Microsoft Windows 7 is Microsoft’s latest operating system and contains many new features.

Publishing the Welsh Language interface pack for Windows 7 today, Steve Beswick, Director of Education at Microsoft UK, said:

“We’re glad to offer Welsh speakers across the globe the opportunity to use Windows 7 in Welsh.  Since 2004, we have been committed to increasing the language choices available to our customers, and sincerely hope that Welsh speakers will take advantage of this most recent development.”

Alun Fred Jones AM, Minister for Heritage of the Welsh Assembly Government, welcomed the new development:

“I would encourage all Welsh speakers who use technology, to use that technology in Welsh.  ICT evolves quickly, and I’m glad Microsoft has made the Windows 7 Language Pack available so soon – and at its own cost.  This is yet another example of a business that sees sense in using Welsh.”

Meirion Prys Jones, Chief Executive of the Welsh Language Board said:

“We are delighted to continue with our longstanding relationship with Microsoft, which has already resulted in Welsh speakers having the opportunity to expand their use of Welsh into the world of information technology, at home, at work or in school.  We are pleased that Microsoft has chosen to renew their commitment to the Welsh language, and thereby ensuring that the most recent version of their software is freely available to use through the medium of Welsh”.

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 Notes for Editors

• Within the scope of the partnership announced today, a free Welsh Language Interface Pack has been produced for Microsoft Windows 7.
• The free LIP for Windows 7 translates a substantial portion of the user interface of the following programs: Windows 7.
• This Language Interface Pack follows previous work done as part of the Partnership between the Welsh Language Board and Microsoft, which produced free Welsh Language Interface Packs for Microsoft Office 2003 & 2007 and Windows XP and Windows Vista and Microsoft SharePoint Services.
• All work undertaken as part of this project is fully funded by Microsoft. The translation work is undertaken by the Cymen translation company of Caernarfon and project managed and quality assured by the Welsh Language Board.
• See www.byig-wlb.org.uk/technology for more information about the Board’s work with language technology and how you can use computers in Welsh today.
• For more information regarding Microsoft Windows 7, see: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/  

About the Welsh Language Board

The Welsh Language Board is a statutory organisation, funded by the Welsh Assembly Government. It was established in December 1993 under the terms of the Welsh Language Act. Its main function is to promote and facilitate the use of the Welsh language.

The members are appointed by the Minister for Heritage of the Welsh Assembly Government, and the Board has a staff of over 70. Under the Government of Wales Act 1998, the Board became answerable to the National Assembly, having previously been accountable to, and funded by The Welsh Office.

Put simply, the Board’s main aim is to make it easier for everyone to use Welsh in all walks of life, to increase people’s confidence in their ability to use the language, to encourage more people to speak, read or write it in new situations, and to pass on the language to their children.