Windows 7: Microsoft Throws Bastard Child Vista Under the Bus

Either you like Vista or you hate it. Mostly, everyone hates it, whether they've used it, seen it or just because everyone else hates it. What to do? What to do? Microsoft is throwing Vista under the bus, and pushing Windows 7 as a quick fix replacement.

The beta reviews are looking good. Beta copies are already popping up on BitTorrent for the curious cheap among us. 2010 was the original target ship date, but some suspect Windows 7 will ship sooner. No pricing yet, but if Microsoft had a lick of sense (which is debatable) they'd slap a pretty enticing price tag on this thing.

Microsoft says Windows 7 isn't a replacement for Vista, but a refinement of Vista. Still, there's issues of support needed from outside Microsoft's control; Windows 7 network enhancements will only work if Windows Server 2008 R2 is installed, apps such as email and photo management are shaved down to the point that downloads or web services will be the only way to obtain what was once commonly included with the OS.

With Windows 7 we still see function sacrificed for form and style; translucent window frames and flip3D window switching will still draw Ooo's and Ahhhh's from users. Desktop search is still there-- probably the only really helpful function in Vista, and now Windows 7. (See, there's always something good to say about just about anything.)

Other promising features of Windows 7, either revamped or "refined" from Vista:
  • Better memory management - Thank God!
  • Customizable UAC (User Account Control) - Again, thank God!
  • Moveable taskbar icons
  • Better system-tray icon control
So what hopes do we have for Windows 7?
  • Is it going to be faster than Vista, which was supposed to be really fast, but fell far behind?
  • Can we install our freakin programs and have them really work?
  • Are we going to play hell getting it to communicate (play nice-nice) with non-Windows 7 networks?
  • How much is this going to cost us?
As we eagerly await, or maybe not so eagerly await, the release of Windows 7, be prepared for all those Windows Live Essentials downloads, apps that are normally bundled with the OS; Email, Photo Gallery, Movie Maker, and some new ones such as a blogging tool (Windows Live Writer), parental controls, and a Windows Live Toolbar for Explorer.

Don't confuse Windows Live Essentials with Windows Live Services. Essentials will run on the desktop, whereas Services will only run in a browser.

So, all those in the know, shuffle off to your favorite location to find that elusive beta of Windows 7.

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