Windows 7 - First Impressons

2008-11-03T22:53:00.000-08:00

I am extremly impressed with this version of Windows. From the installation process, right through to new features, and on to stability. Microsoft has done a pretty decent job. The setup process has been modified to make things easier for the end user, as well as adding more setup options (such as choosing a wireless network if an adapter is detected). The first bit of the installation process (before first reboot) hasn't changed much, other then the moving of the Product Key page to the second half of the installation, where the user configures his or her settings. The installation took about 30-35 minutes @ 3GHz (dual-core) and with 4GB RAM, which is pretty darn good if you compare it to how long Vista took when it was pre-beta. I expect as the OS becomes more stable and feature-complete, that the boot time will decrease to the same as Vista, and I would not be surprised at all if it was even faster.

On to the first bootup! Boot time was slightly longer then on a clean Vista install, but not noticeably. The boot screen has been updated, with the progress bar being moved to the center of the screen and getting a much needed new look. Go Microsoft! Now, I am impressed with the speed this OS has. After my desktop appeared, I could do anything with no lag at all. I know Vista introduced this feature, but it seems to have been improved in 7. I am impressed!!

So, now to look around. The first thing I noticed was the changes to the right side of the taskbar. Microsoft has installed a "Show Desktop" button on the end of the taskbar, on the right side of the clock. I think this is pretty cool, and I dont mind it, but for those who dont like it, I cant seem to find an option to turn it off. Hopfully one will be added in the future, and if not, someone will make a hack for it. Along with the new button, the system tray and time have been updated with rollover effects for the icons and the time, making them look clickable.

The second thing that stuck out for me was the Start menu. It seems to have had a bit of a new look. The aero glass around the borders has grown in thickness and the search box has more padding. Personally, I dont like it much... looks a little too bulgy. However, I am happy about one change to the Start menu - when you used the search box in Vista, the results appeared only on the Recent Items/All programs side. Now in Windows 7, the search spans the whole Start menu, hiding the right-side buttons. Go Microsoft!

There are many new features that Microsoft has been working on. I've found many little new additions, features that should have been there in Vista but were ignored or forgotten. Windows 7 almost seems to be a glorified Vista (in a good way). Microsoft is finding out what people want changed and are doing it. I can honestly see Windows 7 being a huge success, if this pre-beta is any indication. They are making Windows what it should be - useful.

Corey's Blog

Windows 7 - First Impressons