Windows 7

by Sharil Dewa

Windows 7 is the upcoming version of Microsoft Windows and is due to be released by the end of the year.

Windows 7 is supposed to be a more focused upgrade to the Windows line, unlike its predecessor Vista, which was introduced three years ago and which introduced a large number of new features.

Important new features of Windows 7 are a redesigned Windows Shell with a new taskbar, a home networking system called HomeGroup as well as some general performance improvements.

The server counterpart, Windows Server 2008, is due to be released at the same time.

Windows 7 is coming up with a few new conveniences, among those being:

• Minimal hardware demands:

Vista’s programmes kept it from running on most personal computers and netbooks. By contrast, Windows 7 is running fine on most netbooks as well as on older PCs. Chances are that Windows 7’s slimmed down footprint will fit well on any PC as well, whether it’s a modern netbook or an antique PC.

• Adjustable User Account control:

This is probably the most welcome change. Windows 7 tones down the User Account Control’s overly aggressive policing. A sliding control lets one adjust Window 7’s paranoia level to match your own. It’s refreshing to feel in control of your PC rather than the other way round.

• Shortcut keys:

Windows 7 brings several new welcomed shortcut keys. For example, with Windows XP, placing two windows side by side on a crowded desktop takes a lot of mouse maneuvering. In Widows 7 however, you click the first window and press Win + Right Arrow to scoot the window against the right edge. Follow up with a Win + Left Arrow on the second window and you have lined them up side by side, ready for quick information swapping. Many other creative keyboard shortcuts can be found with Windows 7, a sign that the creators, rather than focusing on major overhauls, had time to focus on subtle details.

• Homegroup:

Finally, Microsoft realized that people do not need the same level of security on their home networks as they do on the internet. Homegroups let everybody type a single password into their networked PCs which will then join each other to become a Homegroup. In it, every PC on the network is able to share all the music, pictures and videos stored by everyone else. Of course, one can also opt out sharing their media.

• Taskbar jumplist:

Windows 7 does overhaul the taskbar with jumplists. These are pop-up menus that list frequently accessed items and common tasks. If, for example, one has to access a favourite website in a hurry, the taskbar’s browser icon has to be right-clicked, then one must click the favoured site’s name from the pop-up list’s “frequent” section and the browser opens to that site. This also works with finding the location of frequently used folders. Right click the explorer icon, click the folder’s name from the jump list and that is all there is to do. With jumplist, Windows 7 adds a feeling of immediate gratification that all too often went missing from Vista.

Windows 7 is a huge step forward from Microsoft Vista and its versatility will definitely makes it last for years to come.

But Windows 7 is certainly not perfect. As to be expected, Windows 7, rather than meeting the user’s need, often meets Microsoft’s needs first.

A prime example being the fact that Windows 7 no longer comes with an e-mail programme. Understandably, Windows 7 pushes Microsoft’s new Windows Live Mail programme as a replacement. By trying to download Windows Live Mail, the installation programme will try to install Microsoft’s entire suite of Live programmes. Then the installing system will try to hijack your home page to Microsoft’s MSN and will switch your search engine to Microsoft’s Live search.

Furthermore the programme will then repetitively remind you to sign up for a Window’s Live e-mail address, no matter how many e-mail addresses you have accumulated over the years.

If you are upgrading Windows Vista to Windows 7, then Microsoft switches your default browser to Internet Explorer 8, no matter how many years you have been using Firefox. Internet Explorer’s Favourites and Feeds area are coming pre-stuffed with links to Microsoft’s products.

In short, Microsoft is trying to get some extra business out of the fact that their position in the world market makes them end on 90 percent of the world’s desktops.

Windows 7 will be available in six different editions, but only the editions Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate will be available to the general public in most countries. The other three editions will focus on other markets, such as the developing world or worldwide operating enterprises. Pre-order figures released by Amazon.com earlier this year indicated that the demand will surpass that of Windows Vista by a huge amount.