Microsoft finally launched Windows 7, its latest OS - after an extended beta, on 22 Oct, 09.Windows7 is intended to undo many of the shortcomings that failed for Microsoft Vista, and promises a load of features.
Click here to enlarge the tag cloud
Some of the prominently talked about features include:
- Desktop Enhancements and packed with options for customization
- Live Taskbar Previews - A nifty feature on the newly designed TaskBar
- Aero Peek and AeroShake - A new way to "minimize" windows on the desktop
- An all new Explorer, supported by the new Windows Search, Libraries, and HomeGroups
- Parental Controls and Improved Security/User Access Controls (UAC)
- XP Compatibility Mode
There are a whole lot of features - and you can view the quick demos (7 second demos, as they are called) and the full listing here.
If you want a quick peek into what some of these features are all about, here's a brief video (still based on the Beta, but i'll post another if I find a more recent one):
When you think about it, a lot of these features are pretty neat and are geared to enriching the overall experience and productivity for the user. You wonder, how far things have come from what really an OS should really offer. And, with the present trend of rich experiences, faster online access and al things "Web 2.0", Windows7 seems to be offering just that - performance, security and experience.
Surely it's easy for users and critics to comment on a lot of the things that may not necessarily be up to one's expectations. But, coming from a technical perspective, its hard, if not, impossible, to imagine, design, architect and then implement something that's suited for such a large and varied user base. At a risk of sounding like being too 'pro-Microsoft/Windows', it's worth acknowledging that Windows sure has come a long way from the days of Windows 3.1.
Will there be a newer, better Windows down the line, or will the Mac & Linux (or is it Chrome OS?) genres ultimately rule? The whole world will watch the release of Windows7 - and while competitors will hope otherwise, it's probably wise to hope and expect that Windows 7 should fare MUCH better than its predecessor, Vista.
If you want a quick peek into what some of these features are all about, here's a brief video (still based on the Beta, but i'll post another if I find a more recent one):
When you think about it, a lot of these features are pretty neat and are geared to enriching the overall experience and productivity for the user. You wonder, how far things have come from what really an OS should really offer. And, with the present trend of rich experiences, faster online access and al things "Web 2.0", Windows7 seems to be offering just that - performance, security and experience.
Surely it's easy for users and critics to comment on a lot of the things that may not necessarily be up to one's expectations. But, coming from a technical perspective, its hard, if not, impossible, to imagine, design, architect and then implement something that's suited for such a large and varied user base. At a risk of sounding like being too 'pro-Microsoft/Windows', it's worth acknowledging that Windows sure has come a long way from the days of Windows 3.1.
Will there be a newer, better Windows down the line, or will the Mac & Linux (or is it Chrome OS?) genres ultimately rule? The whole world will watch the release of Windows7 - and while competitors will hope otherwise, it's probably wise to hope and expect that Windows 7 should fare MUCH better than its predecessor, Vista.
