Almost a week ago, Microsoft sent out a survey to selected users to get their feedback on a new concept scenario for Windows known as "Instant On".

According to Microsoft, the "Instant On" concept takes your computer from being completely powered down to being usable for a few specific activities in a very short time. The computer will transit from a completely dormant-state to being usable in just 8 seconds.

Also you would be able to browse the web, watch DVDs, listen to music or do instant messaging but you will be not allowed to access your files or data or make any configuration changes.

This concept is quite different from "Full Windows" as it limits what you can do and what applications you have access to.

I like the fact that Microsoft is thinking out of the box and wants to introduce something totally new. As for what I believe this may not be a separate OS rather a new state for Windows as Microsoft continuously refers to as "Instant On Scenario".

Probably a new state in between stand-by and hibernation for the new Windows 7.