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Hello everyone,
Instead of creating a new thread of every Windows 7 topic, I am going to post my favorite articles relating to Windows 7 right here. Some maybe posted before, but I want the MWian's to get some important information under a single roof. So here it starts!
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Microsoft's program for preordering Windows 7 at a discount is proving quite popular, at least at Amazon.com.
The program, which kicked off on Friday, allows people to order an upgrade version of Windows 7 Home Premium for $49, more than half off its $119 suggested price, or Windows 7 Professional for $99, half of its suggested price.
Both options run only until July 11 and are also limited in terms of the number of copies Microsoft will sell at those prices, though the software maker won't clarify what the limits are. (Users will get their copy of the operating system after it is made broadly available on October 22.)
The two offers have proven exceptionally popular on Amazon. The Windows 7 Home Premium upgrade package vaulted to No. 1, not just in Amazon's software store, but among all electronics products on the site. Meanwhile, the Windows 7 Professional upgrade was No. 2 among software products. Amazon also has a lot of Windows 7 info on its site, as well as a paid delivery option that guarantees that the product will arrive on October 22.
I'm checking into how the preorder program is doing at other stores. It is also being offered at the brick-and-mortar and/or online outlets Best Buy, Costco, Newegg, Office Depot, Office Max, Sam's Club, Staples, Tiger Direct, Wal-Mart, as well as at a few regional spots, such as Fry's Electronics and Nebraska Furniture Mart.
Best Buy, for its part, said preorders of Windows 7 immediately took off on Friday--faster than with previous preorder programs. Overall, though, it said sales are in line with its projections.
Microsoft is also running similar programs in a few other countries. Reports from Engadget and elsewhere suggest that the program is already sold out in Japan. A Microsoft representative was not immediately able to confirm this.
Also kicking off this past weekend was a separate program in which those who buy certain PCs with Windows Vista can get a free (or nearly free) copy of Windows 7, once the new operating system is available.
news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10274976-56.html
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A-DATA Technology Co., Ltd., a worldwide leading manufacturer in high-performance DRAM modules and Flash application products, today introduced its new 64 GB capacity XPG™ Xupreme 200X flash drive, which is the first flash drive compatible with Windows® 7 (32-bit and 64-bit). Coated with an elegant dark grey aluminum color, the XPG Xupreme 200X flash drive presents the high-performance USB flash drive in a simple yet stylish design of XPG product line. It offers capacity from 8GB to incredible 64GB, and supports up to 30MB/s (200X) read speed.
The XPG Xupreme 200X flash drive also certified for Windows Vista™ and Windows® ReadyBoost™, offering the high performance advantages to this operation system. Moreover, the XPG Xupreme 200X flash drive also comes with a practical leather strap and provides true "Plug and Play" function to make your storage utilization more convenient.
With the capacity up to 64GB, the XPG Xupreme 200X flash drive is the perfect blend of high performance and simple flash drive to improve your digital lifestyle, and maximize your storage.
Features:
• High Performance up to 30 MB/sec read speed
• Compatible with Microsoft® Windows® 7
• Certified for Microsoft® Windows Vista™
• Support Windows® ReadyBoost™
• Support USB 2.0, backward compatible with USB 1.1
• Dashing, durable, lightweight Aluminum casing
• Hot Plug and Play
• Color: Dark metallic grey
Specification:
• Capacity: 8GB/16GB/32GB/64GB
• Dimension: 66.0*19.0*10.0 mm (LxWxH)
• Weight: 15g
www.hexus.net/content/item.php
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In two recent posts (Windows 7 versus Snow Leopard: How much do upgrades really cost? and Do you need more than Windows 7 Home Premium?), I took a closer look at the differences between Windows 7 editions and their counterparts from Apple. In the Talkback section of both posts, several commenters noted that Microsoft is still far behind its archrival in Cupertino. Until Microsoft comes out with a Family Pack license, they say, Apple will continue to have the upper hand.
Well, maybe the wait is over.
Thanks to a tip from Kristan Kenney, I took a close look at the agreements embedded in the License folder of the latest leaked builds of Windows 7. This is no longer a beta license agreement and is presumably very close to the final agreement that customers will accept. The agreements for retail copies of Windows 7 Home Premium contain this eye-opening clause:
If you can’t read the screen shot, here’s the relevant section: “If you are a ‘Qualified Family Pack User’, you may install one copy of the software marked as ‘Family Pack’ on three computers in your household for use by people who reside there.” (And a proofreading note to Microsoft Legal: Fix the typo in the last sentence of that clause before RTM.)
When I first wrote about Windows 7 pricing last month, I speculated that Microsoft was likely to have a program like this up its sleeve:
What else can we expect to see? Back in early 2007, Microsoft offered a so-called Family Discount for Windows Vista, which allowed anyone with a Vista Ultimate license to purchase two Home Premium upgrades for $49.99 each. I expect to see an improved version of the Family Discount this time around. If Microsoft wanted to aim directly at its archrival Apple, it could sell three Home Premium upgrade licenses (to be used only in a single home) for $199 or less.
I’m going to go out on a limb and predict that Microsoft prices the Family Pack at $189, which is $10 less than Apple’s Family Pack (although Apple’s license is good for five Macs in a single household).
By the way, these same terms are also contained in the license agreement for Windows 7 Home Premium E (the one sold in Europe, sans Internet Explorer), as well as the N, K, and KN Home Premium versions, which are also deliberately gutted of one or more features to satisfy antitrust authorities. The Family Pack language is not included in the license agreement for any other Windows 7 edition.
Just as with Apple’s Family Pack license (PDF), the deal will apparently be restricted to users in a single household and is not available for business users. Apple’s agreement specifically says: “he Family Pack License does not extend to business or commercial users.” No such clause is in the Windows 7 license agreement, but it’s probably contained in the definition of a “Qualified Family Pack User,” which is referred to in a link that isn’t yet live.
In some respects, this is an extension of Microsoft’s licensing efforts with Office 2007 Home and Student edition, which is licensed for use (PDF) on up to three computers in a single household. In that case, the product carried this restriction: “The software is not licensed for use in any commercial, non-profit, or revenue-generating business activities.”
blogs.zdnet.com/Bott/
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Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT) on Wednesday started the expiration process for the beta version of its Windows 7 operating system.
Beginning today, users that are still running the trial version of the company's next OS will see it shut down every two hours.
The interruptions are designed to encourage early adopters to move to Windows 7 Release Candidate, a more polished preview version of Vista's successor.
"If you're still on the Windows 7 Beta you should certainly look at giving the Windows 7 RC at try!" Microsoft's Brandon LeBlanc wrote in a recent blog post.
Windows 7 RC will function until June 1, 2010. After that, users will need to upgrade to a full, paid version of the operating system to continue use. Microsoft plans to ship a final version of Windows 7 on Oct. 22nd.
Microsoft hopes Windows 7 helps it recover from the Vista flop. Vista failed to catch on with mainstream computer users and businesses have shunned it outright. Windows 7 is said to be lighter and easier to use than its predecessor. It also includes slick new features such as built-in support for touch-screens and tools that improve everyday tasks like desktop searches and PC-to-PC file transfers.
The full version of Windows 7 Home Premium is priced at $199, with an upgrade from Vista or XP costing $119. 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.
However, customers in the U.S., Canada, and Japan who pre-order Windows 7 from certain online and brick-and-mortar stores—includingAmazon (NSDQ: AMZN) and Best Buy (NYSE: BBY)—by July 11th will receive discounts of more than 50%, Microsoft said. The same program is available in the UK, France, and Germany between July 15th and Aug. 14th.
www.informationweek.com/news/windows/operatingsystems/showArticle.jhtml
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Lenovo is offering free Windows 7 upgrades to customers who buy a Windows Vista PC, following a similar deal from Hewlett-Packard (NYSE: HPQ).
Lenovo said Friday it will mail a free Windows 7 license upgrade to people who buy a desktop or laptop with an eligible Vista version between June 26, 2009, and January 31, 2010.
The offer applies to consumers and to companies that plan to buy fewer than 25 PCs. Larger organizations are being advised to take advantage of Microsoft's volume-licensing program for their upgrades.
Lenovo customers who buy a Vista Home Premium PC will be entitled to Windows 7 Home Premium. A Vista Business PC can be upgraded to Windows 7 Professional and a Vista Ultimate PC to Windows 7 Ultimate.
HP announced a similar upgrade offer on Thursday. Other major computer makers will likely launch similar offers. In offering the free upgrades, computer makers are working with Microsoft, which launched an upgrade option program for Vista buyers on Friday.
HP and Lenovo and are trying to convince people there's no reason to delay buying a PC until Microsoft releases the new operating system Oct. 22. Windows 7 is getting great reviews — much better than the negative reception Vista received. With the PC market in the doldrums as a result of the economic recession, computer makers don't want to give potential customers any reason to delay purchases.
Microsoft released pricing Thursday for Windows 7. People with older Vista or XP systems who want to upgrade to Windows 7 Home Premium and Professional editions will have to pay $119 and $199, respectively.
www.informationweek.com/news/windows/operatingsystems/showArticle.jhtml
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Microsoft is considering offering Windows 7 on a thumb drive to allow Netbook owners to more easily upgrade their machines, a source tells CNET News.
The move, which is still under consideration, is one of several things Microsoft has looked at to try to make it convenient to upgrade machines that don't come with a CD or DVD drives.
Microsoft executives have said that they recognize that upgrading Netbooks poses a challenge and are exploring ways that the company can make it easier. In an interview on Thursday, Senior Vice President Bill Veghte said that Microsoft had nothing to announce on that front.
The challenge of getting Windows 7 on to older Netbooks threatens to cast a shadow over the technical work Microsoft did to get Windows 7 running on Netbooks. Its predecessor, Windows Vista, proved ill-suited to Netbooks forcing Microsoft to continue selling Windows XP as its answer to the low-cost notebook phenomenon.
Although a USB flash drive could offer the simplest way to move a Netbook to Windows 7, there are other options. Buyers with an external drive could hook up that to their Netbook, while another option would be an upgrade through a service such as Best Buy's Geek Squad. Microsoft also sells a downloadable version of Windows today, so, in theory it could do the same with Windows 7, allowing buyers to put the OS on their own thumb drive.
Matt Bonin, a merchant director at Best Buy, said this week that the company is aiming to work with Geek Squad to develop services to streamline Windows 7 upgrades. As for Netbooks, he said the company recognizes the challenge they present and said the store already offers services to load other types of software, such as antivirus programs.
Complicating matters further is the fact that most Netbooks are running Windows XP. Those moving from Windows XP can buy an upgrade version of the software, but must back up their data, do a clean installation of the operating system and then reload their applications.
The same goes for all XP owners, as well as users looking to move from a higher-end version of Vista to a lower-end version of Windows 7 and all users in Europe trying to upgrade to Windows 7 using the browser-less "E" version--the only one Microsoft plans to offer there.
news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10273188-56.html
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So you've installed the Windows 7 RC, downloaded all the updates and available drivers, and reinstalled your core apps. It's far quicker than Vista ever was, so what's left to do?
Plenty – we've dug out 12 free tools that will help push the next generation of Windows to new heights.
Whether you're looking for even better performance, the ability to tweak hidden settings or just customise any aspect of the new OS, we've got a tool just for you. And what's more, they won't cost you a penny.
1. EnhanceMySe7en Free
This tool tries – and nearly succeeds – in bringing together all the tweaks and system tools you could possibly need. It's split into five sections, each of which is divided into further sub-sections offering performance tweaks, system health tools and just about everything in-between.
2. Standalone Stack
This tool enables you to create a desktop shortcut that – when double-clicked – displays a rather attractive tiled stack of the items inside the folder in question. Standalone Stack can even pin the shortcut to the Taskbar and use it from there, helping keep your pristine desktop as clear and uncluttered as possible.
3. LogonStudio Vista
Fancy changing the screen that appears when you log on to Windows? The Vista version of LogonStudio works in Windows 7, but you'll need to apply compatibility settings for Windows Server 2003 (Service Pack 1) before it'll function properly. Once done, you can download designs from the web or use your own photos.
4. SysInternals Suite
This massive collection of free troubleshooting tools is an essential download. Look out for three particular tools: Process Explorer enables you to examine running processes in minute detail, while AutoRuns is the best tool out there for managing and optimising your startup. Finally, TCPView is useful for seeing what network and internet connections have been established by the running processes on your computer.
5. Notepad++
Notepad is as rubbish as ever in Windows 7, so you'll want to replace it sharpish. Notepad++ has all the features you'd expect in a fully functional text editor, but if you find yourself working with code, you'll find its syntax highlighting and folding support for a vast array of programming languages gives it the edge over other free editors.
6. FastCopy
Copying files might be quicker in Windows 7 than it was in Vista, but you're still not making maximum use of your PC's resources. FastCopy isn't practical for day-to-day use, but it's perfect for those occasional file transfers that measure in gigabytes rather than megabytes.
7. Smart Defrag
We all know how much of a bottleneck a fragmented hard drive is, and frankly Windows' own tool isn't up to scratch. Smart Defrag won't just defrag your drive and optimise the placement of files for a one-off performance gain, it'll sit unobtrusively in the background preventing fragmentation and helping to keep your hard drive running quickly.
8. Revo Uninstaller
Uninstaller utilities are hit-and-miss at the best of times. If you're testing a lot of software in Windows 7, you should install Revo Uninstaller and let it take control of the uninstall process – it'll find files, folders and Registry entries missed by the uninstaller, giving your hard drive a more thorough clean.
9. Mediacoder
Can't play a particular video or audio file? Don't faff about looking for the codec – quickly convert it into a compatible format with Mediacoder, an open-source conversion tool that handles both music and video with ease.
10. Macrium Reflect Free
The RC of Windows 7 may have all the back-up tools you need, but when you come to purchase the Home version in October you'll find a lot of features disappear, and image-based backup is one of them. Macrium Reflect Free fills the gap neatly, and offers extra features you won't find in Windows' own tool, such as the ability to browse an image's contents in Explorer.
11. HD Sentinel
Although there's a drive monitoring tool bundled with EnhanceMySe7en, it's not the most accurate. HD Sentinel provides a more detailed way of monitoring your drive's physical health, throws in an early warning system and can also monitor externally attached drives. The Standard version is free for evaluation only.
12. Process Assassin
While experimenting with Windows 7 you're bound to come across some programs or processes that fail – if any refuse to go quietly you can "assassinate" them quickly and easily by running this tool.
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www.techradar.com/news/software/operating-systems/12-hot-and-free-apps-to-power-up-windows-7-612702
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Lurking in the archives of last month you'll find details of the 9-inch Windows 7 tablet PC coming later this year from French manufacturer Archos. Today, the wait to know how it functions is over, as we spent a morning fingering it. Oh, and we know now that it'll cost £450 for an 80GB model, and £500 for a 160GB.
First, a quick reminder of les autres caractéristiques. This is a tablet PC weighing 623g, featuring a 9-inch capacitive touchscreen (that's the sexy kind, like the iPhone), an Intel Atom Z515 CPU, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1, plus built-in DVB-T antennas, which should allow it to receive and store Freeview TV in the UK.
It feels like a solid piece of kit. Used as a weapon, you could probably knock a decent-sized mammal unconscious, up to and including a cheetah, though a musk ox would certainly be a step too far and require a full-size laptop. The capacitive screen -- which was running at 1,024x600-pixel resolution -- was responsive and allowed us to click around the Windows 7 release candidate without any real problems.
And because it's capacitive, you can safely ditch your stylus right now. Three of your finest cheers can be released in response to this news.
The on-screen keyboard takes up roughly half of the lower part of the screen when brought up. Again, as this is a touch-sensitive, as opposed to pressure-sensitive screen, tapping on a virtual Qwerty keyboard is relatively painless. Unless you're typing a novel, in which case using a touchscreen is about as enjoyable as having an eyeball removed.
Time was short this morning, so we didn't have an opportunity to benchmark or perform any kind of scientific tests dans le tablette, so check back for our full review in the coming weeks.
For now, enjoy the plateau of visual treats over the next few pages, as we explore the physical attributes of one of the most interesting French inventions since Madame Guillotine.
crave.cnet.co.uk/laptops/0,39029450,49302857,00.htm
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Last week, Microsoft unveiled retail pricing for Windows 7, the successor to Vista and Microsoft's hope for a revival in operating system buzz.
But as soon as the sheet was yanked off the price board, people started asking questions. How much for this? What will I pay for that? The questions were endless, it seemed, even though Microsoft culled Home Basic from the line-up, exiling it to the "emerging markets" category and banning it from retail.
You'd think that with just three retail editions -- Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate -- navigating price waters would be a snap. Not so.
Your questions on cost, our answers on prices follow.
What's the cheapest price for Windows 7? Unless you're buying a new PC -- more on that later -- the best bet now is to reserve your copy at Microsoft's online store or one of the retailers participating in the discount offer.
Microsoft's selling Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade for $49.99 until July 11 in the U.S. and Canada, and Windows 7 Professional Upgrade for $99.99. Actually, "until July 11" might not be accurate, as Microsoft has made it clear with repeated references to "until supplies last" that it may cut short the deal. Since the company hasn't been straight about what that limit is, if you know you want Windows 7, get it sooner rather than later.
Most retailers have followed Microsoft on prices, but some have strayed. Sam's Club, Wal-Mart's members-only, mass-quantity chain, has the lowest prices we've seen: $44.88 for Home Premium, $94.88 for Professional. Costco, another big-box store, comes in second with prices of $47.99 and $97.99.
Should I wait? Is it possible Windows 7 will be cheaper in a month? Probably not, say analysts. Microsoft may return with another discount later -- as the Oct. 22 launch date gets within shouting distance -- but a deeper price cut this summer is very unlikely.
How can I find the best deal online? If you don't trust our scouting report (see above), or figure there's an even better deal, reach out to the participating retailers to see their upgrade prices. In the U.S., they are: Amazon.com, Best Buy, Costco, Frys, Sam's Club, Newegg, Office Depot, OfficeMax, Quill, TigerDirect and Wal-Mart. Microsoft's posted links to each retailer, as well as to its own online store, here.
I keep hearing about a free upgrade. What gives? That's the premise of what Microsoft has dubbed the "Windows Upgrade Option" (WUO) program, the newest version of what it called "Technology Guarantee" in the run-up to Vista's 2007 launch.
WUO provides a free Windows 7 upgrade to people who buy certain PCs between now and Jan. 31, 2010 that come with Vista pre-installed, or have been sold with a Vista license and then factory-downgraded to XP.
The upgrade, of course, won't be available until after Oct. 22, Windows 7's ship date; in fact, it might be weeks or months after that date until you receive the upgrade.
Is the upgrade really free? Depends. Microsoft's said it isn't charging computer makers for the upgrades, but some OEMs will slap on a shipping and handling fee. Others won't.
Hewlett-Packard, the world's biggest seller of PCs, has promised it won't charge a dime. But No. 2 Dell has been vague about any fee, saying on its Windows 7 upgrade page that "shipping charges will vary by region."
What PCs qualify for the "free" upgrade? Each computer maker has its own list, so check with your preferred OEM or retailer for more info. Generally speaking, however, machines equipped with Vista Home Premium, Vista Business or Vista Ultimate qualify. PCs downgraded to XP Professional from Vista Business or Vista Ultimate are also eligible, based on the Vista license sold with the system.
Do I get a free upgrade to Windows 7 if I buy a shrink-wrapped copy of Vista now? Yes. If you buy a copy now of Vista Home Premium, Vista Business or Vista Ultimate -- an OEM, Upgrade or Full Packaged Product (FPP) version -- you should also get a coupon for a free upgrade to the corresponding Windows 7 edition.
Not every retailer is doing this -- at least, we couldn't find mention of it on every online store we checked -- but the upgrade is prominently mentioned on such online retailers as Newegg and Amazon.com.
Are those upgrades really free? Again, it depends. Amazon.com, for example, will charge $9.99 for an upgrade to Windows 7 to retail buyers of Vista, while Newegg just says some Vista editions "include free Windows 7 upgrade coupon" but it doesn't go into detail.
Can I get the discounted or free Windows 7 upgrade if I'm still running XP? Yes, but you'll have to do a "clean install" on your PC, which means you'll need to back up your data, install Windows 7, then restore the data and reinstall all applications.
There's no "in-place" upgrade path from XP to Windows 7, unlike the route available via Vista.
What price will I pay if I dawdle and don't buy Windows 7 until after July 11? Once the discount deal expires, pre-order prices will revert to their suggested list; that's what you'll pay after the Oct. 22 launch as well.
In the U.S., Microsoft has set the suggested list price for Windows 7 at between $119.99 for an upgrade (Home Premium) and $319.99 for a FPP (Ultimate). The editions marked "Upgrade" are cheaper in every case than the corresponding FPP; the former is the overwhelming choice, since it presupposes an older version of Windows on the PC. (That doesn't prevent you from using an "Upgrade" edition as a first-time install on a PC, or in a virtual machine on, say, a Mac.)
For quick references, see our price chart below.
What about cheaper OEM editions? How much will they cost? Unknown for now. We weren't able to find any "OEM" edition pricing at the usual suspects, but assume that Microsoft will be offering Windows 7 to small mom-and-pop computer makers who build PCs.
OEM prices are traditionally cheaper than even "Upgrade" editions. The downside: The license bans users from transferring the license from one PC to another, and comes sans support of any kind.
Frankly, I don't have two pennies to rub together, much less $50. But I want Windows 7. What do I do? You can have Windows 7 for free without breaking a single law or joining the ranks of online pirates. There's just one catch: You have to give it up March 1, 2010.
Microsoft will keep Windows 7 Release Candidate (RC), a stable-but-not-quite-finished version of the new OS, on its download pages until Aug. 15. Grab a copy now, and a free product key as well. Install it and you're green.
Microsoft didn't make billions by giving away the goods, of course, so starting March 1 of next year, Windows 7 RC will begin spontaneously rebooting every two hours. That's your cue to give it up. By then, maybe you've scratched together the cash for a real copy. If not, you can drop back to what was on the PC before.
You can get Windows 7 RC here.
I live in Europe. What will I pay for Windows 7? More than if you lived in the U.S.
European prices are a veritable snake pit of confusion. First of all, Microsoft won't be selling "Upgrade" editions of the new OS until at least 2010, since it faces technical issues with upgrading from Windows Vista. In fact, Microsoft will block customers in the European Union from doing "in-place" upgrades, which would leave some version of Internet Explorer (IE) on the machine.
That stems from its decision to head off EU antitrust regulators, who have charged the company with illegally tying IE to Windows and are considering more drastic measures.
Instead, it will sell FPP versions of Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate at upgrade SKU prices. Those prices range from €119.99 for Home Premium, €285 for Professional and €299 for Ultimate. All are substantially higher than the prices for U.S. buyers, a fact that Microsoft has tried to dispute.
You said "until at least 2010." What happens then? We're not sure. Microsoft's not coming right out and saying it, but their top Windows exec, Bill Vehgte, this week said, "In the future we may have an upgrade offering of Windows 7 available in Europe, and at that time we would revert to differential pricing of the full and upgrade versions, as we have in the rest of the world."
In plain English, that means that the FPP of Windows 7 may see a price increase as Upgrade SKUs appear in the EU. The full version of Windows 7 Home Premium has been priced at €199.99, Professional at €309 and Ultimate at €319.
I have a Mac. How much will I pay to upgrade to a new OS Hey, who let you in here?
Okay, smart guy, you get Mac OS 10.6, aka "Snow Leopard," sometime in September for the low, low price of just $29.
Any special deals, discounts, Upgrade SKUs, FPP editions, factory-downgrade prices for me? No. $29. That's it. Repeat after me: $29, $29, $29.
WINDOWS 7 RETAIL PRICES
| |
Windows 7 Price |
Vista Price |
% Decrease |
| Home Premium Upgrade |
$119.99 |
$129.99 |
7.7% |
| Professional Upgrade |
$199.99 |
$199.99 |
0.0% |
| Ultimate Upgrade |
$219.99 |
$219.99 |
0.0% |
| Home Premium Full |
$199.99 |
$239.99 |
16.7% |
| Professional Full |
$299.99 |
$299.99 |
0.0% |
| Ultimate Full |
$319.99 |
$319.99 |
0.0% |
www.computerworld.com/action/article.do
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A new TechRepublic survey shows that 96% of IT departments are still running Windows XP as their primary operating system, and 43% plan to keep XP indefinitely and avoid migrating to Windows 7. Meanwhile, 45% of the TechRepublic respondents said that their IT department will eventually switch to Windows 7.
The voluntary, self-selecting survey was conducted in June and had over 10,000 participants from among TechRepublic’s audience of 1.4 million IT professionals who regularly visit the site.
As for the time frame of migrating, 52% said they will until the absolute last minute before moving off of Windows XP (so that includes some of the people who plan to eventually move to Window 7). Another 25% estimated that it would be either two years (20%) or three years (5%) before they migrate off Windows XP.
As for why these IT professionals are delaying the move off of XP, 63% said that there’s is no compelling reason to make a switch:
Despite their reluctance to move to Windows 7, 76% of the IT pros said that they had no plans to consider an OS switch to Mac or Linux or casually considered it and don’t see the benefits:
blogs.zdnet.com/BTL/
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We’ve all come across this problem, where we can’t find a file. Microsoft claims that Windows 7 provides better ways to find and organize files. In Windows 7, searching is faster and works better than ever before. This guide shows 5 handy tips that can help you find that file you’ve been looking for within minutes and get the most out of Windows 7’s search.
1. Search Where Your File is Most Likely to Be
There’s no point of searching the whole of “My Documents” when you already know that the file is somewhere in the “Work” folder. So if you’d like to make searching faster, try reducing the number of places to search in by specifying the file’s location. How? Simply open the location in Windows Explorer and use the ”Search bar” on the top right of the window.
The location you search in doesn’t have to be very precise. The aim of this is just to avoid searching in places that you know for sure that the file can’t be in.
2. Use Wildcards in Your Search
This was available since Windows XP, yet a lot of people don’t really use it. A wild card is a character that is used to represent one or more unknown characters. The most common wildcards are the:
| Asterisk (*) |
Represents any number of characters in this part of the filename. |
Windows * Back-up could give: Windows Vista Backup, Windows XP Back-up, Windows 8 Backup, Windows ME Backup,… |
| *ology could give: histology, biology, geology, physiology,… |
| Question Mark (?) |
Represents one character only in this part of the filename. |
Windows ?? Back-up could give: Windows XP Backup, Windows ME Backup,… |
| ??ology could give: biology, geology,… |
The asterisk (*) represents any number of alphanumeric characters, while each question mark (?) represents only one alphanumeric character.
3. “Search Filters”, a Very Powerful Feature
This feature is what (I believe) makes Windows 7’s search better than search engines in previous OS. Search filters allow users to search for a file using its details such as its size, date created, etc. These details can vary from one type of file to another. For instance, you can search for an MP3 file using the artist’s name or album. While search for a document by its author or tags. The following is the syntax of search filters:
property ata
For instance, if you’d like to find music with the genre (genre is the property) jazz and contains the word ’can’ in its filename, your search would be: genre:jazz can. There are MANY properties that you can use. For a full list of properties you can use, I strongly recommend you check Windows Search Advanced Query Syntax.
Also, operators can help you obtain more precise results. The following table shows the list of common operators that you can use in your search:
| Operator |
What it does |
Example |
| AND |
Search results must contain specified terms together |
car AND race could find car in a race, race car,… |
| OR |
Search results can contain either one of the terms specified |
car OR race could find car in race, car, race, race car… |
| NOT |
Search results should not contain the term(s) specified |
*car NOT race could find car, sportscar (but not car in race, race,…) |
| Quotes (”) |
Search results must contain the EXACT term specified |
“car” could find car, car in race,… |
4. View before Opening
Let’s assume that you want to search for a document and know its location, but can’t remember any of its details. Thus, you type in the search bar kindocs and Windows Search returns a list with all the documents in that location. Let’s say 20 search results are returned. You obviously don’t have enough time to go on opening each and every document until you find the one you’ve been looking for. Hence Windows 7 provides a panel called the “preview panel” to make life easier. The preview panel views the contents of the file when selecting it.
To show the “preview panel” simply click on the second item at the right top under the search bar as shown in the screen shot below:
5. Group the Search Results
After Windows 7 has finished displaying the search results, you might want to group the results found according to their details (such as their type, tags, date created, etc.) by right-clicking anywhere inside the window (without highlighting a search result) and then clicking on “Group by” to select the how you want to group the search results. If you’d like more details, click on “More…”.
windows7news.com/2009/06/30/finding-files-faster-with-windows-7-search/
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Reader Dan writes in with a small but interesting tip: You don't have to right-click on the taskbar buttons to activate Windows 7's Jumplists—you can hold the left mouse button and drag upwards.
At first glance, this tip might seem like we're trying to teach you how to use the mouse, but laptop or touchscreen users might want to take a closer look—on a touchscreen all you need to do is tap and swipe your finger up to activate the jumplist, but if you have a laptop touchpad, you can mimic the same action with a double-tap and swiping your finger upward. Once you get used to it, being able to access the menu without clicking a button might just come in handy—and even if it doesn't, it's always fun to know more tricks for controlling your computer.
lifehacker.com/5302642/activate-windows-7-jumplists-with-the-left-mouse-button
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While it's true Windows 7 doesn't arrive on retail shelves and new PCs until October, Microsoft has announced two programs designed to give a head start to those who know they want the new operating system.
The Windows Upgrade Option, which runs through early next year, allows those buying a new Vista PC to get a free copy of Windows 7 after it hits shelves in October. The other program, which runs only through July 11, allows Windows XP and Vista users to pre-order a copy of Windows 7 Home Premium for $49 or Windows 7 Professional for $99.
 (Credit: Microsoft)In the following question-and-answer post, CNET News' Ina Fried walks you through both programs.
Who qualifies for the pre-order program?
All those who are running Windows XP or Windows Vista on their system, and whose PC is capable of running Windows 7, can upgrade that machine to Windows 7 Home Premium or Windows 7 Professional using the Windows pre-order program. However, the program is limited in both time (it runs through July 11 in the U.S.) and in terms of how many copies Microsoft will sell, although the company has not said what that limit is exactly.
Can I buy one of the upgrades if I am running Windows Vista Ultimate?
A lot of folks have been asking this since Microsoft isn't offering a discounted way to buy Windows 7 Ultimate. The answer is yes, one can buy an upgrade. However, any time one moves "down" in editions as part of an upgrade, it requires a clean installation of the operating system.
Will I get both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of the operating system?
Yes, although moving from a 32-bit version to a 64-bit version (or vice-versa) also requires a clean installation of the operating system.
How does the Windows 7 Upgrade Option program work?
Microsoft's other program, aimed at new PC buyers, gives those who buy certain Vista machines between June 26 and the end of January the ability to get a free copy of Windows 7.
The update will be provided after Windows 7 ships on October 22. Different partners are handling it different ways, with some offering the upgrade on DVD, others via download, and some PC makers offering both means.
Is it really free?
Well, Microsoft says it isn't charging the computer makers or retailers, though in some cases the PC makers themselves are tacking on a shipping and handling charge for mailing the updates.
Do all Vista PCs qualify?
No. In general, PCs with Vista Home Premium, Vista Business, or Vista Ultimate will qualify for the program. Buyers should check with their retailer or PC maker beforehand to make sure the PC is among those that qualify.
Many of the PC makers have posted more information on their Web site, including Acer, Asus, Dell, Emachines, Fujitsu, Gateway, Hewlett-Packard, Lenovo, Sony and Toshiba.
What about Netbooks?
A few Netbooks may qualify if they were running Windows Vista Business or Windows Vista Home Premium. Microsoft is still looking at options for how folks running those systems will be able to load the operating system onto their machines, which don't have CD or DVD drives. (Netbooks running Windows XP, like other XP machines, can use an upgrade version of Windows 7, though users will have to do a clean installation of the operating system.)
Is there a limit to how many computers qualify for the update program?
Yes, the program covers a maximum of 25 PCs for an organization. Microsoft says the program is designed for consumers and small businesses and notes the limit of five machines under a similar program with Windows Vista has been lifted.
Gartner analyst Michael Silver said that big businesses should press computer makers to extend the upgrade to cover any large orders between now and when Windows 7 ships. Otherwise, the only way for businesses to be covered is to purchase one of Microsoft's volume licensing programs for Windows, such as Software Assurance.
"Microsoft is encouraging organizations to buy (Software Assurance) and those that don't will need to deal with these artificial, annoying rules," Silver said.
What about those who bought Vista PC before June 26?
Again, I've gotten a lot of e-mail from owners of older Vista machines, including some that are only a few weeks or months old, wondering where their free copy of Windows 7 is. Well, the Upgrade Option only kicked in last week, so owners of older machines won't be getting a free copy. The pre-order program probably offers the cheapest option as far as getting to Windows 7.
Update: Among the questions I was asked most frequently was whether someone could move from a version of Windows XP or Vista to a different version of Windows 7. In all combinations, the answer is yes, and it can be done using the cheaper upgrade version of the operating system, though in some cases a clean installation of Windows 7 may be required.
If you are moving from Windows Vista to the same or higher version of Windows 7 and not changing from 32-bit to 64-bit, you can do what is known as an upgrade-in-place, which transfers your existing set-up to Windows 7, preserving all your settings and favorites.
If you are going to a lower-end version of Windows 7, coming from Windows XP or moving from 32-bit to 64-bit (or vice versa), you need to do a clean installation, which means backing up your data, installing the new operating system and then restoring your data and reinstalling your applications.
news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10274963-56.html
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Microsoft (China) Co Ltd released the world's lowest retail price plan for the upcoming Windows 7 operating system, sources reported.
The Chinese version of Windows 7 Home Basic will cost RMB 399, while Windows 7 Home Premium, which comes with more functions, will be priced at RMB 699.
Some industry insiders said the low pricing strategy shows that the U.S. software giant hopes to attract more users at the release of Windows 7.
These prices will encourage more Chinese customers to use authorized software, said Wei Qing, Microsoft China's market director, adding that consumers can benefit from even lower prices for Windows 7 by buying a new PC with the operating system pre-installed.
In fact, Lenovo Group Ltd<0992> last week announced that it will cooperate with Microsoft (China) to provide free Windows 7 upgrades to customers who buy Vista computers between Jun. 26, 2009 and Jan. 31, 2010. The free upgrades apply to consumers and enterprises that buy fewer than 25 PCs, China Knowledge reported.
Although the Chinese version of Windows 7 is the cheapest in the world, in a survey conducted by key web portal Sina.com, 59.2% of those surveyed said the price is still too high.
www.chinaknowledge.com/Newswires/News_Detail.aspx
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Consumers running Windows Vista Ultimate, who have blasted Microsoft for breaking promises to deliver a host of extras, are now knocking the company's upgrade plans and discount pricing for Windows 7.
Users commenting on several recent Computerworld stories about Windows 7 have let Microsoft have it, especially over the limited-time discount Microsoft is offering on pre-orders of Windows 7 Home Premium ($49.99) and Professional ($99.99).
"I think it's lousy that Microsoft is offering nothing during the current short-term promotion in terms of a discounted upgrade for Windows 7 Ultimate for customers who bought Vista Ultimate," said one of many anonymous commenters. "Nice way to take care of your customers who've already paid you the absolute most money..., folks."
"Hello everyone, my name is Dan, and I bought Windows Vista Ultimate -- the upgrade," said another user named, not surprisingly, "Dan," in another comment. "I was a fool. I not only bought Vista Home Premium, I spent additional money on what I hoped was going to be a better OS with some very unique added benefits. Fooled me once, Microsoft. Even fooled me twice. Never, ever, again. At any price."
As the commenters pointed out, Microsoft has not cut the price of Windows 7 Ultimate, which like the other retail editions, can be pre-ordered from the company as well as some select retailers, including Amazon.com. Instead, the top-end SKU is priced at $219.99 for an "Upgrade" and $319.99 for the "Full" version.
Others complained about the price, discounted or not. Although Microsoft dropped the suggested list price of Windows 7 Home Premium by 8% to 17% when compared to Vista's price, it left Ultimate (and Professional) unchanged.
"I find it simply outrageous Microsoft is charging me $219 to 'upgrade' to Windows 7," added an anonymous commenter who claimed he was also a Microsoft stockholder. "This pricing structure makes no sense at all and is already backfiring. As a stockholder I'm writing a letter to the Steve Ballmer board to change this pricing before it's too late. Heads should roll on this one.
"Those suckers that bought Vista Ultimate, myself included, are screwed," said yet another commenter. "There isn't a chance in hell that I am paying $219 for what should really be Vista SP2. We were promised 'extras' which we never got, now we are being excluded from the pre-order special. Anyway even at $49, it is still too much to pay."
The extras that commenter mentioned refer to "Ultimate Extras," one of the main features Microsoft cited in the months leading up to the 2007 release of Vista Ultimate to distinguish the operating system from its lower-priced siblings. According to Microsoft's marketing, Extras were to be "cutting-edge programs, innovative services and unique publications" that would be regularly offered only to users of Vista's highest-priced edition.
But users soon began belittling the paltry number of add-ons Microsoft released and the company's leisurely pace at providing them. Just five months after Vista was launched, critics started to complain.
Earlier this year, Microsoft dumped the feature, saying that it would instead focus on existing features in Windows 7 rather than again promise extras.
The furor over Vista Ultimate has even reached analysts' ranks. In May, Michael Cherry of Directions on Microsoft urged Microsoft to give Vista Ultimate owners a free upgrade to Windows 7. "It would buy them a lot of good will, and I don't think it would cost them much," Cherry said at the time.
Some of the commenters in the latest Computerworld stories about Windows 7 echoed Cherry.
"I am running Vista Ultimate and feel ripped off by Microsoft because ... [we] never received the extras we paid good money to get," said "Hellfire" in a long comment. "The very least that they should do is offer a heavily-discounted upgrade to Windows 7 Ultimate to those that have lost money by purchasing Vista Ultimate."
www.computerworld.com/action/article.do
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If you were frustrated by trying to figure out which edition of Windows Vista was the right choice ("hmm...If I use Vista Business, I don't get Windows Media Center, but if I use Vista Home Premium, I don't get image backup..."), Microsoft has done us all a favor by rethinking the feature sets for Windows 7.
Yes, there are still multiple SKUs to consider, but this time, you no longer need to worry about what's left out if you move up from one edition to another. To find out how the different US editions of Windows 7 compare in features, what Microsoft is doing to satisfy EU regulators, and what it will cost you to pre-order a Windows 7 upgrade now compared to waiting until it ships, keep reading.
This Time, Windows 7 Editions Build On Each Other
There are three Windows 7 editions that will be sold at retail in the US market:
-
Home Premium
-
Professional
-
Ultimate
If you tried out Windows 7 in its public Beta or RC versions, you used a pre-release of the Ultimate edition, although it's possible to tweak the installation process to install other editions. So, what are the major "core" features of these editions of Windows 7?
According to Microsoft's "Which One Is Right for You?" page, here are the common features (many of which we will cover in current or upcoming Feature Focus articles):
Microsoft's list leaves out some significant core features, though, including:
-
32-bit and 64-bit editions provided in retail/upgrade versions
-
Windows Aero desktop (with supported graphics cards and drivers)
-
Improved wireless networking
-
Improved network management for mixed Windows 7/Vista/XP networks
-
Improved audio and video codec support
-
Improved digital TV support
-
Windows Backup for both files and system image
-
-
Why Home Premium?
By making image backup a core feature of Home Premium as well as higher SKUs, Microsoft makes it much easier to make Home Premium a "no second thoughts" choice for home or small office-home office users uncomfortable with Windows Vista Home Premium's omission of image backup but not needing the extra features of Professional or Ultimate editions.
Moving On Up - Windows 7 Professional
Microsoft has dropped the "Business" moniker for its small-business edition of Windows 7 and reverted to the "Professional" label it used in previous generations. And, unlike Windows Vista Business, which forced potential upgraders from Windows Home Premium to trade away Windows Media Center to get support for business networking and image backup, there are no tradeoffs if you decide to try Windows 7 Professional over Windows 7 Home Premium: every Home Premium feature is also included in Windows 7 Professional. So, what else is in there?
The major upgrades to Windows 7 Professional from Home Premium include:
Why Go Pro?
If you...
-
...routinely move between domain and workgroup networks (such as a home or branch office network)
-
...need support for Windows XP-compatible applications that just don't run under Windows 7
-
...prefer to back up to a network share without using third-party backup programs
...Windows 7 Professional's a no-brainer choice.
Next: But what about Ultimate?
Windows 7 Ultimate - The Top, But Not So "Ultimate" Choice
Windows 7 Ultimate, like its Windows Vista ancestor, combines all the features of Windows 7 retail editions with features from Windows 7 Enterprise. However, unlike its predecessor, there will be no Windows 7 Ultimate Extras. So ends what many regard as a program that offered much more sizzle than steak.
According to Microsoft, the chief benefits of Windows 7 Ultimate over other editions include:
Why Move Up to Ultimate?
At first glance, unless you need to work with multiple languages on the same PC, Windows 7 Ultimate might look completely skippable. However, if you work with sensitive information, the improvements in BitLocker may persuade you to make the jump.
Windows 7's version of BitLocker can now encrypt external drives (including USB keys) so you can transport data between home and office without worrying about being mugged and winding up in the next data breach headline. If you don't want to upgrade both ends of a data-transport chain with Windows 7 Ultimate, BitLocker also includes a secure BitLocker to Go feature that enables Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP users with the proper credentials to access BitLocker-secure media in read-only mode.
Buy Vista or a Vista PC Now, Get Windows 7 Free Later
Buy a PC running Windows Vista Home Premium, Business, or Ultimate between June 26th, 2009 and January 31st, 2010 from sponsoring manufacturers and vendors, or buy these editions of Vista separately, and you qualify for a free upgrade to the equivalent Windows 7 edition.
Getting Windows 7 Very Cheap - If You're Fast on the Click
However, if you're not in the market for a new PC, and don't want to buy Vista now to qualify for a free Windows 7 upgrade, you can still get a cool upgrade deal if you use Windows XP or Vista - if you hurry. If you pre-order Windows 7 Home Premium or Professional upgrade editions right now, you can cash in on significant savings:
If you're currently running Windows Vista Ultimate (like I am) and decide you don't need BitLocker or multilanguage support, you can "upgrade" from Vista Ultimate to Windows 7 Professional. Note that these savings expire July 11th in the US, and are available from many retailers as well as from Microsoft's online store.
Waiting Will Cost You
What happens if you skip these offers? Buy Windows 7 at retail or non-promotional upgrade pricing and you'll have a hole in your wallet. See our own Paul Lilly's original article for details. As you might expect, upgrade pricing is for licensed users of Windows Vista or Windows XP.
Other Windows 7 Editions
Windows 7 Starter replaces Windows XP on netbooks, and will also be sold in developing countries. It omits image backup, Windows Aero, Windows Media Center, and 64-bit support.
As with Windows Vista, Microsoft will ship Windows 7 editions that do not include Internet Explorer into the EU to satisfy regulatory requirements.
If you're ready for Windows 7, now is a great time to upgrade your software or your systems. Hit Comment and tell us your tips for scoring a Windows 7 upgrade or vote for your favorite edition.
www.maximumpc.com/article/%5Bprimary-term%5D/windows_7_feature_focus_which_windows_7_edition_right_you
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From technology enthusiasts to the average Joe running Windows, everyone was looking at Microsoft for the past 2 years, their hopes gathered around a simple name: Windows 7. There are many reasons why this version of Windows was sought after, not the least being the public relations nightmare brought by Vista.
But did Microsoft come through with a stable computing platform, with decent hardware requirements and a hardened security model? The definite answer is yes. I’ve been running Windows 7 on my laptop for over a month, installed all the applications I’d normally use – iTunes, Office, Firefox, Mozy – and they all worked fine, without any compatibility settings or whatnot.
While my computer is far from being state of the art, it is able to run Firefox, iTunes, Word and Photoshop at the same time, with decent speed. On just 1GB of DDR2 RAM and a 2,2Ghz AMD Turion 62 single core processor. The visual effects are fluid on a two year old ATi X200M graphics chipset with just 64MB of RAM. What they did under the hood, optimizing the code to run faster, is simply amazing. Running Vista on this laptop was like swimming with cement boots, even with the visual effects turned off.
A very important aspect for Windows users, security, has also been addressed in many ways, and while most of the technologies were present in Vista, they have been improved in Windows 7. The UAC (User Access Control) dialogs are less frequent and not so annoying, executables are scanned for digital signatures of their vendor, you are notified about files downloaded from the internet as well as an improved firewall and notification center. DEP (Data Execution Prevention) is enabled by default, we still have the KPP (Kernel Patch Protection) and a significantly improved Autorun. Also, the privilege level of your account is not root, which would grant you unlimited access to system resources, but a member of the Administrators group. To affect changes that may affect system integrity and security you have to accept an UAC prompt. In addition to this, all start-up items that access critical system areas are also required to be manually approved via an UAC prompt. Checks and flags are implemented all around, to the point that you would have to ignore multiple security warnings in order to get infected. These are all significant changes from Windows XP. All around, you can see that the engineers have dedicated a significant amount of time to securing the operating system.
From such an important aspect as security,we go on to examine the improvements in the user interface department. The taskbar, part Mac OS X dock, part Start menu is an elegant and comprehensive UI element. The functionality offered is simply amazing; We have quick access to commonly used applications, an amazing way to find the window you’re looking for with Quick Look, a streamlined notification area which is clean yet retains usability and instant search from the Start menu. I’m sorry to disappoint the Linux and Mac OS fans, but Windows 7, as it is today, has the most advanced and usable UI.
With Windows 7 Microsoft has changed the game. I for one was saving money for a MacBook, which from a Windows XP viewpoint is an incredible upgrade. But compared to Windows 7, not so much. We have performance, stability, a not too shabby security model, an incredible selection of hardware and software. If lastly, we consider the price – free until June next year – we have an incredibly attractive offer. The ball is at Apple and the pitch is going down at WWDC. Unless something amazing comes out, it’s going to be a homerun for Windows 7.
tuxgeek.me/2009/06/is-windows-7-the-best-windows-ever/
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