Microsoft released to manufacturing the newest version of Windows last month, less than three years after the ushering in of the unpopular Widows Vista, which, in light of the heavy criticism received from users and officials alike, prompted many users to stick with the then 4-year-old Windows XP. With a general release date set for October 22, Windows 7 is highly anticipated already, Amazon.co.uk reporting that in the first 8 hours of trading, sales of Windows 7 had already surpassed what took Windows Vista 17 weeks to accomplish.
A leaked version of Windows 7 beta was also highly praised by ZDNet, beating all previous versions of Windows in many areas including file loading, boot and shut down times, and memory management. Whereas Vista focused on user-experience and an increase in features, Windows 7 is said to have focused on application and hardware compatibility, networking, and overall security.
Windows 7 has also removed many features as well. As for superficial riddances, the classic start menu is no longer an option, floating toolbars are out, and the taskbar is “always on top” whether you like it or not. The number of applications bundled with previous versions has also been reduced, but are available free in a separate package.
Of course, the true test won’t come until we’re in front of our screens, three hefty programs running, 11 internet tabs open on two different browsers, and happen to absent-mindedly click on iTunes, before we realize what we’ve done. When it calmly proceeds to open and serenade me, alternating between Sigur Ros and Radiohead, then, fair or no, Windows 7 will have my grateful vote.
