A screengrab of the preview version of Microsoft’s Windows 8 operating system

Computers running on the next version of Microsoft's Windows operating system will go on sale in October. Microsoft announced the time frame for Windows 8’s mass-market release in Toronto. A specific sales date in October wasn't provided.

Most industry analysts expected Windows 8 would go on sale in the fall to ensure that the machines running on the OS would be available for the holiday shopping season. Consumers and businesses who don't want to buy new computers will be able to buy Windows 8 and upgrade their systems.
 
New versions of Windows typically come out every three years, but this update is the most widely anticipated overhaul of the software since 1995. Applications will appear in a mosaic of tiles on Windows 8.

Microsoft also designed the operating system so it can run on personal computers or touch-based tablet computers. Microsoft also plans to make its own tablet running on Windows 8 to compete against Apple hot-selling iPad.

The company hasn’t yet announced a price for its tablet, which will be called the Surface. Windows 8 is being counted on to help revive demand for laptops and other personal computers.

The operating system’s versatility is expected to encourage leading PC makers such as HP and Dell to release hybrid machines that are part laptop, part tablet computer.

Both HP and Dell have also indicated they plan to release tablet computers powered by Windows 8, thrusting them into competition with Microsoft’s Surface. Microsoft is releasing Windows 8 computer manufacturers during the first week of August.