Windows 7 is Here

This month, we devote the entire issue to Microsoft’s newest operating system, simply called “Windows 7.” Microsoft hopes to forget the Vista disaster and move on to bigger and better things. It appears they will be able to do just that – the press and working professionals are giving Windows 7 rave reviews. While this may cause many to be all the more wary, Computer Homecare feels the collective thumbs-up is warranted.

The biggest reason to embrace Windows 7 out of the gate is that this version of Windows is not really “new.” The core components of Windows 7 are the same as Vista – in short, Windows 7 is what Vista should have been. Microsoft has had plenty of time to work out the kinks. From what we can tell, Windows 7 preserves the good things about Vista and throws out the bad. The result is much improved version of Windows that is more stable, less demanding of system resources and faster than its predecessor.

If you don't want to take our word for it, check out Walt Mossberg's recent column in the Wall Street Journal. Walt, WSJ Technology Editor, believes Windows 7 is “the best version of Windows Microsoft has produced.” He also calls it a “boost to productivity and a pleasure to use.” Those of us who read Walt's column know that he is a tough and fair critic.

Although the official release date for Windows 7 is October 22, Computer Homecare has been playing with an advance copy of the new operating system for several weeks. Thus far, we are quite impressed. Read on for a more detailed description of our experience.

Our Installation Experience

We carefully chose the computer for our initial Windows 7 installation – a modestly-equipped netbook computer with only 1GB of memory, running Windows XP Home Edition. According to the information we have read, Vista customers will have an easier time upgrading because Vista and Windows 7 share many core components. We therefore figured that if an XP computer upgrade went well, Vista upgrades would be even easier.

As expected, the installation process allowed us to choose from an "in-place" XP upgrade (theoretically saving data files and program installations) or a “clean install” (installing a fresh copy of Windows 7). Because XP and Windows 7 are so different, we decided to play it safe, back up files and do a clean install.

The installation was uneventful and took less than an hour. When the system started Windows 7 for the first time, our first impression was that the desktop screen looked strikingly similar to Vista – again, because Windows 7 is based upon its predecessor, this was what we expected to see.

Amazingly, all of the computer’s devices, except one, were automatically detected by the new operating system; and the undetected device was quickly repaired after performing the first Windows Update. We also marvelled at how well the new operating system ran on a computer equipped with only 1GB of memory. We were counting on the same sluggish performance we have seen with Vista PCs equipped with less than 2GB of memory. So, this was a pleasant surprise.

We installed the latest versions of OpenOffice, AVG, Spybot and Adobe Reader with no major issues. We then turned our attention to configuring the netbook for wireless and wired networking so we could test Internet connectivity. Both processes completed successfully. There were fewer steps required to configure Windows 7 networking than in Vista. Getting online was a piece of cake.

One thing to be aware of: Window 7 ships with (and pre-installs) version 8 of the Microsoft Internet Explorer Web browser. This version has been known to cause some compatibility issues with certain sites that utilize Web-based applications (particularly those related to online banking and investment portfolio management). We promptly tested the browser with our online banking account. Although we had encountered major issues a few months ago (using a beta version of IE 8.0), the latest build bundled with Windows 7 worked flawlessly. This leads us to believe that financial institutions are making the required changes to become “Windows 7 ready.” However, it is likely that isolated problems will crop up here and there. For this reason, Windows 7 users may need to learn how to utilize IE 8’s “compatibility mode” for certain websites.

Windows 7 Highlights

As we have already pointed out, Windows Vista users will find that the new version retains a familiar look and feel. Like Vista, Windows 7 offers a “Windows Classic” theme which may appeal to people who are migrating from Windows XP or an earlier version.

Here are some key highlights of Windows 7:

Desktop Screen & Start Menu The new Windows 7 task bar is similar in appearance to that of Vista. However, it is a bit taller. Like Apple’s dock, users can now “pin” icons of frequently used programs anywhere along the length of the task bar. Vista and XP forced you to pin icons to a small “quick launch” area on the task bar, next to the start button. Speaking of the Start Button, it also borrows heavily from Vista but shows a few subtle changes. The most obvious change is the "Shut Down" button, which actually shows text rather than the confusing graphical symbols used in Vista. On most computers, hovering the mouse over a running, minimized program on the taskbar will now display a small, “thumbnail” version of the application window. This feature requires that the highly-graphical Windows Aero mode be enabled. Minimally-equipped PCs (like our netbook) will disable Aero to improve performance. Taskbar icons also provide “Jump Lists” pop-up menus that provide a list of common commands.
File Management When browsing for your files, Windows Explorer now shows a pane in the left column called “Libraries.” Libraries show you files based on category, rather than location. For example, the Pictures library will list all pictures stored on your computer, whether they are in the Pictures folder or stored elsewhere. This should help computer users find files that have been "lost."
Networking: Windows 7 vastly improves network and Internet configuration over the way it was done in Vista. For example, a single click on the taskbar's wireless networking icon shows all available networks in range. Once the list is displayed, you simply click the network you want to join. Of course, if the connection is secure, you must also enter the appropriate wireless key.
User Account Control One of the most troublesome Vista quirks is the constant “nagging” when performing common software-related tasks. This feature, called “User Account Control,” was designed to improve security and alert computer users to potential threats. Unfortunately, many find the constant barrage of pop-ups to be just plain annoying. Windows 7 now allows you to dial-down or even completely disable User Account Control without causing the Security Center to “bark” at you.
Window Control Windows 7 adds a new feature called “Snap” which allows you to quickly maximize program windows (make them full-screen) by dragging them to the top of the screen. In a similar fashion, you can make maximized windows smaller by dragging them left or right. Another feature, called “Shake,” makes all program windows disappear (become minimized) except the one you are actively viewing. You simply use the mouse to grab the active program window, then shake it several times.
Speed As we’ve already pointed out, computers with Windows 7 should run much quicker than those equipped with Vista and require less horsepower to do so.
Hardware and Software Compatibility Thus far, we have encountered no major problems installing common, third party hardware devices and software applications. We installed two HP printers, a recent all-in-one model and an older monochrome laser. Not only was the process smooth and easy, it also completed without requiring any installation discs; the Windows 7 “Add New Printer” wizard properly identified the printer brands and models, then quickly downloaded the required software from the Internet. Our standard software installation included AVG 8.0 Free Edition, Adobe Reader 9.1, OpenOffice 3.1 and iTunes 9. Installation was uneventful. Obviously, time will tell us whether software compatibility issues exist. However, based upon our experience and the experience of other experts, we are confident that most common software programs will run just fine in Windows 7. There is also a Windows XP Compatibility mode available for older software programs that may not run well in Windows 7. Just to be safe, we recommend that you run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor utility before embarking on your upgrade adventure. We used the advisor to check our test laptop before installing the Window 7 upgrade. The results were spot on and, in fact, prepared us for the minor issue we encountered detecting the video driver.

All in all, we are quite impressed with Windows 7. Installing the operating system was relatively painless and there were few surprises. The biggest risk we see is the possibility than some older hardware and software may not work with Windows 7; unfortunately, this is the price of progress, especially in the technology world. Again, for this reason, customers interested in stepping up to Windows 7 should run the Upgrade Advisor to identify potential issues. Of course, Computer Homecare is here to help. Contact us for consultation and assistance.

Frequently Asked Question: How Can I Upgrade to Windows 7?

Many of our customers have asked us about the Windows 7 upgrade process. If you recently purchased a computer with Windows Vista, you may be eligible for a free upgrade to the new operating system. Most of the major computer makers, including Dell, Acer, HP, Compaq and Gateway are participating in this program.

Likewise, the promotion also extends to customers who purchase the retail, boxed versions of qualifying Windows Vista software between June 26, 2009 and January 31, 2010.

Here is the official “fine print” from Microsoft:

When you buy Windows Vista Home Premium, Business, or Ultimate either as a packaged product or on a qualifying PC, you can get a comparable upgrade version of Windows 7 after it’s generally available on October 22, 2009. Qualifying PCs, offer details, and product delivery methods will vary by manufacturer, so check their sites for specifics. If you buy a packaged copy of Windows Vista you can order your upgrade from Microsoft. The Windows 7 Upgrade Option program runs from June 26, 2009 through January 31, 2010. However, individual PC manufacturers may choose to offer the option for a shorter period. For full details, see the FAQ.

The operative phrase here is: “offer details … will vary.” Click here for links to corresponding eligibility details for participating computer manufacturers. These linked pages should help you determine whether your computer qualifies for a free upgrade. If you purchased a new, Vista-equipped Dell PC from Computer Homecare after June 26, 2009, you'll find applicable details here.

In most cases, new computers will qualify for a free Windows 7 upgrade only if they were purchased with Vista Home Premium, Vista Business, Windows Vista Business Bonus – Windows XP Professional Downgrade, or Vista Ultimate between June 26, 2009 and January 31, 2010. Note that PC’s purchased during this period with Vista Home Basic will likely not qualify due to deeply discounted pricing.

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Published by Computer Homecare and Small Business Solutions
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