Windows 7 Beta Review
by Brad K on 01/21/2009 in Software, Tech
I recently downloaded a copy of Windows 7 Beta (Windows 7 Ultimate build 7000). I installed W7 on my Duo core laptop, and as a test only ran 1gig ram on this system. The install process went smooth not a single issue. W7 installed quickly, about half the time of Vista. All my hardware was identified including my bluetooth. The boot, the shutdown was noticeably faster and even the menus snapped into place quicker. So far I was impressed.
After I logged in, the first thing I noticed was the speed improvements over vista. The fish on the static background is a Siamese fighting fish, which is also called a beta, nice touch Microsoft. I left the background the way it was, for once I liked the static background and theme that I was given. I do notice that W7 is very “Vista-esk”. Is this release an upgrade to Vista or a redesign?
The side bar that was used to house the Windows gadgets is now gone. Now the Windows gadgets can float all over the screen and be placed right where you want them.
After opening a couple of windows I hovered over the taskbar and saw a nice little menu of what I had currently opened. All of these little improvements were really starting to impress me.
The new Media Center looks really good, with a great layout. There was a lot of easily downloadable content through the New Media Center. There is also a Windows gadget for the Media Player.
W7 added a new feature in Windows Explorer, Libraries which are basically virtual folders for all your media. All your media, no matter what directory they are in, can be organized in your Libraries. This provides a great way to keep your media organized.
I installed Firefox, Microsoft office and some other programs. All of them worked without an issue. So far no compatibility problems.
W7 might be able to restore Microsoft’s reputation. After the Vista release many customers were switching back to XP, or to MAC and Linux. W7 might bring some customers back. The speed improvements over Vista were impressive. Also, the fact that I didn’t have an issue with any of my hardware made me like W7 that much more. I am not sure about the security improvements, that remains to be seen. If Microsoft did manage to plug the many security holes in the Vista release, then Windows 7 will be a big hit.
Download your copy and try it for yourself, let me know what you think. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/beta-download.aspx
Just as a note, I tried to install the Beta release of Internet Explorer 8 and it is not compatible with W7, small issue!
Enjoy
Corey
Jan 21st, 2009
That’s odd about IE 8 Beta.
My download included IE 8 Beta & it works great. Better than IE 7 does in Vista. It does break quite a few pages with the way it interprets the CSS, but the compatibility mode seems to work good to fix that.
Frank J
Jan 22nd, 2009
Corey,
Thanks for the feedback and I would hope IE8 works better than IE7.
Navin
Jan 22nd, 2009
I think you are missing something. IE 8 is right there in Windows 7. Download Windows LIVE from within Windows 7.. from their site and you’ll get all what you want.
FYI, Windows 7 is expiring in Aug 1st,2009 according to Windows Blog.
The only thing I liked about Windows 7 is the stability and swift user experience, huge driver database and some improved UI and Instant messaging experience. Other than that, it just looks and feels like Windows Vista.
I was thinking to review Windows 7 myself but I dropped the idea. It just looks and feels like VISTA albeit the stability is what it’s all about. Nothing much. People gonna like Windows 7 pretty much. I think Windows 7 is what Windows Vista should’ve been.
Even though Firefox works in Windows 7, somewhere around Microsoft forces you to use Internet Explorer to use their dynamic sites.
It’s better if we use most those ‘Send Feedback’ link on every applications under Windows 7 Beta. That’s the best thing to do as a Beta Tester.
Thnks
Brad K
Jan 22nd, 2009
Navin,
Thanks for the feedback. I know that the Beta license has a expiration date on it but that is enough time to test it. I agree W7 is what Vista should have been. The simple fact it runs with less resources makes it a big deal for me. Stability is a huge plus, I have only had one lock up so far… not to bad.
Thanks,
Brad
Navin
Jan 24th, 2009
I’m reporting everything to Microsoft
Frank J
Jan 24th, 2009
LOL! I think they get enough complaints, but hope you are giving Win7 a try.