Almost exactly 30 days out since the Windows 7 launch, rumors and speculation on Microsoft newsgroups have been running around Windows 8.

What proof there is comes from a pair of slides posted on Microsoft newsgroups that purport to show the roadmaps for a project codenamed “Windows 8″ and for Windows Server — both billed as “major releases.” It’s no accident that the two are on similar schedules, as the two operating systems contain much of the same code.

The move will keep up the pattern Microsoft has developed in launching major releases every four years. Microsoft, according to the slides, considers Windows Server 2008 a major release and the R2 as a “release updates.” Notably, Windows 7 is considered a “release update” as well.

This means there will be a three year gap till next Windows Operating system and their rival Apple believes in keeping two year gap – between Leopard and Snow Leopard. In these two-three years, both OS-making giants want the consumers to get used the new technologies incorporated in their OS and be ready for new ones.

Microsoft hasn’t said anything about its plans to develop a Windows 8, but there are signs that it’s already begun recruiting the talent to help build it. Earlier this month, a job listing on Microsoft’s careers site indicated that Microsoft’s Worldwide Partner Group would begin focusing on Windows 8 in the software giant’s 2011 fiscal year, which begins July 1, 2010.