Windows 7: Windows 7 ‘Infecting’ Other Operating Systems.

If only success could be infectious. If only code quality, performance, security, usability, reliability, improved user experience could spread like a plague from one product to another. With over 60 million licenses sold worldwide in just a few months after release and the incontestable owner of the fastest selling operating system in history, Windows 7 has certainly raised the bar for Microsoft. But the Redmond company is little shy when it comes down to piggyback-riding on the latest version of the Windows client. Whether some of Windows 7’s success will rub off on new operating systems from Microsoft or not it still remains to be seen, but it is certainly obvious that the software giant is seven-izing a variety of products.

I didn't see so many differences between Windows 7 and Windows Vista, besides Speed and Performance. Security actually went down on it's release.

Care to explain how you came to that conclusion?

Seems like smart marketing, as long as the newer products don't suck and tarnish the image of "7". ( I'm looking at you Windows Mobile 7)

I can give one example. The default action of UAC. In Vista, while it was a bit jarring and strict, UAC was more effective, but due to complaints, MS made UAC less strict and thereby the leaving OS less secure.

Granted UAC is not the end-all of security, but it is a great tool to keep unwanted trojans in check. First thing I do on a 7 install is move the UAC bar up to Maximum.

PhreePhly

First thing I do on a Win 7 / Vista install is DISABLE UAC.

It's annoying and does not do anything.

Really? How does a trojan install without triggering UAC? Does UAC stop the trojan from installing if you click "yes", of course not, but at least it provides the User with the knowledge they are about to perform something stupid. If they go ahead and do it, nothing you can do.

PhreePhly