Windows 7 - Here We Go Again!

Nothing lasts foreverrr, used to sing popular Maroon 5… and I'm sure nobody can know that better than Windows OS, Microsoft's spoilt brat, which has undergone so many updates in the sake of technological enhancement so far…

After the not very well received Vista edition, which was almost completely rejected by users all around the world, Microsoft goes for a double bet by launching a new edition of this popular OS by the end of 2008/early 2009. The final name chosen for this Windows client release, after much discussion on it, is Windows 7.

Basically, Windows 7 will be an update to Windows Vista, just as it happened with Windows 95 and Windows 98, thus preventing compatibility problems… (hope so).

With a greater focus on performance, this OS will bring a number of improvements and new functions intended to simplify a little bit the operation of PCs. This has definitely to do with Microsoft leiv motif making PCs popular and user-friendly even for the most unskillful dude.

Let's have a look at just a few of the most innovative new features announced for Windows 7…

Shake it, Babe!
Windows 7 will be characterized by a user interface intended to draw nearer the user's desire with the PCs functions.

Those who are used to having a really messy desktop (my hand is up), with many windows spread all over the screen, will find this a great new tool to facilitate quick access to everything and to put some order to it.

Aero Shake is a function which allows keeping only one window open by putting the mouse cursor on the chosen one shaking it around. This movement will send all other windows to the background, leaving only one window open. To bring back all the rest of the windows, simply repeat the move…and voilá.

Related as well to the user interface, this new edition of the OS offers a function immediately available after installation, Aero Snap, which allows centering windows by dragging it to the middle of the desktop, either from the left or right side.

Superbar is Here
Undoubtedly a symbol of evolution in Windows GUI is the Taskbar. Accompanying progress towards a widened use of the multi-touch screen interface, Microsoft has spent some time in developing what is beginning to be known as the Superbar, a more application-oriented taskbar which facilitates the access to applications.

Also there will be menu options available by right-clicking on the icons on the taskbar. Each application will have unique Jump Lists which will correspond to the features of the application.

In order to make the new functions of the Superbar easily accessed it will be 10 pixels taller than in Windows Vista. However, users can choose to have a smaller taskbar if desired. Active Windows are to be displayed with a border indicating they are open, and shortcuts without a border.

Performance Matters
Developers have devoted a lot of time and work on improving Windows 7 performance, especially in what has to do with booting up time. Lab tests have proved that boot time has been improved in at least 30 seconds as compared to its predecessor, Vista for the 35% of the systems. Hopefully, we can also expect less RAM use, a feature that will certainly improve general performance.

Let's wait for it!
In general Windows 7 has preserved much of the design and feel of its predecessor, in a rather conservative way, especially in what refers to visual style. It seems to me as if Microsoft guys do not want to resign themselves to dispose of what they once thought was going to be their biggest success, Windows Vista, virtually turned down by the public.

However, and this is probably the best part of it, they have invested time and effort in working on a good variety of user interface improvements, browsing capabilities, boot performance and management features…at least that is what they proclaim…believe them or not…that's up to us.