Windows 7 released, finally, with improved features

Today, Microsoft has formally released its much-awaited Windows 7 that promises to wipe off the bad experience users had with Windows Vista. Windows 7 offers a streamlined and simplified interface, support for touch screens, and improved security features. It is expected to be more reliable and responsive operative system, simplifying the user experience.

The beta version of Windows 7 has been tested by a huge number of about 8 million people the worldwide. And, a vast majority of these people have given it high rating. This has to be contrasted with the negative experience that users had with the previous version of Windows, i.e., Windows Vista. In fact, a majority of Windows users did not upgrade from XP to Vista due to this very reason. Pleased by the hugely positive ratings of Windows 7, it is no surprise that Microsoft is banking upon it to improve its fortunes.

Though Windows 7 is available in six editions, the main two editions are: Windows 7 Home Premium that is meant for the home consumers, and Windows 7 Professional meant for the small and medium sized businesses. Moreover, Windows 7 is available both in 32-bit and 64-bit editions.

New or improved features in Windows 7:

Windows 7 introduces several new features that are not present in XP or Vista, while some existing features have been improved. Some of these are:

• Touch and tap on your computer or laptop instead of point and click, if you’ve a touch-sensitive screen.
• Improved Windows Search: Instantly find and open almost any file on your computer right from the Start menu just by typing a word or two. These files can be anything, such as documents, emails, music or video files.
• Pin programs to the taskbar and pin files to Jump Lists. This helps you in opening the programs and files, that you use most, in just a click or two.
• Navigate several open windows more quickly. Size and arrange the windows by simply dragging their borders to the edges of your screen. Instantly expand them to full screen and back, or arrange two windows side by side.
• You can easily share files, photos, and music among multiple computers / laptops / netbooks at home.
• Organize large number of files, documents, and photos effortlessly through libraries. This will make it easy to find the files and manage them as if they were in one location even when such files are in different folders or on different computers.
• Print to a single printer from any computer at home.
• Better device management: simplify managing your printers, cameras, music players, and other devices.
• Aero Peak: look right through open windows to see the icons, gadgets, and anything else on your desktop, all with a simple move of your cursor.
• Aero Shake: if you want to focus on one window, then simply shake it, and all the other open windows on your desktop will be hidden. And, if you shake again, other windows will be all back.
• Find and connect to Wi-Fi, mobile broadband, VPN, or dial-up networks with just a couple of clicks.
• Built-in protection against spyware and other malicious software through improved Windows Defender.
• Keep your data private and secure through improved BitLocker that can help prevent theft or loss of your data through data encryption to put a virtual lock on your files.
• You can run many Windows XP productivity programs in Windows 7 through the XP mode.
• Faster PC sleep and resume.
• Better power management for longer battery life.
• Watch and record TV on your PC. Watch Internet TV and DVDs. Play your music and watch your videos and slideshows.
• Create movies and slideshows from your photos and videos.
• Play music, photos, and videos from your computer to media devices connected to your home network.
• Latest DirectX 11 graphics technology. Better gaming graphics.
• Access photos, music, and videos on your home computer when you’re away from home.

If you’re planning to upgrade your existing Windows XP or Windows Vista to the latest Windows 7, just check first whether your existing computer configuration is suitable for such upgradation. You may also visit Windows 7 Compatibility Center, that can inform you which third-party hardware and software products are compatible with Windows 7. It can check for the compatibility of various hardware products such as digital cameras, webcams, printers, scanners, TV devices, MP3 & media players, mouse, keyboard and other input devices, various communication devices, display systems, graphic cards and components, storage devices, networking devices, etc., of various manufacturers and brands. Likewise, the Compatibility Center can also check the compatibility of various software products of several publishers in diverse fields such as communications, Internet, graphics, printing, photo and video software, PC gaming, business and home office, music and MP3 software, utilities, development tools, enterprise applications, etc.

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