I used to be a huge believer that Microsoft would not be able to improve on the raw potential that Windows XP had, and that this would be my main OS for a long time, but I downloaded Windows 7 RC1 last week and I have been playing with it since then, and I must say I love it!
Yes, I said it! I love Windows 7!
I do not consider myself a fanboy by no means since I’ve never had a #1 OS. Linux, OS X, and Windows XP have their own little things that make it the best in some fields while the worst in others. For a while Windows was getting left in the dust by the Linux and OS X universes, until now.
Windows 7 is what Vista really should be (I know I’m not the first one to say this, but it’s obvious).
I tested this OS using Sun’s Virtual Box, because it allows me to specify multiple hardware configurations and unlike Microsoft’s Virtual PC 2007, it allows you to use your USB ports; it’s also free.
I was really impressed that Windows 7 would allow me to run just fine on a PC with just 512mb of Ram and 64mb of video memory, it was a little slow, but still faster than even the great XP.
The installation was extremely easy, but I did not like the aspect that Microsoft again wait’s until the end of the installation to ask for the registration key; this is really ass backwards since you have already wiped your computer’s hard drive with your OS as part of the installation, so if there is a problem with the key that came with your copy of Windows, then you would be in real trouble since your computer is dead until you give it a good key. Microsoft, why don’t you create a registration key app that can check your key before you install Windows 7 for users who are upgrading from another OS and incorporate it to the installation DVD along with a hardware compatibility wizard (useless at this point, but you never know).
Another very important thing about Windows 7 is the worry that your hardware will not work correctly, but I have tried apps and drivers and if they where made for Vista, then they will run in Windows 7.
Windows 7 is very clean and professional looking. The Quick Launch icons or Pinned Programs keep the windows in the icon and it will display a popup menu so you can choose or individually close individual windows.
Other interesting changes have been made that make this OS allot better than Vista. It’s much more functional and retains that eye candy aspect without filling up the desktop. The side bar has been removed, but if you liked the whole widgets, you can go to the control panel and open them up individually. The “Show Desktop” icon has been replaced with a bar at the far right end of the system tray.
Instead of having hundreds of little icons in the system tray next to the clock, you now just have the volume, network connectivity, warnings, and a hidden icons button.
What's antivirus?
The applications that run from the system tray will automatically be hidden in the “hidden icons” arrow button, and will not fill up your task bar at all, leaving more room for the open window icons that just show up like an icon in the task bar.
I really can’t wait for this OS to come out. Rumors have it confirmed by the holidays this year, but if Microsoft want’s to delay it, then I will not be upset. Microsoft, take you’re time, but make it right this time!
You can download Windows 7 RC1 here, but you better hurry since it will only be available until July 2009. The release candidate will be good until July 2010.
Look below for more pics.
