Installed Windows 7... My review after a few hours of use...

[Beancooker]

So my friend wanted to install Windows 7 on the two computers at his house. He doesn't know how to do that, so I went and helped him. They sell a family pack of Windows 7 with a key that lets you install on 3 PC's. So I got their third copy for installing the other two on their computers.

I installed Windows 7 on my laptop yesterday morning, and was damn nervous as to whether or not I would be reformatting and installing Vista again.

The first impressions;

I didn't have to find a single driver. In the obnoxious words of a Mac user... "It just works".

But it really did work. All the drivers were found and everything installed correctly.

The pack that was bought was an "upgrade" pack. Well upgrading an OS sucks. I want a clean install. So formatted the HD, and I ran it as a clean install. When I went to activate it, I expected to get a message telling me that my "key isn't valid for a clean install, please upgrade a qualifying windows product". No such message. It activated... Woot woot!!! (Vista screwed me when I tried to cheat them that way).

It’s not a resource hog. Vista required at minimum 1 full gig of RAM just to operate the system, with no applications running. Vista (at idle) would also keep my processor at about 5-7% usage all the time. 7 is running at about 1.15 gig of RAM but I am copying a disc right now also. Without DVD Shrink running right now, I would guess it to be in the 700 MB range. The proc usage (at idle) is still in the 5-7% range. Now the upside is that I actually have the option of disabling a lot of the resource usage, like aero and some of the other graphics displays, without having to go to extremes to disable them. There is a drop down menu, and you just uncheck the boxes, and I would assume that it would drop the memory usage down. I am currently running 4 gigs and have 512 megs of DDR3 on the video card, (in a laptop) so I am pretty damn well covered and won’t be adjusting those settings.

Programs install a lot faster on Windows 7. CS2 usually took around 20 minutes to install on Vista. It was complete in less than 5 minutes. Nero took around 10 minutes to install on Vista. It was complete in about 2 minutes.

There is a “page docking” feature which is pretty damn cool, if you can get more than one damn window open at a time. It will dock pages to the sides of your screen, so you can have two web pages side by side, and not have to fiddle with using the cursor to fit them. Pretty cool addition.

The “quick launch” has been re-engineered. It is now just a task bar and you “pin” your programs to it. Okay, big deal, no different really. One great feature is the ability to move the taskbar and dock it to the top, bottom, left or right side of the page. That I really like.

UAC. You actually have the option to tone down the pop ups, or completely turn it off. I still turned it off, but at least there are options on how invasive and annoying you want it to be.

Folders are laid out so that navigation is much easier. The start button menu still looks about the same, but “Libraries” is “pinned” to the taskbar. So one click of that, it displays all the folders that are on your start button, and then you have a nav panel on the left that allows you to click through a lot of other stuff.

IE8 is better than IE7, but that is like comparing which dump I took was better. It’s still IE, but it doesn’t have the continuous crash that IE7 suffered from. Since I actually like IE, it is a nice upgrade, and they seemed to have fixed the password problems that the beta version had. Downside is that it is a PITA to open multiple windows. I know it is fixable by going to IE options, and uncheck the box that says “open new pages in a new tab”, but I want my pages to open in a new tab.So that process is a little different, and I will have to figure it out.

WMP is still basically the exact same, but they added some tabs and simplified the libraries a little bit. It makes finding your music a little easier.

Now I had tried the beta version of Windows 7, and thought it was a catastrophic suckfest. It ran like crap, IE8 was a POS, it hogged almost as much of the memory as Vista did, it just started everything up slowly, instead of all at once. After using the beta version, I had figured that Microsoft had failed again. To my surprise, this works pretty damn good. It’s a hell of a lot better than Vista and much more user friendly/modifiable.

I’ll add more to this review when I get a better feeling for it.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Cool. Any ideas where we can find a straight up copy of this (and how much)? I'd be upgrading from vista 64.

[Dattebayo]

This is good news, I am getting a new desktop in a week and it will have 7 on it...

[Beancooker]

Cool. Any ideas where we can find a straight up copy of this (and how much)? I'd be upgrading from vista 64.

Best buy, Staples, Office max all seem to have it.

Windows 7 for 1 PC= $119.

Windows 7 for 3 PC's= $149.

Yeah, $30 more and you can install it on two more machines. Definitely worth the extra $$$.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Guess I'll buy the 3 pack and put it on both my comps here.

...does anyone want to buy the 3rd license for say... $50?

[Dattebayo]

...does anyone want to buy the 3rd license for say... $50?

[PapaSmurf2k3]

I'm in Mississippi, there are no cops here. Besides, what's so illegal about that? NICO is family b****!

[Dattebayo]

NICO is family b****!

SO then no charge for family!

[MinisterofDOOM]

I'm looking forward to Windows 7 mostly for its multi-core optimizations. Vista makes very inefficient use of multicore processors. Worse, it works against TurboBoost. i7 (and the new i5 and upcoming i3 and i9) processors have a factory overclock setting that increases clockspeed when reduced to just 1 or 2 cores. But windows passes background processes around from core to core, so the system rarely actually sees idle cores long enough for TurboBoost to become beneficial. I'm really looking forward to getting the benefits of TurboBoost and also getting the power consumption benefits of actually having idle cores sometimes. In the same vein, Win7's task scheduler is designed to work more effectively with hyperthreading, so I'll get extra benefit there.

Those, in addition to the reduced idle/background resource requirements and quicker boot time are huge bonuses.

Noah:Reading MS's lengthy "new Win7 features" pdf I came across a short tidbit about a function that wasn't well explained. It LOOKS like there's now a button to quickly send any window to a different monitor (for multi monitor setups). Is that really what it is, or am I misreading? If it's there, it's about damn time. If not, that's lame.Oh, and does it support dual desktop backgrounds yet? Or am I still going to have to have displayfusion on hand to generate them for me?

I'm patiently waiting for my free (legal, boxed) copy to arrive in the mail.

[Dattebayo]

Windows 7 already looks like a Mac but still crashes tons of times.

You don't even know what you're talking about.

[Beancooker]

Noah:Reading MS's lengthy "new Win7 features" pdf I came across a short tidbit about a function that wasn't well explained. It LOOKS like there's now a button to quickly send any window to a different monitor (for multi monitor setups). Is that really what it is, or am I misreading? If it's there, it's about damn time. If not, that's lame.Oh, and does it support dual desktop backgrounds yet? Or am I still going to have to have displayfusion on hand to generate them for me?

I'm patiently waiting for my free (legal, boxed) copy to arrive in the mail.

No need for display fusion. They have that already set up for you.

As for your question about moving windows, "the windows button"+ Right arrow will dock the page to the right, Left arrow button will dock it on the left. I imagine with a dual monitor setup, it will dock them between monitors, but really don't know. It's pretty damn nice when you are following instructions on one page and typing into another and don't have to click back and forth.

Another feature I noticed and liked was that I can move the taskbar from the bottom of the screen and dock it on the top, right or left side, which ever I prefer.

Windows 7 already looks like a Mac but still crashes tons of times.

You don't even know what you're talking about.

Thank you.

[Red coupe]

I used vista for a long time... and now I have been using 7 for a little over a month.

95% its the exact same OS. Most of the features people think are awesome are from vista, vista did the same job of finding drivers for you...

7 is good, and does have some nice improvements, but it is mostly a marketing gimic to get people to shut up about how bad vista was.

"Another feature I noticed and liked was that I can move the taskbar from the bottom of the screen and dock it on the top, right or left side, which ever I prefer"

That has been there since I think windows 95...

Even more illegal to say that over the internet.

But Here I though Vista was just a Mac OS copy with the nex taskbar. To be honest I would take a Mac over Windows 7 because Windows 7 already looks like a Mac but still crashes tons of times. I am using Windows Vista with bare bones on a CQ50-215NR laptop (Too lazy to post info) and it take 1.50 min to boot up to the desktop.

What version are you using that is crashing on you constantly? I have not had a single crash since I installed it I dont think...
Modified by Red coupe at 12:34 PM 11/1/2009

[raremotive]

One great feature is the ability to move the taskbar and dock it to the top, bottom, left or right side of the page. That I really like.

You can do that with all windows, since Win 95/98... (just click and drag, make sure your taskbar isn't locked in the right click menu)

http://i35.tinypic.com/16rrwh.jpg

[Looneybomber]

The pack that was bought was an "upgrade" pack. Well upgrading an OS sucks. I want a clean install. So formatted the HD, and I ran it as a clean install. When I went to activate it, I expected to get a message telling me that my "key isn't valid for a clean install, please upgrade a qualifying windows product". No such message. It activated... Woot woot!!! (Vista screwed me when I tried to cheat them that way).

Hmm, I tried installing it (custom install using an upgrade) and then it says my key is invalid. I contacted customer support and they gave me the same invalid key. I will have to see what's up.

[Jesda]

The Windows 7 UI is disappointing. It cant decide between being a typical Windows layout or being a Mac. It looks like a mishmash of nonsense. Its quick and smooth though, and that's what matters most.

I still prefer OS X. There's less BS and the OS gets the hell out of the way so you can run your applications without any fuss or clutter.

[Loki]

I don't know if it has been mentioned, but if you are a college student you should be able to purchase full Windows 7 Home for $30, Google around, I picked it up the other day. Just waiting on an external HD so I can perform a clean install.

[Red coupe]

Its windows and its bound to crash. I have used Mac almost as many times as I have used a PC and I have NEVER had a MAC crash on me. How can you not see that Windows is becoming more Mac like and "Cool"?

I have been using a PC since 7 or 8 years old and I like it because there is a lot of support for it but what the use when Internet explorer or Windows its self gives you a BSOD*???

Honestly I think its too late for Microsoft to convince people to come back...But I am starting to sound like a Mac comercial.

So Hackingtosh FTMFW.

*Blue Screen Of Death

I think my phone has crashed more then my computer.

My buddies apple laptop (that has a keyboard with buttons that don't work) crashes more often too.

Learn to how to use/maintain a computer and you probably wont have as many problems.

Way to skirt the question about your use of windows 7 btw.

[Dattebayo]

I haven't seen a BSOD in years, since windows 95. (NOT counting the time my RTC crystal got knocked off the motherboard once)

The fact of the matter is this: you are a sucker, paul.You bought into this crap apple keeps pushing for some reason. I'd like to see people produce the same kinda of functionality that a PC has with a Mac. You know why? Because it would be a shock! Right now, advanced uses of these things are impossible.

[Red coupe]

Mac is based off of Unix and Unix and Linux are simmilar...So Linux is more useful to those really smart IT guys. But Windows is good for the simple user who does'nt want to use the command prompt just to use a Internet browser.

Mac is stupide easy to use it just hasn't caught on because of its price.

So Mac is designed more for smart IT guys and andvanced users, while windows is good for simple users but Mac is stupid easy to use?

Do YOU even know what your saying at this point?

There is a reason almost every business ever uses windows. Down time, repairs and incompatibility all cost money and business decisions are based on numbers not on how cool the commercial guy looks.

[Dattebayo]

Mac is based off of Unix

It's actually based off mach kernel. One of my friends who is a MAC zombie showed me what it's all about, not impressive or anything. And it is not more useful to "those IT guys" like you think. A PC is far easier for advanced networking as well as many of those "IT things". lol

[AZ89two4Tsx]

I want a Mac so I can use this mouse.

[Ar878]

I want a Mac so I can use this mouse.

http://www.gizmag.com/pictures...e.jpg

[Dattebayo]

That's not a mouse, that's a tampon.

[asoomal]

I absolutely hate Windows 7. I used it on my desktop for awhile, sucked balls. Went back to XP, much easier to use and it's a lot lighter. Windows 7 also liked to lock up on me once week.

And the UI, TERRIBLE.

[Dattebayo]

I absolutely hate Windows 7. I used it on my desktop for awhile, sucked balls. Went back to XP, much easier to use and it's a lot lighter. Windows 7 also liked to lock up on me once week.

And the UI, TERRIBLE.

Man, will you guys read once in a while or what?

What you tested was the beta, fool! READ THE THREAD

[MinisterofDOOM]

There aren't many things I hate more than people who start talking about why Macs are better anytime someone mentions Windows.

Some facts:I ran Windows XP for 6 years. I saw the BSOD ONCE.I have run vista for 5 months. I have never had a single crash.I owned an iMac years ago. It was a complete rotten turd that took several MINUTES to boot, and did nothing useful my Windows machine wouldn't do (and that was back in the days of Windows 98). The ONLY thing it was good for was programming the read-aloud voice thingy to swear when error messages happened and then try and cause error messages to hear it swear.

And all that aside, there's ONE all-encompassing rebuttal to every Mac argument:Windows runs the software I want. Mac doesn't. It doesn't matter if Mac is sentient and can order my pizza for me. It doesn't run the software I want. Everything else is irrelevant.

When someone recommends a mac, or tries to convince me I should have bought a mac, I instantly know that their computing needs consist of A) a web browser for Facebook and B) MAYBE a word processor.

I have probably 50 games installed on my computer. Maybe 5 of them run on Mac. Yeah, Mac rocks.

Macintosh ads piss me off so much. Yeah, let's ignore the important issues like CAPABILITY and focus on whether or not you MIGHT get viruses. Mac ads are akin to a car ad that advertises never getting flat tires...because it doesn't have tires. YAY! No flat tires. Too bad you can't drive anywhere without tires.

I want a Mac so I can use this mouse.

Screw that noise.IBM compatible wins. 9 buttons More resolution than you'll ever need. 5 swappable on-the-fly resolution settings. Built in memory for switchable button configuration profiles. Microgear low-friction scroll wheel. Can do everything the Magic Mouse can except OS zoom. Is actually comfortable to hold.

As for the complaints about Vista and 7...It seems like the only people who complain about either are people with ancient PCs from the bronze age. Vista and Windows7 are more effective with modern hardware than XP and older Windows versions are.Have fun putting a multi-core x64 processor to worthwhile use with XP.Pretty soon you won't even be able to get a 32 bit processor OR a single-core processor. By 2011 Intel will have completely phased out the Core2 line and replaced it with the dual-core x64 Core i3. There will be no more single-core processors, and everything will be 64 bit. XP will be irrelevant except for on old machines (where windows 98 SE would be the wiser choice if your argument is system resources).Next summer, Intel will release the hexacore i9 with hyperthreading. Any Windows OS older than Windows 7 will see TWELVE processors and crap itself. But Windows 7 will make efficient use of those processors. For that reason alone, if you need maximum performance out of your machine, Windows 7 is really the ONLY way to go.

[MinisterofDOOM]

Only reason Windows has more applications and better support...Is because its more popular.

But I won't rest till Microsoft admits where they got the idea for the new taskbar.

1: It doesn't matter why Windows has more software support. What matters is that it does. It's not going to change. Not unless Apple prices fall significantly or someone starts subsidizing quality Mac ports left and right.

2: Why would MS be ashamed of stealing a good idea? If anything they should be bragging about it. Look, this was the only thing Mac OS had on us and now they can't even make that claim.If all you care about is APPEARANCE of the UI, then you have no business arguing about OSs (and that's not directed at you personally, but to everyone).

BUT all that's irrelevant because the new taskbar is NOT stolen from Mac. It's a logical evolution of the same taskbar that's been around since windows 95. Long before Mac OS ever had a dock.

[Ar878]

learn to use a computer and do basic things before you start spouting crap.

i can't wait to upgrade to 7, my laptop has been good to me for a nice amount of time and i'm starting to not be able to run the games that i want to play so i'm definitely due for an upgrade. glad to hear it's looking good so far

[Dattebayo]

You still have no idea what you are talking about, lol

[Red coupe]

1: It doesn't matter why Windows has more software support. What matters is that it does. It's not going to change. Not unless Apple prices fall significantly or someone starts subsidizing quality Mac ports left and right.

2: Why would MS be ashamed of stealing a good idea? If anything they should be bragging about it. Look, this was the only thing Mac OS had on us and now they can't even make that claim.If all you care about is APPEARANCE of the UI, then you have no business arguing about OSs (and that's not directed at you personally, but to everyone).

BUT all that's irrelevant because the new taskbar is NOT stolen from Mac. It's a logical evolution of the same taskbar that's been around since windows 95. Long before Mac OS ever had a dock.

Yeah, I really don't see why people keep going on about how win7 is just stolen mac OS....

It is the task bar that has been here FOR EVER. Pinned icons replace quick launch... and look at this:Is that stolen? That looks DAMN near the same as it always has, the only difference is now you have the option to turnicate the text from it (and that is enabled by defualt)