Posted on 10/22/2009 4:24:06 AM PDT by Dr. Scarpetta
Microsoft on Thursday formally released Windows 7, its latest in a long line of computer operating systems that are meant to bridge the gap between man and personal computing machine.
Windows 7 promises a streamlined interface, support for touch screens, and security features that, while robust, don't interfere with users' day-to-day interactions with their computers, the software maker claims.
Retailers girded for the debut of the new OS--the first since Redmond introduced Windows Vista in January 2007.
Best Buy is offering free shipping on Windows 7 computers, while Web merchant Amazon pledged to deliver the product on "launch day" for a nominal fee.
In a harbinger of its potential popularity, Windows 7 pre-sales were the top seller in Amazon's software category as of early Thursday.
The OS is available in 32-bit and 64-bit editions and pre-sales of both were holding up well.
Microsoft is hosting a Web site, dubbed the Windows 7 Compatibility Center, that lists third-party hardware and software products that have been certified as compatible with Windows 7.
Microsoft needs Windows 7 to be a hit, given that the company's software sales have experienced sharp declines in recent quarters. Windows sales were off 13% in Redmond's last fiscal year.
Consumer scrutiny of Windows has been fueled by the fact that Vista was found lacking by numerous critics.
Common gripes pointed to its horsepower requirements, incompatibility with older systems, and its disruptive security measures.
Microsoft claims Windows' major problems have been fixed with Windows 7, which is said to be significantly more user friendly than its predecessor Vista.
Microsoft also has introduced new tools designed to ensure customers can run Windows 7 on their PCs, laptops, and mobile devices.
The full version of Windows 7 Professional is $299, with upgrades going for $199.
Windows 7 Ultimate is priced at $319, with the upgrade version at $219.
The full version of Windows 7 Home Premium is priced at $199, with an upgrade from Vista or XP costing $119.
This is a rather puzzling reason to upgrade from XP, to me. To do a reality check, let's move that to some product line outside of software and see if it makes sense:
"Performance of the 2010 Ford Taurus as good in many cases and better in some aspects than the 2009 Ford Taurus."
This sounds like a weak reason to make such a purchase, in general, especially in this economy. Imagine an advertising slogan: "As good as what you already have".
I’ve been using Windows 7 RTM(Release to Manufacturing, same as coming out today) for about a month. I used the RC before that. Love it. No crashes, everything just works and it’s not a giant resource vacuum like Shitsta.
I’ll be upgrading one of my computers today. Can’t wait!
Dell must be seeing a spike in sales, as mine won't be built until November 2. They usually build the day after getting the order.
In my household, we have delayed a needed computer upgrade until we could skip over Vista. It appears I have company.
Well, you can get a 302 version/kit for the Ford Focus (Escort): www.ford-v8-focus.com
Maybe you would have had better results using a Ford 427 or 460 instead of a Chrysler engine.
I hope Microsoft succeeds with this . I switched over to Linux 2 years ago and while I’m not going back I like the idea of Windows remaining the main target of virus hackers for the years to come.
I can get the Pro version through the university for $38. I got Office 2007 for $10 and am using it to torture the kids. I’ll probably move them from Vista to Windows 7 although I like Vista.
This is interesting. Are the DOS apps? Do they require some piece of hardware to run such as a dongle?
This sounds good to me....our PC is approaching 10 years of age, and it shows now. I'm a computer lightweight, but I do know that I shouldn't have to let this thing "warm up" for 15 minutes before I even try to get online.
We stopped by Best Buy yesterday just to axe some questions, and as expected there was hardly a PC on the floor....all out someplace getting 7 installed.
We'll be pulling the trigger very soon.
?????
I also have been using it for about a month. I really like it. Fast, stable, and somewhat intuitive.
Its pretty funny - I work in IT and support about 15 XP machines in my personal life. Had a guy call me last night and ask about an XP problem and I had to remote into an XP box on my home network to talk him though the fix step by step. I’m starting to forget XP already and really liked that also.
The computer can’t tell you the emotional story. It can give you the exact mathematical design, but what’s missing is the eyebrows. - Frank Zappa
I’ve got Vista, and the MS Upgrade analyser prg, recommends a clean install for me too, rather than a upgrade install.
Meh, I think it does so, based on an old driver file, it says needs to be replaced with a newer version, that when I click on the link that is supposed to takes me to the company site, sends me to a page that has nothing to do with drivers.
Byut over all, I think my laptop is just too old componant wisr to do anything but crawl, or walk wobbly, with 7 on it.
Sometimes a company just ticks off its customers badly enough that they just write the company off entirely and go elsewhere. Sure, some/most of the products may be fine, but some screwups or ill-advised philosophies just sever the relationship.
Hello, MacBook Air + OS X + iPhone ...
(I don’t buy Belkin any more either. Nada. Just ain’t going there again after their willful router fiasco.)
I... love... this... company!
Do you really need to ask that question? After all, this IS a Microsoft product we're talking about. :)
Wake me when Service Pack 3 comes out.
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