Vista SP1 and Server 2008 shipped with the same kernel:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/hardware/gg463415
MS has also very explicitly said that the W7 kernel is built on top of what they did with Vista:
http://arstechnica.com/microsoft/news/2008/05/ms-no-new-kern...
W7 is nothing more than an evolution of what they did with Vista. Vista and W7 have far more in common with each other than either does with XP.
Re:OS X Lion: Apple’s Vista moment
by StrawberryFrog on Wednesday August 31, 2011 @11:49AM
(#2946065)
> Vista (IMHO) had a rotten core ... I think W7 is arguably the best OS Microsoft has released
You are overly negative on Vista and overly positive in Win7. I think you fell for the hype. The differences between them are minor.
Vista shipped with 6.0.6000. Build 6000 = BAD
Vista SP1 RTM shipped with 6.0.6001. Build 6001 = GOOD
http://apcmag.com/microsoft_replaces_vista_kernel_in_sp1.htm
They made a great move by consolidating to their Server kernel. Windows 7 reflects this in its speed and stability.