It was 2006 when Windows Vista was released, to high expectations and a fairly lacklustre response.  As we've posted before, we  thought Vista was much better then the reputation it achieved.  The main problems were the (lack of) availability of software and drivers, but in itself, we thought Vista offered many superb new features, for example the dual screen support features.  Nevertheless, the grapevine was unrelentingly negative.

New beginnings?

But that's all changed with Windows 7.  Feedback of the beta has been very positive.  Locally, the NZ Herald ran an opinion piece that caught my eye.  Take out the zealots and it's clear that Windows 7 is a big step forward.  And more importantly, the people like it.  The 'buzz' that I hear is encouraging.

Our experience

Normally, we test beta software on non-critical test machines.  By its very definition, beta software contains bugs and is, and should be, a little unreliable.  That, after all, is the point - the developers are asking us to help them test their products (the one exception to this is Google, everything they do is tagged "beta"!).  So taking the step to put Windows 7 on my everyday laptop PC was a big call.  And it's one I'm pleased I've taken.  Windows 7 is excellent.  Yes, there are one or two small bugs but nothing critical and they'll obviously be fixed long before the commercial release.  In fact, I've been amazed at how robust it is.

First observations

• It's faster.  Boots faster and seems to run faster.  Maybe that's because its freshly installed.  But I don't recall Vista ever being this quick on this machine.
• Default file locations - now sorted into 'libraries' - "documents","pictures","videos","music" - much more logical, much easier to find things
• Groups - the start menu also records the most recent documents you used grouped with the application in a pull-out to the right.  Again, its cleaner and easier, and you can 'pin' items to make them permanent shortcuts
• Taskbar - In Vista, you could create shortcuts on the taskbar for common applications, while it would also list all applications currently running.  In Windows 7, you can mix and match.  If you want say "Word" or "Media Player", there they are.  Same place everytime.  If they aren't running, it'll start them, if they are running you can just jump straight in.  And if you had more than one session running, it'll preview them so you can easily select the right one.
• Internet Explorer 8 - the beta of this is also shipped with Windows 7.  Similar in presentation to IE7, it does contain a useful 'compatibility' tool for viewing older pages that might not display correctly.  Good context sensitive menus help you find 'slices' or link content in intelligent ways - an excellent research tool.  And the 'inprivate' tool allows you to look at new, untrusted sites without revealing your email address or other items held in your cookies.
• Windows handling - new options to maximise windows (drag to the top). Minimise background windows ('shake' the windows you want to retain on the screen, all others will minimise)  or compare two windows (drag one to the left, one to the right and they will auto-size), and the tool to minimise all windows now resides on the bottom right of your task bar.

So, do Microsoft have a winner here?  You'd have to think so.   It's not a radical change to Vista, but for those who stuck to XP, the interface is a big step forward.  The speed, reliability and elegance is all very welcome. The security looks strong, built on the changes introduced in Vista.    The big questions : When it's finally released ... would you change? The answer has to be 'Oh yes!'