How is Windows 7 Different from Vista or XP?

Based on their customer feedback, Microsoft is promoting that it has simplified the PC experience by making a lot of functions easier to use, such as better previewing on the Task Bar, instant searching for files or media and easy sharing via HomeGroup networking. They also claim improved performance by supporting 64-bit processing which is increasingly the standard in desktop PCs. In addition, Windows 7 is designed to sleep and resume faster, use up less memory and recognize USB devices faster. There are also new possibilities with media streaming and touchscreen capabilities.

The above are improvements for both the Vista and XP users. If you are already a Vista user then the improvements to Windows 7 are going to be more subtle. Vista users are likely already familiar with features like the Aero visual functions, the Start Menu organization and Search. However, if you are currently using XP, then you may require a bit of an adjustment period.

Improvements for both Vista and XP Users

New Taskbar and System Tray
Quick Desktop View button
Improved Start Up, Sleep and Resume performance
Improved power management saves memory and battery life
Libraries to improve file access and organization
Action Center for system maintenance, back ups, troubleshooting and more
User Account customization of notifications
Improved back up
New wallpapers and themes
Improved gadgets
New premium games include Chess Titans, Mahjong Titans and Inkball
Advanced Calculator functions including saving history
Improved networking via HomeGroups
Passkey protection with networks
Device Stage for recognizing USB devices faster
Windows Mail replaced by Windows Live

Changes and improvements from Windows XP only

New Start Icon
Aero Snap, Shake and Peek
Desktop icons like “Computer” and “My Documents” are removed and accessed through the Start Menu
Larger icons and hidden icons in the Taskbar
Quick Launch toolbar has been replaced by pinning a program to the Taskbar
Jump Lists for easier access
A Search Bar in the Start Up Menu
The "Run" command is accessed through the Start Menu's Search Bar
Faster and smoother gaming components
Parental Controls for monitoring computer use
Update feature that eliminates web surfing for patches

Source: http://www.gcflearnfree.org/windows7/1.3

Introduction

Introduction:


Are you wondering about the Windows 7 operating system? Perhaps you are trying to decide if you want to upgrade from XP or Vista. Maybe you are thinking about buying a new computer and want to learn more about Windows 7 first. With these questions in mind, we explored Windows 7 and would like to share what we found with you.

In this lesson, we will compare Windows 7 with previous Vista and XP operating systems. In addition, we will discuss performance improvements and review the major features

What is Windows 7?

Windows 7 is an operating system that Microsoft has produced for use on personal computers. It is the follow-up to the Windows Vista Operating System which was released in 2006. An operating system allows your computer to manage software and perform essential tasks. It is also a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that allows you to visually interact with your computer’s functions in a logical, fun and easy way.

For example, in Windows 7 you can view two windows side by side by using the Aero Snap feature. This feature automatically sizes or snaps two windows to fit together on the screen thus allowing you the convenience of viewing them next to each other.

Please note that Windows 7 is designed to work on PCs - it requires additional setup to run on a Mac (Apple Macintosh Computer).

Source: http://www.gcflearnfree.org/windows7/1.2