Microsoft unleashes new Windows

BBC ^ | Wednesday, 21 October 2009 08:19 UK 07:19 GMT, | Jason Palmer BBC

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Personal computers are about to get a makeover with the launch of the latest Windows operating system.

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The BBC's Jason Palmer investigates Windows 7's pros and cons

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Microsoft is hoping the successor to Vista will be more of a hit with users when it launches on 22 October.

Many of the features take into account multimedia applications and the fact that users are beginning to store their data on the internet.

In the UK some computer stores are due to open at midnight so keen PC users can get their hands on the software.

[library user]

You should become a satire writer.

I'm not cracking on Apple, I'm just saying that the current (and near- to long-term) economic climate benefits Microsoft. In 2012, let's recheck the financial health of MS and Apple.

[Big Giant Head]

Did you see the story where Apples profits were astronomical despite the economy?

I’d say folks are buying quality while they still can.

[Terpfen]

Is that something that a non-techie can work his way through?

You'll need to look up a guide to tell you how to fit Windows 7 on a USB stick and install from there, but sure, it should be easy enough to go through.

Try this. It's made for the Windows 7 beta/RC, so you can skip the part about getting a serial key and go straight to the "Preparing your flash drive" section. (Note: you'll have to create an ISO of the Windows 7 DVD before even bothering with this guide.)

[Terpfen]

I'm just saying that the current (and near- to long-term) economic climate benefits Microsoft.

And I'm saying you're wrong. Will Windows 7 be adopted at a higher rate than Vista? Very likely. Does that mean Apple is going to recede? No. Here's what you fail to understand: Apple competes against Windows PCs, and Windows PCs compete against Windows PCs.

The fates and fortunes of Windows 7 has no bearing on sales of OS X or Macs, because Windows 7's biggest competitor is Windows XP. Windows 7 could be an immediate hit and sell millions of licenses: that in no way will preclude the growth of Apple's profits, market share, or individual unit sales. It's just not related. This isn't 1984, the market is different.

[longtermmemmory]

oooooorrrrrr the big boys ar manipulating the prices before Windows 7 is released in order to capitalize on the ignorant.

Quality has nothing to do with it, it is all stock manipulation.

(besides if Kramer likes it then you can bet it will soon be diving.)

[Big Giant Head]

I like it!

[BuffaloJack]

This isn’t going to be a Windows Millenium Edition make over is it?

[Riley]

I’ve had it for about a week, so far so good. There’s a little bit of unfamiliarity to deal with, but overall I’m happy.

[zeugma]

This isn’t going to be a Windows Millenium Edition make over is it?

From what I've been reading, it's Vista SP3. It generally takes 3 service packs for Microsoft to get anything even close to being right.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Just came across this :

Windows 7 Slideshow

[dayglored]

>> This isn’t going to be a Windows Millenium Edition make over is it?

> From what I've been reading, it's Vista SP3. It generally takes 3 service packs for Microsoft to get anything even close to being right.

Win-ME was intentionally broken, to put a quick end to the DOS-based Windows line (1,2,3.1,95,98,ME) and force everyone over to the NT-based line (3.5,4,2000.XP).

Win7 is a good product. It is essentially Vista SP3, and it is worth getting, if you like Windows and have run out of steam on XP.

If XP is still working fine for you, you may want to wait until the brouhaha settles down, and evaluate your needs in peace and quiet.

[cvq3842]

Thanks!