Personal Computers, Ketan Patel said.

While, the preloaded Windows 7 notebooks will be priced at Rs 39,990 onwards, HP India Consumer Notebooks Category Manager Diptesh Ghosh said.

At the same time, Acer PCs with Windows 7 OS will be priced between Rs 15,000 and Rs 35,000, while the notebooks will be priced at Rs 21,000-Rs 70,000, confirmed Acer Chief Sales Officer Harish Kohli.

HCL Infosystems' Executive Vice President George Paul informed that HCL will priced it between Rs 16,000 and Rs 55,000, whereas the notebooks would cost Rs 22,000-Rs 80,000,

The new version that comes in as many as six editions targeted at different segments has been priced accordingly.

"We have launched Windows 7 in six editions, targeted at specific user groups and would be available on desktops, laptops and netbooks across the varied price range," Microsoft India Chairman Ravi Venkatesan told reporters here.