Review: The Next Generation of Windows?
Are you sick of Windows Vista? Bored with Windows XP? Want something faster than XP with the looks of Vista? March 18thmarked the 2 month anniversary of the Windows 7 Beta, a trial version for tech enthusiasts of the next generation of Windows. This version of Windows, by the Microsoft Corporation, was released to the public as a trial beta version on January 18th, 2009 after three months of irritating delays as an exclusive download to the first one million fanatics. But, it turns out that the operating system was worth the wait. With only a few minor glitches and shortcomings, Windows 7 is already looking better than Vista in its “sneak peak.”
Windows7 does take about 2 hours to install on a Vista PC. But this long wait is compensated by the ability of users to simply upgrade from Vista without losing any programs or data already installed on a Vista system. XP users will unfortunately have to perform a clean install in order to put in Windows 7. Do not let this flag your interest though; Windows 7 has been shown to be better in both performance and looks than any OS released so far by Microsoft.
A notable change in Windows 7 is the removal of Windows Sidebar, the pesky black panes with “gadgets” to the right of the screen that BCA students may see upon logging onto an Information Commons computer. Windows Gadgets still remain but not defaulted; now the user has the freedom to move gadgets around anywhere along the screen. Thus, users can keep their handy gadgets such as the RAM and ROM usage meters without being confined to the black pane that makes the apps look too crowded. There is even a background changer that constantly switches the desktop background, with full customization options available.
Themost significant change, however, is obviously the newly vamped taskbar andStart menu. The decade-long history of having an application’s name appear inthe taskbar when opened up is indeed, truly history. Instead, the logo of theapp will appear, with tiny boxes as tabs appearing to indicate the number ofwindows open for a program. Also, users can “pin” a program to the taskbar foreasy access. This is done by dragging a program icon to the taskbar and bydoing this, a shortcut is instantly created. There is also a rectangular box inthe lower right hand corner which allows the user to “peek” at the desktoppage. This is known as Aero Peek, because it turns all open programs totransparent panes just for eye candy seekers.
In addition, the Windows Aero theme, a transparent background to application bars, is maintained. But, Microsoft wanted to satisfy voracious aesthetics by showcasing Aero more than its predecessor Vista did. Now, Aero is prevalent everywhere unlike Vista where that beautiful transparency vanished once a program was maximized. In addition, the taskbar is completely Aerofied, further adding to the outer shell beauty of Windows 7. Most importantly, a concern raised about Aero taking up too much memory (RAM) and hindering hardcore gaming performance in Vista is somewhat resolved in Windows 7; it has been redesigned to maximize efficiency and quantity present at one time. But, it is without a doubt that Aero does still tend to deter gaming and other graphically intense programs, so users can turn Aero off at any time. For regular users who crave vibrant visual effects, Windows 7 offers plenty of eye candy.
There are other minor, quirky, yet amusing improvements that come with Windows 7. The game “Inkball” has been removed and replaced with “Purble Place,” a childish but addicting timing game. Windows 7 also brings back Internet Spades and Checkers, games removed from Vista. Of course, old favorites such as Freecell, Minesweeper, Solitaire, and Spider Solitaire remain with aesthetic touches.Additional programs in beta testing are also included with the OS. Windows Media Player 12 Beta, Internet Explorer 8 Beta, and cosmetically remodeled Notepad, Paint, and Calculator come standard with Windows 7.
With all of these new Beta programs and of course, an entirely new OS itself, the issue of compatibility arises. Vista was often attacked for its lack of compatibility to XP and older programs. Honestly, Windows 7 Beta does indeed have numerous compatibility issues. IE 8 Beta is perhaps the buggiest IE released to date;most users will die of agony while using this slow OS. Consider Firefox 3instead. Also, several games such as Starcraft, Half Life, and Counterstrike have color issues that turn fields of terrain to a bright hue of orange and pink. Sometimes, older games, IE 8, and programs such as iTunes freeze all together; a force reboot is required. Another problem is that the Restart button seldom works; many force reboots or shutdowns will be required while using Windows 7 Beta. But, as long as the one million users continue to submit their feedback via the “Send Feedback” button located at the top right hand corner of all applications, Windows 7 is bound to be a worthy successor to Vista and even XP.
Facts:
-Windows 7 RC (Release Candidate)version to be released to private business users sometime in May, with improvedrendering and compatibility
-Windows 7 will be implemented aroundthe holiday season this year, so look for it!