Now that Windows 7 are officially part of Microsoft family of products. For those of us who are using Vista (like your true self) or XP (like one of those friends who like to get free advices), should you jump on the Windows 7 bandwagon? To answer that, I will say there are a few issues that you need to consider.
First, let's make this clear: Vista was a lesser product for Microsoft. That's not my opinion, but it is the opinion of Microsoft's general manager of corporate strategy. Many Microsoft fans says about how misunderstood Vista was and how, by Vista SP2, it was actually a good operating system. To me, it wasn't, it still isn't, and Microsoft knows that.
That said, if Vista is working for you, good for you. You don't have a reason to move to Windows 7. the same reasoning applies likewise for XP users.
But if you find Vista's worst five features ticking you off (like I do), then you should consider switching. Personally, I find Vista's UAC (User Account Control) to be a pain in the ass. That sometimes some files takes forever to move or copy irks me no end.
One word of caution though. If you're a heavy-duty user with lots of programs and files, moving from Vista to Windows 7 may take you more than 20 hours. That's not a misprint. This will give you 4 hours of sleep if you intend to babysit the whole installation.
The best upgrade you can expect, according to Microsoft, is just under an hour and a half. Excuse me!! This is for those who install new operating systems and upgrade systems on a weekly basis. I think a lesser people on an average PC can expect to spend most part of the day.
Some people told me with the misleading contention that if you do a clean install — that is delete everything on your Vista PC and then install Windows 7 — it will take far less time. They're right. Installing the operating system alone will take far less time. What they don't mention is that you'll then have to reinstall every application, replace all your files, and reset every one of your settings. This will save time? Yeah, right.....!
In a business environment, you may want to a clean install anyway. For this, I recommend using WAIK (Windows Automated Installation Kit) and System Center Configuration Manager, once the Windows 7 versions are out to ease your Windows 7 deployment. But, you're still looking at a lot of time. This is no "do it over the weekend" migration for even the tiniest SOHO (small office/home office).
So, should you switch? Is there one single feature that makes it worth while? Honestly, I can't.
But — and this is important — even Windows 7 RTM is much faster, more stable and tends to have less problem with older hardware and software than Vista SP2. So, a single feature? No, there isn't one — but Windows 7 simply does everything Vista does, except better. Make the move. You'll be glad you did.
It is being said all those things that were missed by Vista are being included in this operating system, so Windows 7 is more feature enriched than Windows Vista. So certainly Windows 7 is going to have an advantage over Windows Vista in all aspects.
Let us check on the features of Windows 7 that have been made public by Microsoft Corporation.
Touchscreen Interface: Biggest advantage of Windows 7 over Windows Vista is its touchscreen interface. Windows Vista Ultimate, the most compete Vista, also lacks this feature even. Currently this feature is supported by Apple Mac OS X only. This may the end of the era of mouse.
Quick Loading: Windows 7 is said to be 20% faster than the Windows Vista. It is faster to load and shut down Windows 7 than Windows Vista.
Application Makeover: Applications like Word Pad, Paint and Calculator are given new looks and features in this new touch operating system and users can store Internet Explorer settings on their Windows Live accounts as well.
Enhanced Taskbar: The taskbar is more visual in Windows 7. This enhanced taskbar known as superbar has merged quick launch with buttons and give you easy access to common tasks which is easier than Windows Vista even.
Modified System Tray: You can customize system tray without the need of editing registry in Windows 7. In Windows Vista, you have to control what programs load on startup through Windows Defender but in Windows 7 you can get better control over startup programs by directly customizing the system tray by right clicking it.
Best for Laptops: Windows Vista is said to consume big portion of your laptop battery because of its slow execution and loading times. But with Windows 7, you can get better battery management than ever available.
Better Account Management: Managing accounts in Windows Vista proved to be a big headache. You will get rid of all those security risks in Vista and can get better user account management with Windows 7.
There should only be zones 0-4 listed here so if this "broken character" subkey exists, delete it.
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