Raise your hand if your computer is running Windows Vista. Okay, now raise your hand if you are happy with Windows Vista. Well, it turns out very few people are happy with Vista, so on October 22nd, Microsoft will release the new Windows 7. According to microsoft.com, the company “built Windows 7 to make your PC simpler and the things you do every day easier.” How, you ask? I’ll give you a very basic run-through of some of the ways in which Microsoft 7 is different from Windows Vista.

In Windows 7, the desktop has been totally redesigned. With the idea of reducing “clutter,” Microsoft introduces tools like Aero Peek, which allows the user to turn windows transparent to see what is beneath them, and Aero Shake, which allows the user to shake the mouse to hide all but the current window. The taskbar has also been redesigned to allow thumbnail views of open windows.

Another new feature of Windows 7 is the Jump List. Programs such as Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player, and Microsoft Word have these lists, which are accessible by right clicking on the program icon. The Jump List is basically a list of favorites: most-visited websites, most-played music, recently accessed documents, etc.

Windows 7 also features heightened search capabilities. One search will now browse documents, music, e-mails, and pictures. Search results are then grouped by category to make it easier to find what you need. Microsoft.com compares this new capability to a web search.

Networking capabilities, whether on your home network or your wireless Internet connection, are enhanced in Windows 7. A feature called HomeGroup allows you to connect two computers and easily share documents, music, pictures, etc. Built-in safeguards will still allow you to protect your privacy. A redesigned wireless Internet configuration makes joining and using wireless networks much simpler.

These are just a few of the new features in Windows 7. As with any new release, time will tell how successful (or not) Microsoft has been in improving its product. At Beasley Technology, we currently sell Vista computers with a free “backdate” to XP Pro to help our customers avoid headaches. With the release of Windows 7 imminent, select models now come with a free upgrade option to be applied when the new OS arrives. Please don’t hesitate to call with any questions.

Download as a PDF