Processing .....please wait.. 
The article has been forwarded.... 
Windows 7 to rescue Microsoft Vista users
By siliconindia
|
Thursday, 08 October 2009, 15:03 IST
Bangalore: Microsoft will launch Windows 7 on October 22, putting an end to its long Operating System (OS) nightmare. A faster and much better operating system than the little appreciated Windows Vista, which did a lot to harm the company's reputation, will make the PC makers rush to the physical and online stores with new computers preloaded with Windows 7, and to offer it to the Vista owners who wish to upgrade, reports The Wall Street Journal.
The users will have a strong and a modern successor to the sturdy and familiar Windows XP, which is still the most popular version of Windows, despite being decommissioned in 2001. As XP works well for many people, it is relatively weak in areas such as security, networking and other features that are more important today than the time when XP was designed around in 1999.
The Windows 7 introduces advancements in organizing programs and files, arranging taskbar and desktop, and quickly viewing and launching the page or document whenever the user wants. It also has in-built touchscreen features.
It removes a lot of clutter, as it bans the main flaws of Vista, incompatibility with third party software and hardware, heavy hardware requirements and constantly annoying security warnings.
With a glacial start, Windows 7 consumes time to reboot. Also, Windows 7 still need an add-on security software that has to be frequently updated. Applications which previously came in-built, like email, photo organizing, address book, calendar and video editing programs do not come in Windows 7 which can be downloaded free of charge.
Windows 7 looks better than the Mac OS in some areas, such as better previews and navigation right from the taskbar, easier organization of open windows on the desktop and touchscreen capabilities. Apple will have to scramble now that the gift of a flawed Vista has been replaced with a reliable, elegant version of Windows, said the report.
There are four editions of Windows 7 for the customers. First, a limited version called Starter, comes preloaded on netbooks. The second is called Business and is mainly for people who need to tap remotely into company networks. The third is called Ultimate and is mainly meant for techies who want every feature of all other editions. The majority of average consumers will want Home Premium, which costs $120 for upgrades.
Though the system for upgrading is complicated, Vista owners can upgrade to the exactly comparable edition of Windows 7 while keeping all files, settings and programs in place. But the users of XP will not have such advantage. They will have to take a backup elsewhere before installing and then restore their programs from the original CDs and installed files. The operating system includes an easy transfer wizard to help with this, but it moves only personal files and not programs.
