Paul Thurrott Reviews Build 7000

[NormCameron]

Extracts from the article by Paul Thurrot :-

"At this point in time, Windows 7 is an enigma. Many are excited about testing this next version of Windows, and I'm sure millions of people will do just that when Microsoft makes the Beta available publicly in January. But in use, Windows 7 is fairly unexceptional in the sense that, yes, it has some nice improvements over Windows Vista, but, no, none of them are particularly major changes. In this sense, Windows 7 is much like your typical Microsoft Office release, a nicely tweaked version of the previous release. (Cue the obvious Steven Sinofsky anecdote here, I guess.) That said, Windows Vista is clearly in need of a spit-shine, not to mention a public execution, and Windows 7 will provide Microsoft with a way to do both."

and

"The obvious question here is, should you even be running the Windows 7 Beta on production hardware? If you're a regular reader of this site, I suppose the answer is yes. I've not run into any insurmountable issues with the Windows 7 Beta on the three systems to which I've installed it so far, and it's proven quite compatible with all of my hardware and software. That said, you're mileage may vary, so approach any install of this Beta with caution, and be sure to back up all of your important data ahead of time. I have not upgraded any Windows Vista PCs to the Beta yet, but will do so in the future. For now, I have no advice about upgrading, sorry.
Windows 7 is much further along now than was any other Windows version when it reached its first beta release. In fact, this build is much closer to a release candidate (RC) build than a beta from a quality standpoint. It is feature complete, it is reasonably stable, and it is highly compatible with the software and hardware I use on a regular basis. Yes, there are some weirdisms. And I'm curious to see whether the Beta "degrades" over time as did the last M3-era build I used day-to-day. (I've been running Windows 7 full-time since the M3 shipped.) But over the past few days, I've put the Windows 7 Beta through its paces. And I must say, wow: Windows 7 isn't your father's Longhorn.
Performance-wise, Windows 7 appears to be in the Windows Vista ballpark. It certainly boots up more quickly than its predecessor, and it is a spirited and lively system in use, with one familiar exception: File copies, especially network-based file copies, are still often surprisingly slow. I have a feeling Microsoft still hasn't fixed what appears to be an endemic issue with the Vista-era networking stack.

I'll continue using the Windows 7 Beta on all of my day-to-day PCs going forward of course and expect to have more to say about this release in the weeks and months ahead. For now, I applaud Microsoft for shipping such a stable and usable beta release. I just wish there was still time to rethink or at least discuss changes like the enhanced taskbar and Libraries, both of which I expect to confuse users.

The Windows 7 Beta is recommended, but only for technical users."


If you are still undecided about trying the 7000 build, these 2 pages are worth reading


http://www.winsupersite.com/win7/win7_beta.asp

Norm

 

[z3r010]

I read that article last night and started to panic a little with the first few words of his final thoughts.

At this point in time, Windows 7 is an enigma. Many are excited about testing this next version of Windows, and I'm sure millions of people will do just that when Microsoft makes the Beta available publicly in January.

I'm gonna do a little planning over the next few days, just to make sure we dont get swamped.

 

[NormCameron]

I read that article last night and started to panic a little with the first few words of his final thoughts.



I'm gonna do a little planning over the next few days, just to make sure we dont get swamped.

Nice if you do pick up a few of those millions though! LOL

Norm

 

[z3r010]

Oh yes, but I remember getting caught out over at x64 with massive traffic, due to lack of resources it took me over a week to sort out and 6 months to recover the traffic....that will not be a problem this time as we can dip the x64 disaster fund for some kick ass servers and be swapped over in a few hours

 

[Joan Archer]

Good thinking Batman
I suppose it's a good thing you getting caught out it means the lesson is learnt and you will be able to avert any repeat disaster

 

[echrada]

Oh yes, but I remember getting caught out over at x64 with massive traffic, due to lack of resources it took me over a week to sort out and 6 months to recover the traffic....that will not be a problem this time as we can dip the x64 disaster fund for some kick ass servers and be swapped over in a few hours

Busy times ahead!

 

[garysgold]

Busy is good. Looking forward to it.

 

[garysgold]

He mentions in the article that 'contacts' is removed.

(Other Windows applications, like Windows Calendar and Contacts, are also gone in Windows 7 are replaced by functionality in Windows Live Mail.)

Although it no longer shows up in the Libraries, I still have the contacts folder in my user folder.

Gary

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Hello all.

It doesn't seem that "Libraries" would be that hard to figure out for the common user.
















Later :shock: Ted

 

[garysgold]

Hello all.

It doesn't seem that "Libraries" would be that hard to figure out for the common user.

Later :shock: Ted

I agree. If they have any problems, Shawn has done 7 tutorials to explain it. I find it to be a nice addition.

Gary

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Hello Gary.

Yes Shawn has done a good job with it; hasn't he?

For anyone reading this, here's a link to those tutorials; listed below.

Tutorials - Windows 7 Forums












Later :shock: Ted