Windows 7 Review - October 20, 2009 Windows 7 is a step forward from Windows XP and about 3 steps forward from Vista.

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Windows 7 Review

October 20, 2009

Windows 7 is a step forward from Windows XP and about 3 steps forward from Vista. I've upgraded many many computers to XP for clients who purchased systems with Vista on them and wished it came with XP instead. I've set up several computers with Windows 7 on them and not a single person asked to go to XP.

After testing Windows 7 x64 for about 6 months now on my laptop and having used the final release for over a month on my PCs, I can honestly say I'd recommend Windows 7 over XP for people buying new computers. I'd make sure any computer you buy comes with Windows 7 x64 (64 bit) and at least 3 GIGs of RAM. While most vendors will offer the 32 bit version, the 64 bit will allow you to take advantage of more memory and 64 bit applications such as Adobe, Office 2010, 64 bit games like Crysis and new applications being developed now that a good, well supported, 64 bit MS Desktop OS will become more common.

Network copies are faster (verified by me)
Less likely to get viruses
Boot time and shutdown about the same (verified by me)
Supports 64 bit apps including adobe and office 2010 (faster in some ways) – better multitasking able to use more than 3GB
Future support from MS
Able to play DX11 games (if you have a DX11 card)
Improved task bar
Improved searching including e-mail without slowing the system like it does on XP.
Nice snap control for opening two apps and showing side by side on same monitor
Native DVD playback
MKV playback using Divx7 (most TV shows are torrented in HD as MKV, low res as AVI)
Desktop gadgets such as calendar, clock, news readers, weather, stock streaming
Media Center (vs. media player – not that impressed but some people think it is cooler)
One of the most noticeable differences in Office was more reliable switching between Outlook profiles
Native Support for Windows Mobile
Better network functionality and configuration
Much better network (and local) printer identification and access
Easy Google (or other search provider) access through the start menu