Windows 7 is based on an improved Windows Vista kernel, or core. Basically improved memory management and I/O processing. It isn't a major change such as between Windows XP and Vista. Think Apple. Well don't think too much about apple, but it is a good example of each new OS being a refinement of the previous. Windows 7 isn't a major refinement of Vista. You could say it is more of a polishing and improvement of Vista. While this may worry some (I can hear the "I'll never use Vista" humdrum starting already) it is not uncommon. In general this is a very good thing. It almost guarantees software compatibility between releases, while providing a more stable OS with updated features.
There were rumors that Windows 7 wouldl ship with Microsoft's new antivirus software, Security Essentials. While this may have appeared to be a good idea (every Win 7 user will have some protection), I see this as 'letting the fox guard the henhouse'. Microsoft isn't known for producing code that is small and doesn't hog memory.Fortunately this did not happen and you may continue to use the anti-virus of your choice.
The fit and finish of Windows 7 is amazing, and a noticable improvement over Vista. The user interface is so polished that I wonder how I did any work with Vista or XP.
So what is different about Windows 7?
The differences that will be most obvious to any Windows user are right on the desktop. The taskbar is almost a complete redesign with some very cool functionality. The sidebar is also updated. Gadgets now set directly on the desktop. It's a slick concept that I like, so let's take a look!
(click the image for a larger view)
Gadgets and Sidebar
In the image above you can see that the Windows gadgets no longer appear in a sidebar, but directly on the desktop. I like this, a lot! The Sidebar used quite a bit of memory on my computer. Running the gadgets without the Sidebar is probably a good 45MB savings. In Vista using the 'show desktop' button actually caused the sidebar to disappear also. It was an annoyance of mine, but not longer.
Windows 7 taskbar
The main difference you will notice is the taskbar. Gone are the days when 4 or 5 programs would fill the taskbar. The quick launch toolbar has also been incorporated directly into the taskbar, allowing you to 'pin' programs directly to the taskbar. Microsoft, by default, has eliminated the program name and will display the program's icon only (this can be changed - see below). This is a decent trade-off between form and function. The taskbar has been increased in vertical size (slightly) to allow larger icons. Since there is no longer a quick launch toolbar, and some users didn't use it anyway, they have made the Show Desktop function a permanent part of the taskbar and moved it to the far right. I think this is a smart and useful decision.
In the picture above you will notice that I have both MS Paint and the Calculator running. Notice the difference between those programs and the icons to the left. Running programs have a border applied to the icon in the taskbar. Programs that are not minimized, or showing at the moment, have a 'glass' effect applied to the icon. I also have 3 instances of the calculator running. No real reason but to show the taskbar indicates this too! Pretty neat, if you ask me.
In the picture above I have changed the default taskbar to show the program name along with the icon. The same effects are applied, but it takes quite a bit more real estate. This may appeal to some, however if you multi-task and the taskbar fills with running programs it will revert to displaying icons only as in the previous screenshot. It's not permanent and returns to your chosen setting once a program or two is closed.
Another new change, and a very good one, is called jump lists. In Windows versions prior to Windows 7, including Vista, right clicking on a program in the taskbar gives standard Restore, Move, Size, Minimize, Maximize, and Close options. Somewhat useful, but there is much more potential here! In Windows 7 Microsoft has allowed this menu to have program specific options.
You can see in the screenshot above that Media Player is running because the icon has a border. Right clicking the icon brings up the jump list. Gone are the standard ho-hum options. This is in it's infancy. As more programs become 'Windows 7' aware this will become a very useful change in the new operating system.
We can't end this without a quick look at the start menu, can we? Not much to mention here. Mostly a refreshed style and spit shine. The one major change is the power button. Vista users complained - Microsoft listened. The power button is now customizable, which will allow the user to change it to the action of their choice.
