Windows 7 is OK

I’ve been playing around with Windows 7 for a few weeks now.  I have tried to concentrate on features and configuration because I want to understand how it works, and how Microsoft intends some features to work.  Windows 7 is Vista with a new taskbar and some reaaranged menus. 

I like:

• I like how quickly it installs and boots, though I wonder if it will load as quickly after I install some apps. 
• I like the search feature.  It works well. 
• The “Library” is a good idea, though I bet it’s going to trick some users at first. 
• I also like all the new tools that have been added to the software like powercfg -energy.
• I like how customizable the appearance is.

I don’t like:

• That I can’t open multiple windows by clicking on an icon in the taskbar.  It works if I hold shift.  That’s very annoying.
• Jumplists are meh.
• Features that Microsoft considers major innovations like “Snap” , “Shake“, and “Aero Peek” (which is borderline useless) that are nothing more than minor additions to old technology.
• XP mode only works with machines that have very specific hardware “virtualization” features.
• That’s it not much of an improvement over Vista and the classic Windows platform.
• Microsoft’s online “tutorials” and “walk-throughs” are WEAK, and disorganized, and really frustrating!!!

What does that mean for my companyand I?  An upgrade is likely in the works….  Windows XP is going out of support in a few years (though none of my current HW will be around then).  I want to get off of the old Windows XP platform and so does the IT management in my company.  Users feel like we’re “Out of date” on the desktop and Office (they don’t buy that Office 2007 is the latest version).  This put together with a Microsoft “Enterprise Licensing Agreement” means that we’re moving forward with Windows 7.  I plan to post about my experience with Windows 7 and the upgrade.

Advertisement