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OK, enough but how I got here. This page will give you some insight into the new Microsoft Operating System WNDOWS 7. I will break this page down into two primary sections: one of the various features that are new or have changed (or simply will have a big impact on usability); and a section of my general observations and conclusions.

As of this moment there is some talk in the trades that WINDOWS 7 may be available as early as late this summer, but don't hold your breath. More likely the earliest possible release will be late in 2009 or early 2010 (that is the "official" Microsoft pronouncement).

WINDOWS 7 Features

Gadgets [improved from Vista]: Gadgets first came to Windows in Vista. What has changed is that these easy-to-use mini applications, formerly launched via the Windows Sidebar in Vista, are now integrated into the desktop and appear to be more stable. Gadgets include mail programs, weather updates, stock quotes (only for those with strong hearts) and other fun and sometimes productive functions.

Taskbar:

Device Stage:

Home Networking:

Reliability Monitor:

UAC - User Account Control:

My Observations

Easier install. Although I haven't done an upgrade from Windows XP (not available yet), the upgrade from Vista and a clean install are very easy and surprisingly quick. Most home users (non-geeks) should be able to install a fresh copy without much help if any.
Smaller Hardware Requirements. It won't be necessary to run 7 on the latest hardware. It runs surprisingly well on fairly old equipment (I am running it somewhat successfully on a 6 year old laptop with just 1gb of RAM). Basically 7 should run on any system with a 1Ghz processor and 1Gb of RAM and 20gb of free drivfe space. This is about half of what was necessary for Vista. However, more is always better and the one real thing you may need is a state of the art video card if you want to use the Aero Glass features in 7 (same with Vista). What this means is that you may be able to avoid the porblem in many offices where systems have been purchased piecemeal and you have some systems on Windows 2000, some on XP and some on Vista (which is hard when people use systems they are unfamiliar with). Windows 7 may help unify the office working environment since most of your older systems may be upgradeable tothe new OS with little or no hardware investment.
Smaller Footprint. As mentioned above, 7 takes less hardware and certainly less memory to run successfully. More importantly, it won't require as much drive space.
Improved Functionality. More wizards and "how-tos" mean it will be easier to get to the things you need to get to to make Windows perform the way you want it to. The new Device Manager will make attaching things like Blackberrys and Blue Tooth devices much easier to use and configure (or customize functionality). Improved in Vista, 7 goes even farther in giving you access to your "plug in" implements.
Stability. More than anything else, users want an operating system that is STABLE. Although it is too early to tell, it appears in this beta version that the stability mission has been accomplished. I have never run a more stable beta product so things are looking good on that point. The one problem in this arena that still surprises is the amount of hardware devices that still do not have drivers (7 uses basically the same drivers as Vista). But this should improve before the release date as vendors become more confident is user acceptance of the new OS.