caveman_nige
31st August, 2009, 02:22 AM
Ah, Windows 7. I remember that - didn't it come after Windows 6?
There was never a Windows 6, you fool. Windows 7 is the follow-up to Microsoft's current desktop operating system, Windows Vista.
Oh right, is that the one that no one liked?
That might be a bit unfair but it does seem that businesses in particular have failed to embrace Vista, with take-up continuing to be sluggish more than two years after its launch.
It sounds like there's a lot riding on Windows 7 then?
Clearly, Windows 7 will need to wipe away the bad memories of Vista if it's going to be a success.
It looks like the software behemoth is already putting Vista behind it: Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has even stated that he doesn't mind if businesses skip the OS as long as they come back for Windows 7.
So what's Microsoft done to make Windows 7 into a winner?
On the face of it, Windows 7 actually looks fairly similar to Vista - and uses the same Windows kernel, which should help minimise compatibility issues with software and devices. That said, there are big changes around usability and curing the operating system of Vista's perceived ills.
According to Bill Veghte, senior VP of Windows at Microsoft, Windows 7 is more than just a Vista service pack, with new features around connecting to home and business networks as well as support for multitouch operations.
So what Vista foibles does Microsoft claim Windows 7 solves?
Things like speeding up the start-up and shut-down time. Microsoft has also been working with computer makers to improve system performance in general, including more rapid recovery from problems if they occur and power saving features to help extend battery life.
Windows 7 users should get fewer interruptions while carrying out tasks: features such as the User Account Control function, which frequently opened dialogue boxes, have also been addressed and now users should be able to specify how often the system warns them about changes being made to their computer.
Beta testers have also reported Windows 7 is more stable than Vista even at this early stage.
What else does 7 bring to the party?
Aside from a redesigned taskbar, the way in which Windows 7 is released could also be different.
There's also been speculation that the OS could be available in modular form - so rather than getting an operating system with everything you could ever want, Windows 7 will be available with optional email, photos and video functionality.
This means customers could get a version that supports what they want to do without a load of extra stuff that they'll never use.
Microsoft has been criticised in the past for bundling all manner of applications into Windows meaning other vendors are automatically at a disadvantage, so this could be an interesting development.
Sounds good. Where can I use my Windows 7?
Well, Microsoft has said it's aiming to bring Windows 7 to everything from high-end multitouch devices to low-end hardware including netbooks, making its appeal as broad as possible.
So when can we get our hands on Windows 7?
A beta version was made available for download on 10 January and Microsoft even extended the deadline for testers to get their hands on it due to popular demand.
As for the final release date, Microsoft hasn't made any commitments yet.
Rumours of a Christmas 2009 release appear to be wide of the mark though after Windows executive Bill Veghte said he wasn't telling PC makers that Windows 7 would definitely be ready by then. It seems an early-2010 release is more likely.
Veghte said: "We will ship it when the quality is right, and earlier is always better, but not at the cost of ecosystem support and not at the cost of quality."
From the sounds of it, maybe seven could be Microsoft's lucky number?
Well, execs at Redmond will certainly be hoping so.
There was never a Windows 6, you fool. Windows 7 is the follow-up to Microsoft's current desktop operating system, Windows Vista.
Oh right, is that the one that no one liked?
That might be a bit unfair but it does seem that businesses in particular have failed to embrace Vista, with take-up continuing to be sluggish more than two years after its launch.
It sounds like there's a lot riding on Windows 7 then?
Clearly, Windows 7 will need to wipe away the bad memories of Vista if it's going to be a success.
It looks like the software behemoth is already putting Vista behind it: Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has even stated that he doesn't mind if businesses skip the OS as long as they come back for Windows 7.
So what's Microsoft done to make Windows 7 into a winner?
On the face of it, Windows 7 actually looks fairly similar to Vista - and uses the same Windows kernel, which should help minimise compatibility issues with software and devices. That said, there are big changes around usability and curing the operating system of Vista's perceived ills.
According to Bill Veghte, senior VP of Windows at Microsoft, Windows 7 is more than just a Vista service pack, with new features around connecting to home and business networks as well as support for multitouch operations.
So what Vista foibles does Microsoft claim Windows 7 solves?
Things like speeding up the start-up and shut-down time. Microsoft has also been working with computer makers to improve system performance in general, including more rapid recovery from problems if they occur and power saving features to help extend battery life.
Windows 7 users should get fewer interruptions while carrying out tasks: features such as the User Account Control function, which frequently opened dialogue boxes, have also been addressed and now users should be able to specify how often the system warns them about changes being made to their computer.
Beta testers have also reported Windows 7 is more stable than Vista even at this early stage.
What else does 7 bring to the party?
Aside from a redesigned taskbar, the way in which Windows 7 is released could also be different.
There's also been speculation that the OS could be available in modular form - so rather than getting an operating system with everything you could ever want, Windows 7 will be available with optional email, photos and video functionality.
This means customers could get a version that supports what they want to do without a load of extra stuff that they'll never use.
Microsoft has been criticised in the past for bundling all manner of applications into Windows meaning other vendors are automatically at a disadvantage, so this could be an interesting development.
Sounds good. Where can I use my Windows 7?
Well, Microsoft has said it's aiming to bring Windows 7 to everything from high-end multitouch devices to low-end hardware including netbooks, making its appeal as broad as possible.
So when can we get our hands on Windows 7?
A beta version was made available for download on 10 January and Microsoft even extended the deadline for testers to get their hands on it due to popular demand.
As for the final release date, Microsoft hasn't made any commitments yet.
Rumours of a Christmas 2009 release appear to be wide of the mark though after Windows executive Bill Veghte said he wasn't telling PC makers that Windows 7 would definitely be ready by then. It seems an early-2010 release is more likely.
Veghte said: "We will ship it when the quality is right, and earlier is always better, but not at the cost of ecosystem support and not at the cost of quality."
From the sounds of it, maybe seven could be Microsoft's lucky number?
Well, execs at Redmond will certainly be hoping so.