Microsoft Windows 7 … What’s it all about?
Windows 7 has recently been released by Microsoft and it is creating a lot of buzz, and rightfully so. Windows 7 is by far their most stable OS release in as many years as I can remember from Microsoft, and it does wonders for making windows easy to use and graphically appealing.
I have heard a lot of people say “it is much more Mac like”. Given the legions of Mac devotees and the migration of many long time windows users to the Mac platform over the past handful of years I would consider this a compliment if I were Microsoft.
Besides the stability and the easy to use good looking graphical interface, Windows 7 starts to bring a new error of simplified computing to the world. The user interface is slick looking abut also includes a new task bar with big easy to see icons that allow you to jump between application that are open , access recently opened applications, and chose to doc or un-doc specific applications from your task bar.
There are also built in migration tools to move you from your old computer into your new windows 7 computer and even more impressive is the fact that the migration tools work pretty well. My mom was able to setup her windows 7 computer at home and hit the right buttons for the new PC to move her old files and folder over from her old PC.
This may not sound like much of a triumph, sorry if you are out there reading this mom, but my mom is a user that had some figuring out to do when she first starting using a mouse to give you an indication of the simplicity.
The list of improvement in this operation system goes on and on, including:
Gadgets
Themes
Shortcuts
Advancements in minimizing and maximizing windows
New preview options
Advanced media (audio and video) capabilities
Virtual XP mode for legacy applications
Technical advances including advanced driver support and an OS that does not bog down your computer
And the list continues on..
The next obvious question is: Should I move to windows 7?
My answer to this depends. I know the OS is stable because I have been testing it for the last month with very few problems. But like any new technology product there are small problems and annoyances that will be fixed in the coming months with service packs and greater third party support for the OS.
For me I cannot use my phone dialer software outside of the XP virtual mode which crashes frequently. Not the end of the world but a pain in the neck at times.
I maintain that for home use I would encourage anyone getting a new PC to move right into windows 7 but for office use I suggest you wait a few months. It is always best to be right behind the cutting edge of technology and new releases because those that are right at the edge often get to work out all the little bugs and problems and they enjoy doing it.
If you give this OS six months you will hear me say that you should be creating your organizations migration path.
Until that time let someone else deal with the nasty nicks and bruises that are associated with the cutting edge.
Josh Clifford, CSO
Everon Technology Services LLC
Tags: Microsoft and OS, Microsoft news, Microsoft operating systems, Microsoft Windows 7, Windows 7, Windows 7 and workplace