Windows 7 - What it is and What it Offers You

Windows 7 and Office 2007

First off, let’s distinguish Windows 7 from Office 2007. They are both software from the giant software company, Microsoft, but they don’t mean the same thing. Office 2007 is the latest version of the Microsoft office suite - that utility office tool that includes such in-demand packages as the MS Word, MS Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft Office Access, etc.

You most likely already use the MS Office Suite on your laptop or desktop PC, even if an earlier Microsoft Office version. Perhaps we should quickly add that it's much easier to get a licensed copy of Office 2007, so you don't need to use a pirated copy, with all the drawbacks. Under a special Microsoft package for Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya, you can get genuine Microsoft Office 2007, with all the advantages of official Microsoft support, for a really low price. View the Office 2007 offer details here.

Windows 7 Live!

Back to Windows 7, which is the focus here. What is it? Windows 7 is the latest in the Microsoft range of Operating System, the Microsoft Windows software. You may still be using Windows XP, or perhaps, you’ve moved up to Windows Vista, the immediate predecessor of Windows 7. Well, you get the picture now? Windows 7 is the successor to Windows Vista and has become commercially available since October 2009.

By the way, the operating system (OS) is the software that primarily runs your PC. Leading options are Microsoft Windows, Apple’s Mac and Linux, but Windows is obviously more popular, over here.

Windows Vista has run for close to three years and, while it introduced many new features to the OS, it did have its user experience challenges.

Windows 7 is presented as more user-centric and focusing on performance improvements. Microsoft projects Windows 7 as a response to the yearnings of its customers: “engineered by us; inspired by you”. So, what does it offer that could be the attraction for upgrading or going for a new Windows 7 PC, if buying a new laptop or desktop PC? Here are some of the highlights:

Windows 7 Features

First, note that Windows 7 still presents the same office suite you have become familiar with. It only aims to make things easier, faster and more fun. Microsoft lists several communications, entertainment, performance, productivity, safety and security features of this operating system. While there are many interesting features, but let’s quickly look at a few.

HomeGroup
Designed to simplify file sharing or sharing of printer and other devices on a home network, HomeGroup makes it easier to jointly enjoy available PC resources.

Jump Lists
Offers more ease in accessing your favorite , websites, documents, photos, music, etc.

Snap
A new snappy way to resize or manage windows you are working with on your desktop

Window 7 Operating System - Latest Windows OS

Windows Search
Nothing new, but now offering you quick, instant finding of virtually anything on your computer.

New Windows Taskbar
Better management features with improved thumbnail previews, icon displays and all. Open files faster and navigate you PC with more ease.

Windows Live Essentials
A package of 7 free software in one download that you can install when on Windows 7.

Full 64-bit Support
Now, you can enjoy powerful 64-bit PCs, taunted as the new desktop standard, because Windows 7 delivers the required compartibility.

Previews
New way to manage several open programs and documents, using thumbnail and full-screen previews feature. You get to work faster.

Sleek Performance
Windows 7 is designed to “sleep and resume quicker, be less memory hungry, and spot USB devices faster”, to use Microsoft's own words. Booting and shut-down won't waste your precious time! This is a fitter software, taking less of your system memory and faster in performance.

Reports on technical tests indeed confirm clear improvements over XP and Vista in boot and shutdown time and working with files, such as loading documents. A Wikipedia review credits Windows 7 with “advances in touch and handwriting recognition, support for virtual hard disks, improved performance on multi-core processors, improved boot performance, DirectAccess, and kernel improvements”.

The Magic Stuff
Windows Touch in Windows 7 lets you work with a touchscreen and eliminate the need for a keyboard or mouse. The Remote Media Streaming brings the awesome possibility of playing music and video from your home PC—even when not at home. And with Play To, you can play your media on other PCs, stereos, or TVs around the house. Obviously, Windows 7 means more power and more fun.

Personalise
Easily use themes, slide shows, or handy gadgets to personalize your desktop.

Okay, this is just an insight – we certainly haven’t exhausted all there is to Windows 7. But if you know this much, you aren’t much off target. Next question: what should you do?

Moving Up to Windows 7

Using Windows 7 means two things: either you upgrade your current software or you buy a new, Windows 7 pre-loaded, system.

The second is straight-forward, if you want a new PC now and can afford a Windows 7 pre-installed laptop. That’s just a cash and carry process.

If, however, you want Windows 7 on a laptop or desktop currently running on Windows XP or Windows Vista, an upgrade is the way forward.

Summary

Windows 7 is Microsoft’s latest windows Operating System. The Windows 7 commercial version is newly released, but, so far, it's all been quite positive. Technical reviews by authoritative reviewers have rated Windows 7 highly. A 4.5/5 stars by CNET for Windows7 Home Premium is impressive. Some have referred to Windows 7 as “a big leap forward”, “massive improvement” over Vista and such other highly complimentary remarks.

You probably have to use Windows 7 to form your own opinion. Hopefully, you’ll let us know what you think. One way is to share your views or comments on our new tech forum. Just register and post. You can also share with us on Twitter. Again, just register, follow us, and tweet with us. We also have a facebook profile where you can become our facebook fan.