I usually avoid writing about computer software (which I suppose is odd considering I’m majoring in computer science, but that’s another discussion entirely.) So consider this a rare exception that will not be soon repeated.
A few days ago I took the opportunity to install the release candidate of the next version of Windows, Windows 7. Release candidates are basically pre-release versions of a program or operating system that have already got most of the kinks worked out but may still be missing certain features. In the past, Microsoft has usually provided two release candidates of its operating systems before sending it to manufacturers, so there will most likely be an “RC 2″ before Windows 7 is ready for customers sometime in November or December.
From what I’ve been able to deduce so far, Windows 7 is basically Windows Vista done right. Microsoft has made it a lot easier for people like you to do things that people like me have done in Windows Vista, like reducing or disabling the annoying UAC popups that you get all the time in Vista. A lot of the superfluous programs that came included with Vista, such as Windows Mail, have also been removed, although you can install them from Windows Live should you so desire. This way, people who use Outlook won’t end up with two email clients on their computer, only one of which they actually use.
Windows 7 is also a lot smarter. Scary smart. A lot of drivers are included by default, so you don’t have to go download anything just to get it up and running. Here’s a shot of the new Devices and Printers control panel view:
Notice how the icons for my mouse, keyboard, and USB drive actually match the real devices. Freaky. And I did nothing at all to make them look that way.
The current release candidate is usuable until June 1, 2010, at which point it will automatically shut down every two hours. If you find yourself in the position of having to choose between re-installing Vista or installing Windows 7, give 7 a try. You might be pleasantly surprised.
