Windows 7...Part One

Windows 7...

I said in my last post that I was going to give it a whirl and check out what it had to offer. Well, so far I am impressed. It isn't innovative, but it is new. It has changed a lot, but in some ways it's still a bit Vista-like. I do like it, and I am getting used to it.

When I setup the dual-boot it actually hosed my Vista install(sort of). I setup EASE-US Partition Manager to set new partitions, and when it did it crashed my Vista partition(I think it messed with the FAT tables). Oh well. No love lost, for sure. So Windows 7 is now my primary Operating System, and I am not at all taken aback by this. I have found the move from Vista to Windows 7 a little bumpy, with a few aesthetic and interface changes that at first took some serious getting used to and toying with, but overall a pleasant experience.

Enough chatter, now for the unique updates to the Operating System.

First, when you first install Windows 7 and get into the setup process you will find it similar to Vista's in many regards, except one. One big honking one. Windows 7 offers the opportunity to setup a wireless network connection during installation for downloading updates both to the installer and the installation, and I have to tell you this is a HUGE improvement over Vista, XP, and the rest. It is clear from this one change in the setup process that Windows 7 has re-written the book on wireless connections. No longer do they play second fiddle to always-on wired networks. They have taken the forefront, and it's about time.

And once you boot into Windows you will find the seamless integration of wireless networking into the operating system. It is a standard now, and not a luxury piece. It is beautiful, really.

I'll continue with the Windows 7 review tomorrow.

For now, I encourage you to install that download of Windows 7 you have from when I recommended it, and make sure to run the upgrade feature from Vista(not before downloading DriveImage XML and making a drive image onto an external HD for preservation's sake) for totally awesome upgradeness.

--Slick Geek