Windows 7, whaddya think/know?

Windows recently launched '7', their new operating system. Now, I am still using 'XP' and never got around to using Vista. Do they release these systems too often just to cash in from all of those who want the latest software?

Nobody seen it/tried it?

I have seen it and used it and it is much much much much better than vista, but vista was really bad so that is not really a compliment.

I've heard nothing but good things about it. It seems like genuine improvement on Vista and XP and not just cashing in on the latest OS.
That being said, why would you run a windows system that you have to pay for or get a non-genuine copy of when you get a great, genuine linux system for free?

I am thinking of installing it on my computer... should or should not... What do you guys think... Will it make my computer better? What is the real difference from XP? (I never made the jump to Vista).

First of all, before upgrading to Win 7 you should make sure your computer can handle it easily. It needs at least 2Gb of ram and a decent video card, if you don't have these as a minimum, you'll regret the upgrade. There's no point in updating your OS if you can't even take advantage of the improvements.

I have been running Win 7 for about 3 weeks on my home computer and I find it far more usable than anything MS has ever produced. It's certainly more stable and more attractive than any past rendition of the windows platform. That said, it's not without its problems (just like any OS, I suppose). One considerable issue, esp. for previous XP users, id there is a significant learning curve. Preferences, interface and some functionality have had a serious overhaul. Just take a look at the "new" control panel, you won't see the old "Add/Remove Programs" icon high up in the "a's". You'll need to look a bit further down for "Programs"... which is a far more logical name, but it's a perfect example of Win 7 breaking standards that have been in place for over 14 years.

If you're looking for a new computer, I can highly recommend it. If you're updating a computer that was bought more than 2 - 3 years ago, forget it.

I got red for that post? Cool!

Try this one on for size!

Windows, as a whole, is a huge piece of spaghetti code-crap! Generally speaking it is the sole source of issues in the IT world, and that's not only due to it being the dominant OS in the world today. It's because of the very nature of the system (in particular the dll's), it's prone to viruses and other major security issues. One of Windows strengths is also one of its biggest weaknesses - it's built to support hardware and software that was developed AGES ago and for that reason it's MUCH larger and FAR LESS efficient than a nice, stream-lined and hardware-optimized OS, like Snow Leopard.

There are good reasons to use Windows, despite it being one of the worst options available for a personal computer today. For instance, it's the number one choice for games. Unfortunately, due to the stranglehold Windows has on the market, game developers don't put a lot of time or money into making games for Mac or Linux. Another valid reason to use Windows is... you have to. If your employer insists that you use Windows, you have my pity, but the only up-side is that OS virtualization has gotten very good. So, run your windows inside a better OS, that'll show 'em!

There are absolutely no other reasons to use Windows.


PS - these are not opinions but facts and therefore NOT debatable.

Thanks Hua,

I was thinking of installing the Windows 7 on my laptop tomorrow, but now I will avoid that...

Should get an upgrade soon for this slow notebook... or buy a new MacBook Pro... they are nice...

The current MacBooks and the Pros are great! You used to be an Apple user didn't you, snowflake? I really love the new case on the standard white plastic ones, it's much more solid and it looks slick!

Fortunately, unlike so many things in Thailand, Macs are not horrendously over-priced. The cost of the base model MacBook is 36,000, really not much more than the $999USD price tag I'm used to.

If you do get another mac, let me know. I can hook you up with invites to a couple of very good Mac-specific trackers.