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Microsoft Windows 7 OS review

Posted by T3 Magazine on Wed 23 Sep 2009

Time to upgrade from XP?

Windows Vista is proof a new interface and major technical changes aren’t always good news. But with Windows 7, Microsoft has achieved everything Vista failed to deliver and more. Low-level changes make Windows 7 more stable – to the extent that it will even copy and restart apps that fail.

- Not a PC? Check out our full Apple Snow Leopard review


Crucially, performance takes a big step forward. In fact Windows 7 uses less memory to do more; shutting down, starting up and copying files faster - it even gets out of your way when you’re busy. Boot times are far better, coming in at 46 seconds on an HP Elitebook (1.2GHz Core 2 Duo processor and 3GB RAM), compared to 1m 33 with Vista. Search is fast, reliably finding documents and messages.
 

The interface too, is quieter and simpler. Large, clear icons for open apps and favourites, jump lists, and large thumbnail previews that you can close or use to preview the full-size window, make Windows 7 friendly and intuitive. Nagging popups and icons aren’t in your face either, being banished to the Action Center and Notification area. There’s also the addition of Areo Shake that lets you open and close windows with a shake of your mouse, and Aero Snap for simple window resizing.
 

With a new cleaner, clearer interface Windows Media Player comes with codec’s for far more media, including DiVX, QuickTime and H264. You can also share media, view libraries from your homegroup or send a video or song to play on another PC or DLNA device. Plus, you can stream music from your PC when you’re away from home, there’s some setup to do but it’s not complicated.


Device Stage displays useful information about gadgets connected to your PC. For example if you attach a multi-function printer you can see exactly what memory cards are connected to it. Manufacturers have to write a Device Stage specifically for hardware, so currently it won’t work for every multi-function device.

 

Windows 7 is compatible with far more software and peripherals than Vista was, the vast majority of which work without the need for additional software. If they do, there are compatibility tricks for older software, including the option of a ‘virtual’ copy of XP in Pro and Ultimate versions.


Thumbprint scanners, GPS and ambient light sensors are more affordable than ever, which is why they’re appearing in new PCs, but multi-touch gestures are more than a gimmick here. Dragging, zooming, rotating and 'flicking' are easy and intuitive, but you’ll need a new generation of software that makes the most of touch, such as Corel Digital Studio 2010.
 

Sometimes, less is more. Windows 7 has more security, with fewer interruptions and irritations of Vista’s User Account Control. There’s no equivalent of Vista’s disappointing Extras programme (a poker game and animated backgrounds anyone?), instead you get a proper backup too in every version, automatic fixes for common problems and simple parental controls. All in all, Windows 7 is a solid performer underneath the slick design.

Link: Microsoft

 

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