Published: 9:25PM Wednesday October 28, 2009
By tvnz.co.nz's Jarrod Clayworth
Source: tvnz.co.nz
Source: ReutersA Windows 7 specialist waits for customers at a store in Sydney
Has Vista driven you to want to give your computer the boot?
Maybe this was at the back of their minds when Microsoft NZ brought world famous All Blacks captain Richie McCaw on board to launch their new operating system, Windows 7. (All Black number 7 - get it?).
Cutting through the marketing hype, is our Kiwi icon enough to make you buy it? Here is some of the cool new stuff:
- Faster and more stable performance than Vista.
- Safer, faster and easier web experience.
- Looks and feels great.
- Backing up data is simpler.
Not so good:
- Slower than XP
- Upgrade from Windows XP is a pain.
- No email programme included.
- Confusion over whether to choose the 32 or 64 bit
version
Should people rush out now to buy salvation in the form of Windows 7, or sit back and wait for the next rumoured version from competitor Google, Chrome OS?
Given the array of mixed reviews out there, scepticism is rife. I delayed reviewing Windows 7 so I could give the new operating system a good seven-day test run, excuse the pun. The bottom line is brief. You have to ask yourself what you use your PC for and then decide.
If you use your computer for web surfing, the occasional Office task, downloading and printing pictures from your camera, and your PC is running OK, there is no need to immediately upgrade.
If you are having problems or need a new PC, get Windows 7.
Sporting a crisper and cleaner look, the operating system looks great and really delivers on what we deserved with Windows Vista. It includes new features, and many of the features of its previous version, without the sluggishness and instability.
There is no immediate need to wait for the Service Pack now. Fixes and updates will be released quicker and downloaded to your computer on the fly.
Microsoft has learnt from their previous versions: Windows 7 is all about simplicity. Searching files is optimised and files can quickly be organised into libraries to make finding those documents or photos easier. Then there's the simple backup wizard so if there's a crash you don't have to worry about data loss, which is fantastic.
Your favourite time-evaporating games are still there and looking better than ever. Solitaire, Hearts and FreeCell have been given a lick and a shine, and a couple of fun new ones introduced for the kids (and the big kids).
The touch screen monitor that you can buy at your local computer store to complement Windows 7 is also a bit of fun and removes the need for a mouse. It's probably best to avoid this new gimmicky piece of hardware. A number of features, such as shaking the top of a window with your finger to minimise all windows behind it, are neat, but you can also do this with your mouse now too. For the average desktop computer user it will only create sore arms and bank balances (approx $2,000).
With the shortcomings of Microsoft's Vista release in mind, if your computer has left you fed up of 'switching it off and on again', or perhaps you're one of those who turned off your PC a couple of years ago and haven't turned it back on since, then it's time to give your computer another go. Microsoft was under pressure to deliver and this is sure to prove popular in the lead up to Christmas.
If you do buy Windows 7, be sure to use Microsoft's free Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor if you upgrading from Windows XP, which you can easily find online. This will identify any issues with your computer and solve them prior to upgrading.
Otherwise, grab yourself a new 64-bit Windows 7 PC from your local computer store, or the 32-bit version if you're upgrading and start living. Microsoft may well have got this operating system right.
In a nutshell:
- For new PC purchases, get Windows 7.
- For upgrades from WinXP, consider your reasons for
upgrading. This will require a bit of effort.
- For upgrades from Windows Vista, upgrade if you are
experiencing problems or would like a performance gain.
- Avoid the touch screen monitor
What do you think of Microsoft's Windows 7? Leave your
comments on the messageboard below
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