Window 7
Are you wondering about the Windows 7 operating system? Perhaps you are trying to decide if you want to upgrade from XP or Vista. Maybe you are thinking about buying a new computer and want to learn more about Windows 7 first.
what is windows 7
Windows 7 is an operating system that Microsoft has produced for use on personal computers. It is the follow-up to the Windows Vista Operating System which was released in 2006. An operating system allows your computer to manage software and perform essential tasks. It is also a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that allows you to visually interact with your computer’s functions in a logical, fun and easy way.
For example, in Windows 7 you can view two windows side by side by using the Aero Snap feature. This feature automatically sizes or snaps two windows to fit together on the screen thus allowing you the convenience of viewing them next to each other.
For example, in Windows 7 you can view two windows side by side by using the Aero Snap feature. This feature automatically sizes or snaps two windows to fit together on the screen thus allowing you the convenience of viewing them next to each other.
How is window 7 different to vista or XP?
Based on their customer feedback, Microsoft is promoting that it has simplified the PC experience by making a lot of functions easier to use, such as better previewing on the Task Bar, instant searching for files or media and easy sharing via Home Group networking. They also claim improved performance by supporting 64-bit processing which is increasingly the standard in desktop PCs. In addition, Windows 7 is designed to sleep and resume faster, use up less memory and recognize USB devices faster. There are also new possibilities with media streaming and touchscreen capabilities.
The above are improvements for both the Vista and XP users. If you are already a Vista user then the improvements to Windows 7 are going to be more subtle. Vista users are likely already familiar with features like the Aero visual functions, the Start Menu organization and Search. However, if you are currently using XP, then you may require a bit of an adjustment period.
The above are improvements for both the Vista and XP users. If you are already a Vista user then the improvements to Windows 7 are going to be more subtle. Vista users are likely already familiar with features like the Aero visual functions, the Start Menu organization and Search. However, if you are currently using XP, then you may require a bit of an adjustment period.
Improvements for both Vista and XP
- New Taskbar and System Tray
- Quick Desktop View button
- Improved Start Up, Sleep and Resume performance
- Improved power management saves memory and battery life
- Libraries to improve file access and organization
- Action Center for system maintenance, back ups, troubleshooting and more
- User Account customization of notifications
- Improved back up
- New wallpapers and themes
- Improved gadgets
- New premium games include Chess Titans, Mahjong Titans and Inkball
- Advanced Calculator functions including saving history
- Improved networking via HomeGroups
- Passkey protection with networks
- Device Stage for recognizing USB devices faster
- Windows Mail replaced by Windows Live
Will window 7 improve my computer's performance
- Decrease Start Up and Shutdown times by 20 seconds
- Go to Sleep and Resume faster
- Use up less Memory
- Pop up Search results faster
- Reconnect to your Wireless Network more quickly
- Recognize USB devices faster
However, performance tests of Windows 7 indicate that actual improvements vary and greatly depend on the conditions of your specific computer and the programs you are running. We will go into more detail regarding your computer's ability to run Windows 7 in future lessons.
What can you do on window 7
Aero is an interface that makes your visual interactions with the desktop fun and easy.
- Aero Peek makes your open windows transparent so you may see your desktop. It also allows you to peek at items in your taskbar for a thumbnail preview.
- Aero Snap is a quick way to resize your windows to make them easier to read, organize and compare.
- Aero Flip allows you to preview all your open windows from a central window or 3D view that you can flip through.
- Aero Shake allows you to take your mouse and shake only the open window you want to focus on and the rest will disappear.
- Jump Lists allow you to right click on an icon in the taskbar and immediately access items like music, videos or web pages that you use on a regular basis.
- Pin allows you to place programs on the taskbar and rearrange the order of the icons as you wish.
- Action Center allows you to control the alerts and pop-ups you receive regarding maintenance and security.
- Libraries allow you to organize your files in one place so they are easy to search and access.
- Windows 7 has four default Libraries for documents, music, pictures and videos, however you can customize and create you own Libraries based on your needs.
Additional things you can do with window 7
- Device Stage: When you plug a device into your computer such as a camera, mobile phone or flash drive, a window will open up with a menu of popular tasks, status information and options for your device.
- Windows Live Essentials: Windows Live Essentials is free software that enhances the Windows 7 experience. It replaces Windows Mail and allows you to email, instant message, edit photos, blog, etc.
- HomeGroup: HomeGroup allows you to connect two or more PCs on a home network in order to easily share and access files and printers.
- Windows Touch: You can use Windows Touch with a touch-screen PC to browse and flick through the screen using your fingers with multitouch technology.
- Remote Media Streaming: With Remote Media Streaming you can access your music, pictures and videos stored on your home PC remotely using the Internet.
Conclusion
By now, you should have a better idea of what Windows 7 is all about. Now you can start considering if upgrading to Windows 7 will be a good choice for you. In making this decision, you may want to compare your desires with what your current computer is capable of.
While Microsoft is promoting that Windows 7 can be used on older computers, that does not mean all of the features will be available or work the same as they will on a new computer. For example, we have found that some of the Aero features, like Peek and 3D, do not work on one of our older, 32-bit computers.
In addition, upgrading to Windows 7 from XP is more complicated than upgrading from Vista. In the next lesson, we I review the cost and requirements for running Windows 7 which are important factors in making a decision.
While Microsoft is promoting that Windows 7 can be used on older computers, that does not mean all of the features will be available or work the same as they will on a new computer. For example, we have found that some of the Aero features, like Peek and 3D, do not work on one of our older, 32-bit computers.
In addition, upgrading to Windows 7 from XP is more complicated than upgrading from Vista. In the next lesson, we I review the cost and requirements for running Windows 7 which are important factors in making a decision.