Here's another indication of how much people are liking the preview of Microsoft's next Windows version -- or how much they're not liking Windows Vista. Inspired by podcasting guru Leo Laporte, Windows 7 fan Kelly Poe of Tennessee has started an online campaign calling on Microsoft to just get on with it and release the dang thing already. As in, right now.

Sign the virtual petition here: ReleaseWindows7.com.

Of course, it ain't gonna happen. For one thing, there's a lot more to a major operating system release than just putting the bits in order. Microsoft need to get a whole ecosystem of device makers, PC companies, software developers, retailers and enterprise customers on board with the schedule. And an unusually early release of Windows 7 would be an implicit admission that Windows Vista has failed.

Even so, the campaign will probably warm a few hearts in Redmond this morning.

For now, fans of the operating system will have to be content with the preview. The company recently extended the general availability of the Windows 7 Beta to Feb. 10, giving people more opportunity to make the download. And the wait for the real thing might not be that long anyway: Microsoft hasn't set an official release date for Windows 7, but everyone is assuming it will be this year.