Those that have followed my blogs over the years know full well that I'm operating system neutral. At work I use Windows and Linux right next to each other. At home my family uses a mix of Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux PCs. I have my likes and dislikes with each operating system. I don't drink the kool aid with any of the systems as I'm not easily impressed with what I see.
During the past couple years, I've been extremely disappointed in Windows Vista and consider the experience delivered by the operating system to be just as bad as Windows ME. It has long been my view that if Microsoft screwed up Windows 7 we could kiss the Windows line goodbye and for evermore be just as happy with both OS X and Linux (with Ubuntu as my favorite Linux client). However, it looks like Microsoft's developers have responded well to the criticism and Windows 7 is going to deliver the goods consumers and enterprises need in their operating system.
I've been testing Windows 7 since Beta 2 and currently have the Release Candidate version on my desktop. It is a great operating system and delivers on the performance and stability improvements Microsoft promised but didn't keep in Vista. Surprisingly, my favorite feature in Windows 7 is the task bar. The task bar is a delight to work with and in my opinion outshines the outdated Dock in OS X. Windows 7 is such an improvement that I just don't see myself complaining about this operating system in the same way I did with Vista. Those days are coming to an end.
However, I do have some complaints against Microsoft with regards to how they're delivering Windows 7. Doesn't Microsoft understand the concept up keeping it simple for the consumer? I'm talking about the multi-editions of Windows they insist on marketing to customers as well as the lousy upgrade path from XP or Vista 32 bit. Seems like a lot of commentators are agreeing that Microsoft is making the complicated even more complicated.
I just wonder if the operating system itself is enough this time around for consumers to ignore the cost of doing business with the Microsoft bureaucracy. Apple and the Linux open source communities still seem to have an edge on Microsoft the Complicated by responding better to the needs and desires of customers. Microsoft recognized the need to improve their operating system, but will they recognize in time the need to improve how they market and package their products?
Despite the licensing, multi-editions, price, and upgrade issues being pushed by Microsoft...Windows 7 the operating system rocks. Below is Seth Rosenblatt's CNET video which does a great job in explaining the new features in Windows 7.
Comments
Good for you, not enough
Good for you, not enough people keep an open mind when it comes to choice of platform. I try to do the same, and I agree it's true to say the top 3 OS's all have distinct advantages and problems.
I think it's fair to say Microsoft have taken a huge beating in the last year, with Google and Apple flanking them from all angles. However, with Windows 7 and Bing it looks like they might have a bit of a resurgence.
(written by a Mac user)
Windows 7
I very much agree. Did not like Windows Vista but it seems Microsoft has done better with 7, I will probably switch from XP. I also agree that they need to cut back on the versions. From what I have read there will be Starter, Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate. Is this really necessary? When it comes to versions I think they had it right with XP, a business oriented version and one slighty scaled back for the average home user. I think we will see more users move to 7 then they did Vista.
It will be interesting to see
It will be interesting to see how many people will be upgrading from XP to Win 7...and how shocked they will be that their is no easy upgrade process. Microsoft doesn't expect these numbers to be low and why they're worried. But there are plenty of small businesses out there that "downgraded" from Vista to XP that probably was hoping for an easier path to Win 7.
Windows 7
That is the catch isn't it. When ordering computers for the company I work for we have always taken the XP Pro downgrade. I will be attending a technet event within the next 2 to 3 weeks that focuses using Microsoft Deployment Tools to migrate from Windows XP to Windows 7. Should be interesting.
LabVIEW
Why isn't Microsoft Windows 7 capable of installing LabVIEW 8.5. It continually produces an SDK function error (error code -12). Windows XP and Vista were both able to complete the install. I've tried using its compatibility features as well, but no dice!
Looking forward to Microsoft's Windows 7
Are you running the RC? If so you can install XP Mode, install LabVIEW in XP then run it from the Windows 7 menu. I did this with vSphere and it worked well. If you have a RTM version of 7 it needs to be Professional or better to do this. There are links to the files needed from MS in this post as well as instructions on getting XP mode installed.
http://www.technicalhaze.com/xp-mode-in-...
Using Windows 7 Enterprise Edition.
I'm not using the RC. The edition I am using is Enterprise. I'll try out the link you provided. Thanks.
Unfortunately, my laptop does
Unfortunately, my laptop does not support virtualization, so this approach has bogged down for me.
Class Action Suit against MS for 7 brewing?
Sure, they enhanced the security.
But has anyone tried to load their old software into a new machine?
Back when Win 3.1 came to be, they made certain to keep things DOS compatable. Nowadays, it is just too frelling bad for the consumers, as their old software is the newest in a line of expensive drink coasters.
Rumor has been heard that there is already a class action lawsuit starting because of this, and rightfully so.
Imagine the billions on selling updated versions of software just so they will work on the new 64 bit systems!
So, I'd be there testifying, as nothing from my old software works... KH