Windows 7 Needs More Punch Before Release

By: Kara Gilmour
Staff Writer
Published: Jan 19, 2009

Microsoft released a beta of its new Windows 7 operating system last week. The early beta release has a few performance issues and minor glitches, but it will need a lot of work before Microsoft redeems itself from the Vista disappointments.

Microsoft Corp released a beta version of its new Windows 7 operating system last week. The early beta release has a few performance issues and minor glitches, but it will need a lot of work before Microsoft redeems itself from the Vista disappointments. The new OS comes with a few changes to its desktop and offers enhancements to the new interface.

Windows 7 eliminates the Sidebar which became a nuisance for most computer users. The desktop interface provides a new shining Taskbar which can simplify programs by using a unique icon. The new system tray offers the ability to hide icons and turn off system notifications sent by other applications.

A new feature we noticed is a "Jump List" that lets users jump to and from applications from a list. The list unveils the recent programs you worked in and adds further options for new documents and photos. It's pretty much a new box that shows the applications that are used often.

Microsoft Windows 7 also provides better management and improvements for networking which Windows Vista and Windows XP didn't have. A new HomeGroups section unveils all sharing devices including music files, movies, documents, storage devices, and printers over a home network. Setting up HomeGroups is quick and easy and the new OS also increases the number of SMB network connections you can have in a single network.

Windows 7 does seem faster than Vista. For example, menu windows open faster and apps respond quicker during launch. Booting up seems faster and it does seem to outperform Vista. This could also be due to the 64-bit hardware we had to install in order to run Vista.

Overall, Windows 7 does look promising, but it appears Microsoft does have a lot of work to do on it before its official release. For those that dislike Vista, you will love Windows 7. The beta isn't perfect, but it certainly restores confidence that Microsoft is listening to consumers.