Microsoft Windows 7 was released on 22nd October, knowing that it had a lot to prove. Vista, the previous operating system, had launched just three years ago. Honestly this was seen a Microsoft’s largest blunder. It was released both too early and too late – too early as it was not quite ready for release, there were major problems with bugs; and too late as it was long after the intended release date. Many companies refused to even install Vista – and just stuck with XP. This was the perfect opportunity for Apple to make the most of Microsoft’s mistake

Vista didn’t only encounter problems with viruses, but there were several other major flaws – the operating system required a lot of computer power to run, took a long time to start up, there were many compatibility issues with old software, and printers often couldn’t be connected. This not only meant that PC users encountered problems, but so too did software manufacturers, as they struggled to make their own products compatible.

Microsoft has listened to consumers and partners, and have addressed core issues: Windows 7 is easy to use, performs faster and smoother, and is a lot more responsive. This operating system has been exhaustively tested – 8 million people have been involved in pre-launch trials. Pre-orders of this product is a good indicator of how anticipated this product has been – according to Amazon, it is the largest grossing pre-order product ever. Demand has superseded everyone’s expectations – this shows that faith had not been lost in Microsoft, and it was just rather frustrating that they could not get this product right first time. This brings me to the question – Is Windows 7 a new system, or just Vista without the problems?

Windows 7 is a new system! There are many new features that come with this reliable system. The taskbar is now actually referred to as the ‘superbar’ by many people! Common tasks are made much easier to access. You can hover over icons to view thumbnail previews and jump lists – especially handy when you are comparing two items. There is nothing worse than having a disorganised toolbar – you can end up closing things by accident, tabs are never organised and you can sometimes not remember which tabs are which, and you have to open them to find out – this solves this problem and allows the user to worry less about organisation and distractions and concentrate more on the task at hand! The ‘snap’ feature also allows comparing two files to be less stressful. You no longer have to resize, and move around two items to look at them both at the same time – they now automatically sit side by side. The Start Menu has been totally revamped – it is now more like a Google search. This saves much time when looking for a file or application. You can just type in the start of the name of an application, a related word, or when the document was created, and this will then be found.

The new Windows 7 Taskbar, showing thumbnail previews.

Vista had introduced a search box into the start menu. This has been slightly improved upon with Windows 7 – and now you can search the control panel also. This saves much time when looking for a file. You can just type in a related word, or when the document was created, and this will then be found. Microsoft has allowed people to control many things to their liking – alerts can now be controlled – you can have as many, or as few as you like. Parental controls are fabulous – you can allocate times when the computer can be used by your children! The media centre needed to be looked at desperately, as that is Apple’s strongest asset. You can link all your computers at home by setting up home group. This enables you to share photographs, movies and music – as sometimes it is a little frustrating to have to upload things onto every computer in your house. It is especially nice when you have a laptop and a desktop. There are many times when you want to share photos with people and have to all squeeze into your office, now it is easier to show them on your laptop. Default libraries also allow easier access to media files, you can add a file such as music into the default library and this will then be rearranged for you. You computer can also be used as a DVR player. You can watch television and record and save programmes, as with satellite companies there is a charge for this.

Windows 7 is exactly what the consumer had asked for, a responsive easy to use operating system. Yes Vista was a let down, but Windows 7 definitely makes up for this. It is also a very attractive package. My laptop battery also lasts a lot longer – which with electricity prices the way they are at the moment a blessing! Games also look a lot better with the Direct X 11. Everyday tasks perform so much better, as do the more infrequent ones, such as setting up a wireless network, or installing my printer – well done Windows 7!

del.icio.us

Comments

• Windows 7 by Benjamin Bvalani on 01/04/10
  

Add comment