Review

Since Windows 7 is a sort of streamlined Vista underneath -- same hardware requirements, same hardware compatibility model, a bit less cruft -- you'll have to look to the basic UI for Microsoft's most visible additions to the OS. Makes sense, we suppose. Here are some of the highlights:

WINDOWS 7 Review

Oh, Windows. You inform and entertain us. You are inescapable, and your Start menu is full of items relevant to our productivity. You move us. Sort of. To be honest, we're not sure what sort of state this fair planet of ours would be in without the ruggedly functional operating systems the folks at Redmond have handed to us over the years, and while Windows Vista might have proved that Microsoft wasn't invincible, it did nothing to demonstrate that Windows as an idea -- and for most, a necessity -- was at all in jeopardy.

Windows 7 arrives on the scene three short years after Vista, shoring up its predecessor's inadequacies and perhaps offering a little bit more to chew on. We've been playing with the OS ever since the beta, along through the release candidate, and now at last have the final, "release to manufacturing" (RTM) edition in our grubby paws. Does it live up to its understandable hype and the implicit expectations of a major Microsoft release? Let's proceed on a magical journey to discover the truth for ourselves.

Install / boot times / shutdown

It's the most base of operating system functions. Install, turn on, turn off. But first impressions matter, and Microsoft made sure to give Windows 7 a nice sheen when it came to these things. You can read through our full installation guide for an in-depth look at the pitfalls and triumphs of Windows 7 in this department, but in short: it's fast and lightweight, but the real performance gains can be found on netbooks and with clean installs. Otherwise there's really nothing to put Vista to shame -- though the amazing breath of fresh air a clean install provides should really set cruftware-happy vendors to a bit of soul searching.

WINDOWS 7

WINDOWS 7(formerly codenamed Blackcomb and Vienna) is the latest version ofMicrosoft Windows, a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft for use onpersonal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, netbooks, tablet PCs and media center PCs.^[2] Windows 7 was released to manufacturing on July 22, 2009,^[3] with general retail availability set for October 22, 2009,^[4] less than three years after the release of its predecessor, Windows Vista. Windows 7's server counterpart,Windows Server 2008 R2, is slated for release about the same time.

Unlike its predecessor, which introduced a large number of new features, Windows 7 is intended to be a more focused, incremental upgrade to the Windows line, with the goal of being fully compatible with applications and hardware with which Windows Vista is already compatible.^[5] Presentations given by Microsoft in 2008 focused on multi-touchsupport, a redesigned Windows Shell with a new taskbar, a home networking system called HomeGroup,^[6] and performance improvements. Some applications that have been included with prior releases of Microsoft Windows, including Windows Calendar,Windows Mail, Windows Movie Maker, and Windows Photo Gallery, will not be included in Windows 7;^[7][8] some will instead be offered separately as part of the free Windows Live Essentials suite.^[9]

Desktop Introducing improved taskbar previews, bigger icons, pinning, and creative ways to personalize. HomeGroup Takes the headache out of home networking, so it's easier to share files and printers. Jump Lists Speedy access to your favorite pictures, songs, websites, and documents. Snap A quick (and fun) new way to resize and compare windows on your desktop. Windows Live Essentials Must-have software for your PC—free! Get Mail, Photo Gallery, and other favorites. Windows Search At last, searching your PC is as simple as searching the web. Windows 7 works the way you want Performance improvements It's designed to sleep and resume quicker, be less memory hungry, and spot USB devices faster. Full 64-bit support Windows 7 makes the most of powerful 64-bit PCs, the new desktop standard. Power management New power-saving features are designed to help laptops run longer. Windows 7 makes new things possible Easier wireless networking Windows 7 gets you online in fewer clicks. Windows Media Center Watch, record, and pause live TV (additional hardware required). Windows Touch Pair Windows 7 with a touch-sensitive PC and you won't always need a keyboard or mouse. Desktop Introducing improved taskbar previews, bigger icons, pinning, and creative ways to personalize. HomeGroup Takes the headache out of home networking, so it's easier to share files and printers. Jump Lists Speedy access to your favorite pictures, songs, websites, and documents.
									HomeGroup Takes the headache out of home networking, so it's easier to share files and printers.	Jump Lists Speedy access to your favorite pictures, songs, websites, and documents.