Windows 7 beta (build 7000) review

I’ve been using Windows 7 beta (build 7000) for a couple of weeks now, and I have to say I’m hooked. I’m running it on an old IBM z60m and I’m finding that the laptop has now become my work machine of choice over my newer laptop running Windows XP.

So why is Windows 7 so good? In many ways it is very similar to Windows Vista – the most recent debacle of an operating system from Microsoft. Cosmetically it is extremely similar, but Windows 7 has a few very significant differences – the main one being that it simply works. Let me explain….

Coming from a technical background I’ve always had a certain sympathy with software development especially something as complicated as an operating system. Microsoft rarely gets the credit it deserves for producing software that works across such a wide range of hardware. That said, Microsoft Windows and Office are probably the two pieces of software that drive me up the wall – not because they are bad bits of software but rather that I use both continually. As such any problem with writing the document impacts my work and it’s Word that gets the blame.

So onto Windows 7. From the moment of installation things were pretty smooth. Clear instructions, minimal intrusion, and swift installation. Starting Windows 7 for the first time was something of an adventure and the first thing you notice when you see the desktop is that the taskbar has changed. Whereas Vista kept the taskbar similar to Windows XP, Windows 7 has taken a different approach. One of the most common issues for me is window navigation. I often have five to 10 programs running with usually at least 20 windows open at any one time, as such trying to find which window contains what you’re looking for can be a bit of a challenge. Windows 7 does away with the usual window buttons on the task bar, but rather groups all windows together from the same program – not dissimilar to the Dock on an Apple Mac – allowing you to easily find the content you’re after. Right-click on any of the programs a small menu allows you quick access to common features. For example Internet Explorer shows a list of recently view pages, and Media Player gives you easy access to your media and various controls.

Under Windows XP I found the grouping feature to be extremely painful, but in Windows 7 it works extremely well as you can see a small thumb nail of the windows contents when you move the move over active programs.

Additionally, Microsoft has added a few minor tweaks. You can now move a window over to the far left of the screen and it will maximise to half the screen width. Do the same with another window on the right-hand-side and you can easily compare windows side by side. A simple but actually useful feature. The ‘Show desktop’ feature is now activated by moving the cursor to the bottom right of the screen which temporarily makes all windows fully transparent allowing you to see all files on the desktop – again simple but effective.

The ‘Start menu’ remains largely the same as Vista with the focus on search. For anyone using Windows XP this feature is a real god send as it allows you to quickly open programs, files, services simply by pressing the ‘Windows’ key and then typing. Whereas in Windows XP I created loads of short-cut icons, this feature makes life a lot simpler and tasks quicker to complete as I don’t have to resort to the mouse of have to remember loads of keyboard short-cuts.

So far all of the programs I’ve installed have worked seamlessly, and the focus with Window 7 certainly seems to on creating something that actually works. Even on an older machine Windows 7 running in all its visual glory feels faster and more productive that Windows XP – I’m not looking forward to August when the beta runs out and I’ll be forced to return to XP.

Across out hosted infrastructure we’ve seen a steady and continual increase in the use of Window 7 beta since Microsoft made the beta public on the 9th January and if it’s anything to go by Microsoft is onto a winner with Windows 7 – let’s hope that they don’t ruin a promising start by offering complex and inappropriate licensing!

So why am I so excited about this? Well the key reason is that Microsoft has clearly listened to the criticisms of Vista. If I were cynical then I’d say that they had little choice following the disaster that was Vista, which should have been good but was let down by numerous niggles each of which dented the overall experience. And here is the real lesson. Windows 7 is enjoyable to use – it’s a positive experience a bit like the first time I used an Apple Mac. Rather than the usual computer experience of trying to do something and eventually finding it sitting three menus deep before the computer promptly crashes, Windows 7 feels smooth. It is easy to use and guides you through tasks efficiently, but also has loads of small intuitive features that are not big marketing opportunities but are clearly there simply to make life easier! And for that single fact I applaud Microsoft – credit where credit is due.

For a great in-depth review have a look at: http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/23/windows-7-beta-in-depth-impressions/