Technically, I’ve been using Windows 7 (in beta and final form) for more than a year, but for today’s discussion I want to review what I’ve seen with it since its public release in October. Since then, I have helped many computer users setup their new Windows 7 laptops, desktop, and netbooks (probably around 125-150 new systems in total). I also helped around a dozen or so computer users upgrade from XP or Vista to Windows 7.
After this hands on experience, I’ve started to see some trends about Windows 7 that I like and some that I don’t like. Maybe some of this information will help you with the purchase of your next system.
Windows 7 is Vista done right (in the speed department)
On the surface, many computer users familiar with Windows Vista will think they are simply looking at Windows Vista. And overall, they would be right. Except for the small user interface changes with the Start menu, taskbar changes, system tray overhaul, and the way you can interact with open Windows, Windows 7 looks and feels like Vista. Under the hood, however, is where Microsoft cleaned up and improved Vista quite a bit.
First and foremost is speed and resource management. Windows 7 runs a lot snappier than any Vista system and doesn’t require the kind of resource (memory) requirement that Vista does. I still recommend that you don’t buy a new system with less than 4GB of RAM, but overall Windows 7 runs much faster that an equally configured Vista machine.
Windows 7 networking
Microsoft changed the networking quite a bit in this edition of Windows, and I’m not sold on it yet. If all of your machines are Windows 7, it works pretty well. However, like Vista, mixing and matching machines with different operating systems and version of Windows presents a greater challenge than with XP. Connecting a Windows 7 computer to a wireless network, however, is streamlined down to two clicks (from Vista’s 5-6 non-intuitive clicks). Seems Microsoft may have looked to Ubuntu and Mac OS for inspiration for wireless connectivity…and thanks for that…vastly improved.
Windows 7 64 bit
One debacle that Microsoft kept with the release of Windows 7 is the asinine multiple versions. With Windows 7, you have the choice of Starter, Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate editions. Confused? Yeah, me too. And not only do you have those choices, but with Home Premium, Professional, and Ultimate, you have the choice between 32 bit or 64 bit version.
More confused? Yeah, me too.
So now, Windows consumers have a choice between 7 different version of Windows!!! To use the modern day tech parlance, “WTF!” And to confuse you further, many of the Windows 7 packages come with both the 32 and 64 bit versions!! Unbelievable. At least Microsoft didn’t choose “Windows 7, your computer simplified” as their slogan. Oh, wait, they did!!
Sorry for the short rant, let me try to decode this for you. In a nutshell, 64 bit computing takes advantage of newer advances in our computer’s hardware and is supposed to make things faster. For details regarding 32 vs. 64 bit computing, read thisWikipedia article (also good for insomnia).
64 bit computing causes some problems, however. Almost all of the software we use to do anything from word processing to running our printers and scanners was developed for 32 bit systems. Some of the software can run fine under the 64 bit version of Windows, and some can’t. And when it can’t, it’s pretty ugly. Then you have to wait for the software or hardware company to develop and release a 64 bit version of their software in order for you to be able to use it again.
The reason I bring up all this messiness is that a majority of new computer systems are being sold with 64 bit versions of Windows 7 pre-installed. In just the short amount of time since Windows 7 release and the limited number of machines I have seen personally, I have run into everything from printers that won’t work, fairly new software not work or be extremely buggy, to even conflicts with Microsoft’s own Internet Explorer (they include 2 versions of IE in the 64 bit release of Windows).
If you want to buy a new Windows 7 computer and it comes with Windows 7 64 bit, you need to do some pre-purchase research (and this doesn’t mean asking the salesman at Best Buy) regarding the current hardware and software you hope to install on the new machine. Most software publishers and hardware manufacturers have special sections on their web sites giving you information about Windows 7 compatibility. Again, the key is to research and find the information specific to 64 bit versions of Windows 7. In many cases, you may need to buy new versions of the software or download and install patches to make your hardware or software work.
By far, this has been the biggest hurdle in the jump to Windows 7. Some users have zero problems, others have ongoing, horrific problems.
Windows 7 Security
Microsoft has tweaked the annoying User Account Control (UAC) pop-up dialog boxes that plagued Windows Vista, but overall I can’t say that Windows 7 is any safer than previous versions of Windows. Already, I have had to help bail out Windows 7 users who get stuck with self-inflicted spyware problems. I do like the new Microsoft Security Essentials program, but it is not included in Windows 7, you have to download and install it. It’s still early, however, to properly comment on the security of Windows 7. Time will tell.
Conclusion
Overall, I do recommend that those wanting to stick with Windows make the jump to Windows 7 when they invest in a new system. I do not recommend upgrading an existing computer in most cases because of the hassle involved with the upgrade process for the average user. I also continue to carefully interview a computer users needs and recommend Apple Macintosh computers or Linux/Ubuntu as completely viable alternatives.
Are you using Windows 7 yet? What has your experience been so far? Let me know by leaving a comment below.
Performance a big improvement over Vista. Seems to let me run a lot of things simultaneously (‘tho might be the 6g memory). Am really getting to like the way I can move in and out of open windows by using the little thumbs on lower task bar. Generally, I’m pretty pleased with the user experience. Glad to put Vista in the rear-view mirror.
Biggest problem is that, with Win98, Win2000, WinXP, I knew where everything was — data, programs, etc. and navigating the file tree was logical and simple. W/Vista and Win7, I’ve had to unlearn/relearn navigating my computer and where things are and where they go, and I’m always in a hurry when I get lost, so get frustrated.
Great comments. I also concur that the newer file system is a little tough to get used to at first coming from the directory/folder tress of yesteryear. Remember to use the built-in search on the Start menu, however, and you may find you use the directory tree less and less.
Thanks for a great article.
As you mentioned, Vista had an issue with the UAC Security being very intrusive. It would stop everything and wait for you to decide if you wanted to run a particular program or Windows utility. Instead Windows 7 puts a small flashing icon in the task bar. If you don’t know you’re supposed to click on it, it may seem as if the program you’re trying to install is either not responding or stopped the install process. There has to be a better way.
You are welcome…Microsoft desperately wants to try and prevent folks from letting crapware get installed, but ultimately you can’t save anyone from themselves.
I bought a new laptop late December with Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit) and concur with Rick’s report. After eight years with XP, my learning curve was “steep.”
Speed is great – every thing from log on is faster!
Good news – the “search” feature is also a time saver!
The Easy Transfer is not. Mozy helped me, instead.
Most programs are compatible, but one favorite “Picture It” has no 64 bit version, so Best Buy salesman sold me “Print Master” (32 bit) which I had to return – I do my own research now.
The only other problem that I couldn’t resolve was importing Bookmarks.
Hello Mr. Doran…you didn’t get your bookmarks yet? Did you watch my video on backing up bookmarks? Also, consider installing the free bookmark sync and backup tool from xmarks.com . It will keep all your computers and browsers updated with the same bookmarks/favorites.
We have a couple Windows Vista Home Premium systems at home, one 32 bit, one 64 bit. I want to put Windows7 on them (in my head I can hear Rick asking me, why not make the leap to Ubuntu and leave Windows behind?). If I buy the Windows7 upgrade, can I install it? Or do I have to upgrade? I’d rather just wipe and do a fresh install because I want no traces of Vista, but not sure if I can do an install when I purchase just the Windows7 upgrade. I *hate* to have to pay $200/system for the Windows7 install version and am trying to get away w/ $119/system and purchase the Windows7 upgrade but do an install from it. Hope that makes sense …
Thanks Rick,
Karen
You can do that. See this Microsoft web page.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/upgrading-to-windows-7-frequently-asked-questions
Hello Karen…yes, you can do a clean install of Windows 7 with an upgrade disk. The only reason to buy a full version is if you were building a new computer from scratch and didn’t own a previous version of Windows XP or Vista. And yes…Ubuntu would be a good consideration. ha ha
Great review on Windows 7 and good advice to do research before buying a computer with Windows 7, 64 bit. As a busy pastor, I’ve used Windows XP Bible programs, which do NOT work in \Windows 7, and there is no upgrade.
Thankfully my computer son who is in the commercial business of design systems for modems – visited me and set me up with a tremendously helpful fix. He installed Sun’s Virtual Box and it flawlessly works inside Windows 7 64 bit and all my non-working XP programs work inside the Windows XP Pro installed in it. I can also copy and paste right out of it too. So for anyone helplessly left behind with older windows XP software, unusable, they might try Sun’s Virtual box too.
Virtual computing is becoming more and more useful and popular, but does take a tech savvy person to setup. One tip, however, make sure to disable the Internet inside your virtual machine so that you don’t have to maintain updates and security software…it will make it run faster and save you lots of time. Thanks!
Win. 7 is great but… I got both a 32 bit machine and a 64 bit 1 and can’t get 64 bit drivers for an older HP4550 color laser printer. I too have been using it for over a year now and I like it for the most part.
I feel your pain regularly with this Tom…manufacturers seem to be working feverishly to meet the demand for 64bit drivers, but that’s not fast enough…right?
There has been a struggle or two. My system has Blu-ray disk and a regular drive. I purchased BBC “Earth,” and it is mind boggling. I had to purchase Office, and there are quirks in the layout that has taken some time. My downloaded Picasa is still a problem ion some of the issues. Master cook required some work around. Brains breaker works fine. Merriam Webster, fine. Google some quirks but OK.
Red
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