A Month in Software (01-03-2012)

Although the look of Windows 7 may seem to be nothing more than some polish applied liberally to the Vista Aero theme, make no mistake: this is a full replacement operating system, and more than just "Vista done right." From driver support to multitouch groundwork for the future, from better battery management to the most user-friendly interface Microsoft has ever had, Windows 7 is hardly half-baked.

Windows 7

Unlike Windows Vista, which introduced a large number of new features, Windows 7 was intended to be a more focused, incremental upgrade to the Windows line, with the goal of being compatible with applications and hardware with which Windows Vista was already compatible. Presentations given by Microsoft in 2008 focused on multi-touch support, a redesigned Windows shell with a new taskbar, referred to as the Superbar, a home networking system called HomeGroup,[1] and performance improvements. Some standard applications that have been included with prior releases of Microsoft Windows, including Windows Calendar, Windows Mail, Windows Movie Maker, and Windows Photo Gallery, are no longer included in Windows 7, however most are instead offered separately at no charge as part of the Windows Live Essentials suite.

We all wanted Microsoft to make Windows simpler, more responsive and full of new possibilities. Here's a list of what they believe they have improved.

1. A better desktop. Windows 7 gets you around your PC faster than ever. Thetaskbar has bigger buttons and full-sized previews—and you can pin programs to it for one-click access. Jump Lists provide shortcuts to files, folders, and websites. And Snap, Peek, and Shake give you easy (and fun) new ways to juggle all those open windows.
2. Smarter search. Type in the Start menu search box, and you'll see results instantly, grouped by category—documents, pictures, music, e‑mail, and programs. Search in a folder or library, and you can fine-tune your search with filters like date or file type—and use the preview pane to peek at the contents of your results.
3. Easy sharing with HomeGroup. Sharing files and printers on your home network should be simple. With HomeGroup, it finally is. Connect two or more PCs runningWindows 7, and with a minimum of fuss you can start sharing music, pictures, videos, and documents with other people in your home.
4. Built for speed. Windows 7 has key performance improvements to take up less memory and run background services only when you need them. It's designed to run your programs faster and to sleep, resume, and reconnect to wireless networks quicker. And with 64-bit support, you can take full advantage of the latest in powerful 64-bit PCs.
5. Better wireless networking. Connecting to wireless networks on your laptop—formerly a bit of a hassle—now takes just a couple of clicks. Choose from the list of available networks in the taskbar, click one, and then connect. Once you've connected to a network, Windows will remember it so you can connect again later automatically.
6. Windows Touch. Use your fingers to browse the web, flip through photos, and open files and folders on a touchscreen PC—for the first time, Windows includes true multitouch technology. With gestures for zooming, rotating, and even right-clicking, it's a whole new way to work with your PC.
7. Plays well with devices. Device Stage, a new feature in Windows 7, works like a home page for things like portable music players, smartphones, and printers. When you plug a compatible device into your PC, you'll see a menu with information and popular tasks like battery life, how many photos are ready to be downloaded, and printing options.
8. Media streaming. With new features in Windows Media Player 12, you can enjoy your media library around the house—or around town. Play To lets you stream music, videos, and photos from your PC to your stereo or TV (you may need additional hardware). And with Remote Media Streaming, you can even stream media over the Internet from one computer running Windows 7 to another that's miles away.
9. Internet Explorer 9 and Windows Live.‌ Windows 7 unleashes the full power ofInternet Explorer 9, from its stunning hardware-accelerated graphics to the ability to launch favorite websites right from your taskbar. You'll also get the many possibilities of Windows Live, free: create photo albums and movies, chat in HD, and share your stuff anytime, anywhere.
10. Nag-free notifications. Action Center, new in Windows 7, puts you in control of maintenance and security messages. You can turn notifications on or off for things like Windows Defender or User Account Control. If Windows needs your attention, you'll see a notification on the far right of the taskbar. Click it, and you'll get suggested fixes for any problems.

• Pros: There are many pros for using Windows 7 as opposed to other Operating Systems such as your nix's' and Apple's OS X, some of which we have already mentioned earlier.
• Cons: One of the main reasons to stay away from Windows 7 is because it is just way to RAM hungry requiring more than 1GB of RAM to run at optimum performance, and while Windows 7 security is stronger than ever it is still the most vulnerable Operating System out there.
• Available editions: 

Windows 7 Starter
- is the edition of Windows 7 that contains the fewest features. Windows 7 Starter is only available in a 32-bit version. The Windows Aero theme is not included in this version. The desktop wallpaper and Visual Styles (Windows 7 Basic) are not user-changeable. Its functions are very limited. Microsoft originally intended to restrict the edition to running 3 simultaneous applications, but this limitation was dropped. This edition is available pre-installed on computers, especially netbooks, through system integrators or computer manufacturers using OEM licences. 

Windows 7 Home Basic 

- is available in emerging markets such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile, the People's Republic of China, Colombia, India, Pakistan, Panama, Philippines, Mexico, Russia, Thailand, and Turkey. It is not available in developed technology markets countries including in Western and Central Europe, North America, Hong Kong, Australia and Saudi Arabia. Some Aero options are excluded along with several new features. Home Basic, along with other editions sold in emerging markets, include geographical activation restriction, which requires users to activate Windows within a certain region or country. 

Windows 7 Home Premium

- this edition contains features aimed at the home market segment, such as Windows Media Center, Windows Aero and multi-touch support. 

Windows 7 Professional 

- this edition is targeted towards enthusiasts and small-business users. It includes all the features of Windows 7 Home Premium, and adds the ability to participate in a Windows Server domain. Additional features include operating as a Remote Desktop server, location aware printing, Encrypting File System, Presentation Mode, Software Restriction Policies (but not the extra management features of AppLocker) and Windows XP Mode. Like Enterprise, Microsoft will support this edition until 2020. 

Windows 7 Enterprise

- this edition targets the enterprise segment of the market and is sold through volume licensing to companies which have a Software Assurance contract with Microsoft. Additional features include support for Multilingual User Interface (MUI) packages, BitLocker Drive Encryption, and UNIX application support. Not available through retail or OEM channels, this edition is distributed through Microsoft Software Assurance (SA). As a result it includes several SA-only benefits, including a license allowing the operating of diskless nodes (diskless PCs), the running of multiple virtual machines, and activation via VLK. Like Professional, Microsoft will support this edition until 2020. 

Windows 7 Ultimate 

- contains all of the same features as Windows 7 Enterprise, but unlike the Enterprise edition, it is available to home users on an individual license basis. Windows 7 Home Premium and Windows 7 Professional users are able to upgrade to Windows 7 Ultimate for a fee using Windows Anytime Upgrade if they wish to do so. Unlike Windows Vista Ultimate, the Windows 7 Ultimate edition does not include the Windows Ultimate Extras feature or any exclusive features as Microsoft had stated. However, even though it is the consumer equivalent to Enterprise, Microsoft will only support Ultimate until 2015, as per Home Premium.

• Used for: .
• Installation: http://www.microsoft.com/australia/windows/buy/default.aspx