Released on October 22nd, 2009, the highly anticipated Windows 7 is finally here. Windows 7 offers a wide range of new features that are not available on other operating systems. Steve Ballmer, the CEO of Microsoft, basically said that Windows 7 is a refined version of Vista. It has extra features and a better reaction time. Some of the new features included are:
-Shorter boot, shut down, and install times
-Support for VHD (Virtual Hard Disks)
-Better performance on multi-core processors
-Redesigned calculator
-DirectAccess
To some surprise, Windows 7 also supports Raw Image Viewing through new WIC-enabled image decoder. Also, it used Internet Explorer 8 and Windows Media Player 12. On the control panel you may notice some new gadgets and helpful resources, like the Recovery Troubleshooting, Clear Type Text Toner, and the Display Color Calibration Wizard. Best of all, it comes with biometric devices, new system icons, location and other sensors. Windows 7 also introduces a new user interface. You will not see the same boring task bar or quick launch icons you are used to. Instead, it now offers to “pin” applications, documents, pictures, and websites to a “jump list” for easy access later. A few things you might miss from other versions of Windows are the classic start menu, Inkball, Windows Ultimate Extras, and Windows calendar. Luckily, it does offer the Windows Live Essentials for free, which comes with Windows Calendar, Windows Photo Gallery, Windows Movie Maker, and Windows Mail. Also, Windows 7 brings back a couple of the classic games like Internet Spades, Backgammon, and Checkers, which were removed in Vista.
Windows 7 is becoming more personal and trying to make using thcomputer headache free. It comes with a few great features, like Homegroup which allows you to easily share printers and files on computers within the same home network. Also, Windows 7 comes with new themes, handy gadgets, and slideshows to allow you to redecorate your desktop. Windows Search will let you find anything on your PC instantly. For you music lovers, PlayTo will enable you to play music on other PC’s, TV’s, and stereos in the same general vicinity.
With the release of Windows 7 comes the introduction of Aero. The Aero Snap, Aero Shake, and the Aero Peek allow you control your windows. Aero Snap allows you maximize, minimize, and resize your window with just a click and drag of your mouse. Aero Shake lets you shake a certain window powerfully and it will minimize all other windows on the screen. Aero Peek, probably the best of the three, comes with a small icon by the clock in the lower right-hand corner. When you place your mouse over it, it makes all the windows transparent, so you can see your desktop. If you click it once, it minimizes all the windows; click it again and it maximizes them.
This version of Windows has a high demand. It is THE highest grossing pre-order in the history of Amazon.com and it’s still rising steadily.
Most reviews of Windows 7 have been good. CNet.com, news/review website, gave it 4.5/5 stars stating that it “is more than what Vista should have been [and] it’s where Microsoft needed to go.” In my opinion, it’s the best operating system I have seen so far.
Tags: new windows, windows, windows 7, windows 7 new features
My friend just got a new computer with Windows 7 and I must say I’m impressed. I’m a Mac owner, but I’m thinking about switching now.
I agree. As a former mac owner I find this version of windows better than any mac i’ve owned. Loving the snap feature.