Windows 7

You can’t have failed to notice the release of Windows 7 – Microsoft’s latest operating system and the successor to Windows Vista. Whether you like Vista or not, there is no doubt that it was a failure commercially. Sales of Vista have been slow and poor market adoption has hit Microsoft badly. Consumers have benefited because Microsoft have had no choice but to listen and respond to complaints. 

Microsoft needed to get it right first time with Windows 7 and initial reports suggest that this is what they have achieved. Windows 7 is based on the Vista interface with significant improvements in terms of speed, accessibility, compatibility and security.

Highlights

• Improved Interface – Windows 7 features a similar interface to Vista, along with a number of much needed improvements. The task bar has been completely redesigned which may take some getting used to but is worth the effort. Accessing your favourite programs is easier than ever and handling multiple instances of applications is simple.

• Improved speed – Microsoft has implemented a number of changes to improve interface speed in Windows 7. It will run on far lower specification machines and most users should have no problems installing it on their current hardware.

• Improved Compatibility  – Windows 7 features a number of new compatibility options meaning your old legacy software should run fine on the new operating system (O/S). Microsoft has also introduced a new ‘XP Mode’ which can be used to run software that will only work in XP.

• Increased Security – Windows 7 builds upon the improvements made in Vista to bring you the most secure O/S to date. Windows 7 won’t win the security battle overnight but it’s a step in the right direction.