Unlike its predecessor, Windows Vista, which introduced a large number of new features, Windows 7 was intended to be a more focused, incremental upgrade to the Windows line, with the goal of being compatible with applications and hardware with which Windows Vista was not at the time. Presentations given by Microsoft in 2008 focused on multi-touch support, a redesigned Windows shell with a new taskbar, referred to as the Superbar, a home networking system called HomeGroup, and performance improvements.
The first aspect which can simply decide the fate of a particular product. Well, Microsoft has worked a lot on this part it seems. Windows 7 uses the concept of jumplists, to organize recently used files as well as webpages. Windows 7 also presents to the users a new improved taskbar - an interactive taskbar that allows you to align the objects on the taskbar of your own accord and with more functionalities. The three new features, Aero Shake, Aero Peek and Snap provide very simple ways to get yourself out of the clutter on your desktop.
Media sharing is another aspect which any common user would find a very much enhanced and improved factor in Windows 7. Technology has kept on changing over the ages and media formats have not been an exception. Windows 7 provides much better enhancements and drag and drop features which were not available with the previous Windows Media Player. TV tuner cards can be used with much more ease, making the media viewing experience a much more lively utility of the Windows 7 operating system.
Windows 7 has made home networking a much more easy to use feature. The interface for connecting the machines to a home network has been made much more lively and easy to use. Setting up a few computers in a network is a much more easier task and sharing information is also relatively easier, not that it was much complicated in the earlier versions. It has also provided better features for network security making a small home or office network less vulnerable to hackers. Read more on computer networking.
Windows 7 SP1 update
Unless you belong to one of Microsoft’s secret clubs, in which case it’s already been made available to you, the very first service pack for Windows 7 should be popping into your Windows Update right around now. For many system administrators out there, this news marks the start of a very long week. A week in which typically work must be interrupted, machines must be individually updated, and of course being ready in case anything goes wrong (my condolences you are also running a Windows Phone 7 network).
One really notable feature to this update isn’t even in the update, but rather its deployment. Microsoft has made it easy(er) for system administrators to manually apply the Service Pack 1 update.
By making available a single massive file (2GB) with install capabilities for all versions and options within Windows 7, Microsoft has created an opportunity for both time and resources to be saved. No untimely network strain, no complicated set of installation instructions, no installing the wrong version accidentally. Just load the file onto a flash drive or compile an autorun CD and you are good to go. It’s an important step for Microsoft to achieve their goal of making sure that as many computers as possible are at the current version.
So for you home users why should you grab the SP1 update today? As always the service pack is, first and foremost, a compilation of the security updates that have been released up until this point. Additionally new stabilization methods have been implemented allowing for smoother function of features such as window recovery, designed to make sure your open folders are still there even if your computer powers down. Microsoft has also implemented a new licensing system for remote desktop, allowing for more secure remote computing experience.
To download SP1, simply go to the Windows Update icon in your control panel, and install the most recent updates. This initial process is brief, though will require a system restart. The total time for the update is estimated at 15 min. Good luck!
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