Introduction

Are you curious about the Windows 7 operating system? Maybe you’re contemplating an upgrade from XP or Vista, or perhaps you’re considering purchasing a new computer. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve delved into Windows 7 and want to share what we’ve discovered. In this article, we’ll compare Windows 7 with its predecessors, Vista and XP. Additionally, we’ll explore its performance enhancements and review its key features.

What is Windows 7?

Windows 7 is an operating system developed by Microsoft for personal computers. It serves as the successor to the Windows Vista Operating System, first released in 2006. An operating system enables your computer to manage software and perform essential tasks. With its graphical user interface (GUI), Windows 7 provides a logical, enjoyable, and user-friendly way to interact with your computer’s functions.

For instance, an innovative feature called Aero Snap allows you to effortlessly view two windows side by side. By automatically aligning and resizing the windows, you can conveniently compare and work with them simultaneously.

To gain a deeper understanding of operating systems, take a look at our Computer Basics lesson on Understanding Operating Systems.

How is Windows 7 different from Vista or XP?

Based on user feedback, Microsoft has simplified the PC experience by improving various functions, such as enhancing preview capabilities on the Task Bar, enabling instant file and media search, and facilitating easy sharing through HomeGroup networking. Windows 7 also offers superior performance through support for 64-bit processing, which has become the standard for desktop PCs. Additionally, it is designed to sleep and resume faster, consume less memory, and recognize USB devices more efficiently. The operating system also introduces new possibilities with media streaming and touch-screen capabilities.

While these improvements benefit both Vista and XP users, those who are already familiar with Vista may notice more subtle enhancements. Features like Aero visual functions, Start Menu organization, and Search are likely to be familiar to Vista users. However, for users coming from XP, there may be a slight adjustment period.

Improvements for both Vista and XP users

• New Taskbar and System Tray
• Quick Desktop View button
• Improved Start Up, Sleep, and Resume performance
• Enhanced power management to save memory and battery life
• Libraries for improved file access and organization
• Action Center for system maintenance, backups, and troubleshooting
• Customization of user account notifications
• Improved backup functionality
• Introduction of new wallpapers and themes
• Upgraded gadgets
• Addition of new premium games like Chess Titans, Mahjong Titans, and Inkball
• Advanced Calculator functions, including saving history
• Improved networking through HomeGroups
• Enhanced network security through passkey protection
• Device Stage for faster recognition of USB devices
• Replacement of Windows Mail with Windows Live

Changes and improvements exclusive to Windows XP users

• New Start icon
• Features like Aero Snap, Shake, and Peek
• Access to desktop icons like Computer and My Documents through the Start Menu
• Larger icons and hidden icons in the Taskbar
• Quick Launch toolbar replaced by pinning programs to the Taskbar
• Introduction of Jump Lists for easier access
• Search Bar incorporated into the Start Menu
• Run command accessible through the Start Menu’s Search Bar
• Enhanced gaming components for smoother gameplay
• Parental Controls for monitoring computer use
• Update feature that eliminates the need for web surfing to apply patches

Will Windows 7 improve my computer’s performance?

As previously mentioned, Microsoft claims that Windows 7 is designed to:

• Decrease start-up and shutdown times by 20 seconds
• Achieve faster sleep and resume functionality
• Consume less memory
• Provide faster search results
• Enable quicker reconnection to wireless networks
• Speed up recognition of USB devices

This is encouraging news, as slow response times were among the primary complaints about Windows Vista. Windows 7 also optimizes performance by only booting up essential devices during start-up, thereby saving time. For example, if you’re not using a Bluetooth device when you start your computer, Windows 7 will not run the program in the background until you plug it in.

However, performance tests have shown that actual improvements vary and largely depend on your specific computer’s conditions and the programs you’re running. In future lessons, we’ll discuss your computer’s ability to run Windows 7 in more detail.

For more information on performance testing, consider reading articles like PC World’s Windows 7 Performance Tests or PC Mag’s Windows 7 vs. XP Performance.

What can you do in Windows 7?

Aero

Aero is an interface that elevates your visual interactions with the desktop, making them enjoyable and efficient.

• Aero Peek lets you make your open windows transparent, allowing you to easily view and access your desktop. It also enables you to preview and interact with items in your taskbar through thumbnail previews.
• Aero Snap is a simple way to resize your windows, making them easier to read, organize, and compare.
• Aero Flip enables you to preview all your open windows through a central window or a 3D view that you can flip through.
• Aero Shake allows you to focus on a specific open window by simply shaking your mouse, causing all other windows to disappear.

Taskbar

Windows 7’s Taskbar is now more user-friendly, offering larger views and easier access.

• Jump Lists provide quick access to frequently used items, such as music, videos, or webpages, through a right-click on the taskbar icon.
• The Pin feature enables you to place your preferred programs on the taskbar and rearrange their order.
• The Action Center empowers you to control the alerts and pop-ups you receive regarding system maintenance and security.

Search

Once you start typing in the Search Bar on the Start Menu, you’ll instantly see a list of relevant options grouped by categories with highlighted keywords and text. This makes it effortless to find documents, music, pictures, and emails.

Libraries

Libraries in Windows 7 allow you to gather and organize your files in one place, simplifying search and access. While the operating system provides default Libraries for documents, music, pictures, and videos, you can customize and create your libraries based on your needs.

Gadgets

In Windows 7, you can select or download gadgets such as a slide show, calendar, or weather update to enhance your desktop experience. Some gadgets even offer live updates, such as weather forecasts, stock prices, and news headlines.

Additional features in Windows 7

• Device Stage: Whenever you connect a device like a camera, mobile phone, or flash drive, Windows 7 will open a window displaying a menu of popular tasks, along with status information and options related to the device.
• Windows Live Essentials: Windows Live Essentials is free software that enhances your Windows 7 experience. It includes features for email, instant messaging, photo editing, and blogging, replacing the previous Windows Mail application.
• HomeGroup: HomeGroup allows you to connect multiple PCs on a home network, facilitating easy file and printer sharing.
• Windows Touch: With a touch-screen PC, you can use Windows Touch to browse and navigate your screen using multi-touch technology.
• Remote Media Streaming: This feature enables you to access your music, pictures, and videos stored on your home PC from a remote location through the internet.

Conclusion

By now, you should have a better understanding of what Windows 7 has to offer. You can now consider whether upgrading to Windows 7 would be a wise decision for you. To make this choice, you should align your desires with your current computer’s capabilities. While Microsoft claims that Windows 7 can run on older computers, not all features may be available or function in the same way as they would on a new computer. For instance, certain Aero features like Peek and 3D may not work on older 32-bit machines. Additionally, upgrading from XP to Windows 7 is more complex than upgrading from Vista. In our next lesson, we’ll review the cost and system requirements for running Windows 7, essential factors to consider in making your decision.

In the meantime, you can reflect on the following questions:

• How important are the new features and improvements to your computer needs?
• Can you afford the upgrade, and do you have the time to install and adapt to the new operating system?
• What are the system requirements for Windows 7, and how will it perform on your computer?
• If you’re in the market for a new computer, does Windows 7 meet your needs?