I know this is a bit off Topic but with a little push from my friends I decided to put this quick review of Windows 7.
On October 23rd I purchased (Ok, my work purchased) a retail copy of Windows 7 Professional 64 bit. For a nice comparison of the different versions hit this link from Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_7_editions
That Friday the bright blue packaging and the shiny holographic disc were brought back to my desk, waiting to be installed on my custom Quad-core Phenom system and 10,000 RPM velociraptor Hard Drive. I felt the same excitement and geekiness I had in 1995 when I installed Windows 95 on my first PC. Except it was an old POS system with a pedal to compensate for the slow hamster inside...
Backup:
First I made and image of my XP install with all my OS files and setting. Then put in the disc and started the install with a Corona in my hand. This reminded me of my last DVD drive which was not a good cup holder (as stated on the internet) since it could not hold the weight of a full bottle of beer.
Install:
After a few minutes of sitting there doing something, I start the install which was very easy to do. It was asking to upgrade and about 3 times it said "Are you sure?" and I was sure that I was going to get a clean install and not have upgrade problem. I never met an upgraded system that did not have issues.
Running:
After the install was complete the system booted up very quickly into a shiny new OS! First thought were that it looks just like Vista, and technical it is Vista. As some already know Windows 7 is really Windows 6.1, with the Vista Kernel and Vista look. The 7 name just came as a marketing ploy to get away from the Vista stigma.
Installing:
After a few days of installing program and games, my Windows 7 install was running flawlessly. Loaded old games with no issues, found the newest drivers for my Nvidia GTX 260 card, tested Audio settings and played with my 32inch LCD TV as a second HD monitor.
Pros:
Runs faster on my Quad core than XP SP3.
Fast boot
No crashes, yet
All older and newer programs work
All drivers found during install
Everything XP can do and a little more
Direct X 10+
Cons:
Not enough classic settings (Not everyone likes bubbly setting icons)
New locations for menu items
UAC still there (But can be turned off, which was the first thing I did)
Conclusion:
So I am very happy with Windows 7, but have to say that I am still happy with my XP install. If I wasn't a gamer and didn't need Direct X 10+ or something to handle the Quad Core well, I wouldn't need Windows 7. XP is the most stable OS and still runs like a champ, IMHO.
Jonsey
Apple sucks!
ReplyDelete