After six years and a six billion dollar investment, Microsoft released Vista on January 30. By the time of the launch, most Americans (53%) had already read, seen, or heard new stories about the first upgrade of the company’s flagship operating system since Windows XP. That figure includes two-thirds (66%) of those who use computers on a regular basis.

One-out-of-six computer users (17%) say they’ll be buying Vista in the near future. Sixty-five percent (65%) will not, while 19% are not sure. Those under 40 are more likely than their elders to see a Vista operating system in their near-term plans.

Microsoft is spending $500 million to market the product launch and only time will tell if the product lives up to the catch-phrase of the campaign—“Wow.”

The launch comes at a time when 58% of Americans have a favorable opinion of Microsoft and 57% have a favorable opinion of its leader, Bill Gates.

Those who use personal computers have an even higher assessment of both the company and the man. Sixty-nine percent (69%) of those who use computers on a regular basis have a favorable opinion of Microsoft while only 10% have an unfavorable view. For Gates, the numbers are 65% and 9% respectively.

Crosstabs available for Premium Members only.