Windows 7 is Microsoft's newest venture into the future of operating systems. It will be released to the public on October 22, 2009. Just three short years after the release of Windows Vista, the current default operating system for Microsoft, Windows 7 promises to elaborate on all of the features that were new with Vista. According to Microsoft itself, Windows 7 should replace Vista in our collective memory. With a price tag of $119 for the Home version, Microsoft is very hopeful for the release and replacement of Vista, primarily due to the announcement that Google will launch its first operating system, Google Chrome, sometime in 2010.
After taking the tour on the Microsoft website, and using Windows 7 myself, several new features that were showcased caught my attention, but I then realized that they were already included in Windows Vista. For example, Microsoft says, "Type a program into the Start Menu, such as calculator, and it immediately comes up." This feature is already in use in Vista! It's a little silly to feature things like this that are already in existence. Microsoft has taken some major artistic license to re-vamp the classic Windows Desktop by adding non-opaque menu bars, aka skins to the default desktop. A really cool feature is the way you can size desktop windows by placing the window on different areas of the desktop. For example, placing a window on the side of the desktop halves the window, whereas placing it on top of the screen shows the window full sized. Placing the mouse over the program, say your browser, shows screen captures of all open tabs. This is great when you have multiple tabs open!
You are able to use Media Player like a DVR, which can be useful if you do not already own a DVR connected to your TV. However, you must purchase the "Home Premium" version of the OS. I personally, would not like to sit in an uncomfortable office chair to watch television, but that is an individual preference. The really interesting feature is being able to send mp3s to supported speakers anywhere on your home network.
Our very own Michael Frick, Director of IT systems and all around smart guy noted, "The Windows 7 OS is so much more efficient than Vista. I would take it over Vista any day. The quickness of the system surpasses Vista because this OS uses less memory." What better reason to switch to Windows 7 than listening to the advice of Stormfront's elite? Aaron VanSchyndel, our creative director said, "Windows 7 is very easy to use once you learn the nuances, which should be easy for users switching from Vista or XP. Everything runs quicker, and its really a pleasure to use. I feel as if you can get more done because it works so rapidly."
Windows 7 gets a 'thumbs up' from us. It possesses unmatched efficiency in a PC operating system by allowing for quick information finding and well as the ability to get tasks completed in a proficient manner.