Windows 7 Beta Preview, Review, Opinions

Experts say that the next iteration of Microsoft’s operating system – Windows 7 may be good for Microsoft. While Windows Vista was called by many as a marketing and PR fiasco – Windows 7 may just be luck Microsoft wants.

What is Windows 7?

Windows 7 (formerly codenamed Blackcomb and Vienna) is the next release of Microsoft Windows, an operating system produced by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, Tablet PCs, netbooks and media center PCs. Microsoft stated in 2007 they were planning Windows 7 development for a three-year time frame starting after the release of its predecessor, Windows Vista. Microsoft has stated that the final release date would be determined by product quality. However experts expect that it will be release sometime in third quarter of the year.

Windows Vista (code-named Longhorn) was delivered after a delay of over a year – which led to confusion among the new buyers. This is the reason many term it as a marketing and PR fiasco. Vista was good if you have a latest configuration of computer (dual-core processor and minimum 2 gigs of memory) though Vista failed on Netbooks. Some of the new features were quite impressive.

Unlike its predecessor, Windows 7 is intended to be an incremental upgrade from Vista, with the goal of being fully compatible with device drivers, applications, and hardware with which Windows Vista is already compatible.

New Features of Window 7

• Multi-touch support (Touch Screen)
• Redesigned Windows Shell with a new taskbar – a relatively clean desktop
• tabbed display on the task-bar is interesting. Quick Launch toolbar has been merged with the task buttons to create an enhanced task bar
• A small rectangle adjacent to the system clock is a new feature called ‘Peek’. Hovering over Peek makes all visible windows transparent for a quick look at the desktop
• Home networking system called HomeGroup
• Performance improvements
• Many new items have been added to the Control Panel
• Windows 7 will include Internet Explorer 8 and Windows Media Player 12.
• Some applications that have been included with prior releases of Microsoft Windows, most notably Windows Movie Maker, and Windows Photo Gallery, are no longer included with the operating system; they are instead offered separately (free of charge) as part of the Windows Live Essentials suite.

Windows 7 Editions

Windows 7 will be released in six editions, although only two of them, the Home Premium and Professional editions, will be most emphasized. The names given to them will be the same as in Windows Vista, except for the Business edition which will become Windows 7 Professional.
Only Home Premium and Professional, and Ultimate editions will be available at retail stores and through most OEMs. Home Basic will be only available to emerging markets, Enterprise only through Volume Licensing and Starter only to selected OEMs. Microsoft has yet to announce the pricing for the editions.

Hardware requirements for Windows 7

Microsoft has published their recommended specifications for a system running Windows 7 beta. Since Windows 7 is similar to Windows Vista, the recommended specifications are much the same as for premium editions of Vista; however, Windows 7 uses less hard disk space.

Windows 7 Beta recommended specifications are:

• Processor speed    1 GHz (either 32-bit or 64-bit)
• Memory (RAM)    1 GB
• Graphics card    DirectX 9.0 capable
• Graphics memory    128 MB (for Windows Aero)
• HDD free space    16 GB
• Other drives    DVD-ROM
• Audio    Audio output

However what experts say that ideal configuration for Windows 7 will be a Dual Core Processor and 2 Gigabytes of Memory. It is expected that when the Windows 7 will be launched (by the end of 2009)  the available standard configuration will be much better than what is available today. So this issue may not be so crucial for the new buyers. However for those who are upgrading – this may be cause of concern.

Pricing: No indication yet. However it is expected to be similar to Vista.

Expert’s Opinion on Windows 7 Beta

• Windows 7 Beta is lighter on the hardware unlike Vista and hence is a good OS
• There are changes but no revolutionary changes. Looks like an improved version of Vista.
• Ready for Cloud: Software integrates well with cloud (especially with Windows Live SkyDrive and Microsoft’s photo sharing service)

Windows 7 will be the first major operating system launched by Microsoft after Bill Gates has retired. All the eyes will be on Windows 7 to see how a company takes the Gates legacy to next level.

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