04 Jan 09 Windows 7: The next-generation Windows software

As of this writing, Windows 7 is currently in its first beta build. And for the first time, it seems that Microsoft is reaping praise from software testers for what they tout as the most stable operating system that Microsoft has produced so far. Even during the early alpha stages of the operating system originally given the codename “Vienna”, Windows 7 showed remarkedly better performance than Windows Vista.

In contrast, Windows Vista became the poor recipient of much ridicule from a vast majority of users upon its release. Those who have used it complained of slowness and poor driver support. Though the latter problem of poor driver support was soon addressed when hardware vendors eventually offered Vista compatible drivers, the problem with slowness was not easily dispelled. Experts complained that the operating system used up too much system resources unnecessarily. They further added that aside from the aesthetic changes to the graphical user interface (GUI), there was really nothing useful that was added to Windows Vista that wasn’t already available in Windows XP.

With the arrival of Windows 7 to the scene, testers are saying that this is the version of Windows that Windows Vista should have been. Similar comments have also been said for Windows Server 2008 however, the clamour is becoming louder as Windows 7 comes nearer to its final release.

Some of the features to look out for in Windows 7 include:

an updated taskbar
jumplists and libraries
screen hotspots for maximizing or resizing windows
new bootscreen
wallpaper slideshow
desktop preview
updated themes
faster and more responsive interface
more efficient memory management
easier networking and device management

Tons of new features are also included for those who will be lucky enough to buy a multi-touch screen PC like the HP TouchSmart since Windows 7 will include customized features for these kinds of PCs that include enhanced jumplists and gestures.

However, some concerns have been raised with one of the main features of Windows 7 which is the updated taskbar. Consistency is not followed on how the icons on the taskbar appear. The same is true with the jumplists and the taskbar notification icons. If you wish to know more about this, try reading Paul Thurrott’s article entitled: Windows 7 Beta: Notes and Observations

Some speculations have stipulated that Windows 7 might be released as early as mid-2009. However, Microsoft insists it is set for a 2010 release date. Microsoft is also being vague as to whether Windows 7 is going to be a major Windows version or if it will just be an enhancement for Windows Vista.

No matter how you choose to see it, Windows 7 is going to be the next big thing for Windows users. Hopefully, the almost obligatory upgrade to more powerful hardware won’t be necessary since that was one of the major reasons why users hated Windows Vista so much. But looking into the early showing of Windows 7, it appears to be doing a lot of things right that makes it stand out as a winner to the eyes of a lot of users.

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Tags: Aesthetic Changes, Alpha Stages, Clamour, Compatible Drivers, Desktop Preview, Device Management, Generation Windows, Gestures, Graphical User Interface, Hardware Vendors, HP TouchSmart, Latter Problem, Memory Management, Microsoft, Next Generation, Responsive Interface, Ridicule, Slowness, Software Testers, System Resources, Taskbar, Windows 7, Windows Software, Windows Vienna, Windows Vista, Windows XP

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04 Jan 09 Windows 7: The next-generation Windows software

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