Windows 7 Makes Ready
For better or for worse technology marches on and the release of Windows 7 to manufacturing is promising to make a very large impact on our computing lives. So, get ready for Windows 7 because it will be in the stores for the holidays.
Windows 7 is a replacement operating system for the ill fated Microsoft Vista. Windows 7 has done a marvelous job at fixing bugs, placing options where they belong, and adding features that are not only really cool, but are useful. In addition, they have made a major concession to Windows XP users by including a “virtual” environment where XP can run in a native mode. This allows XP users to migrate to Windows 7 and still maintain and run critical XP code.
If you just purchased a new computer you may get a free upgrade. Buy a new computer before the official introduction of Windows 7 and Microsoft will provide a free upgrade from Windows XP Professional or Vista Home Premium, or above to an appropriate Windows 7 product. According to TechARP, “Microsoft will allow resellers to purchase Windows 7 upgrade media, which they can then offer to customers who buy a Vista-power system between July 1, 2009, and a date to be determined.”
In my opinion, this is the bridge to the future missing from Vista. Business networks incorporating both XP and Vista encountered problems when trying to make XP computers talk or recognize Vista computers. This problem is fixed in the new release. You may now consider upgrades to your existing fleet of computers without fearing a network compatibility issue. At the same time buying new computers to replace aging ones is no longer the problem it once was under Vista.
The 7 (short for Windows 7) desktop looks the same as the Vista desktop and other similarities still exist but the operating system seems to work much better than it’s predecessor. Based upon the Vista platform some of the support screens are Vista like. However, gone are the glitches and annoyances that gave Vista such a bad name.
According to Preston Gralla of Computerworld, “Overall, Windows 7 is a more functional, more efficiently designed operating system than Windows Vista, with far more attention paid to the user experience. From revamped a User Account Control (UAC) feature to better home networking, improved search and nice interface tweaks, the entire operating system has gotten an overall polishing. Even Windows Backup, one of the worst applications ever shipped with an operating system, has been turned into something useful. “
The operating system is at the heart of the computer as it provides a place for applications to come alive and perform the functions users want most. For example, the operating system provides a link between your word processor and your printer. Whenever you command the application to print the operating system takes over and moves information from the word processor to the printer, making printing appear seamless to the user.
Integrating Windows 7 into your home life can be fun and interesting as it provides several fun features like the “gadget” bar. Gadgets are little programs, applets that run on your desktop. The one I find most interesting is the stock market report. This little gadget displays stock market prices on your favorite stocks, right on your desktop.
Geeks like me may find the control panel improvements to their liking - although many of my colleagues didn’t care for them it is a big improvement over Vista. Although the control panel does not convey the “classic” look and feel of Windows XP it is well organized. Microsoft has added new features to many familiar icons.
In conclusion, I can say with confidence you’re going to like this product. It’s clean, polished, organized, compatible and useful. As always seek the advice of a licensed professional before committing to such a sweeping change. Find out what’s best for you.
Next time we’ll discuss the newly enhanced security features and virus/malware defenses that really do keep you safe.
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