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Yeah, I said it. The Windows 7 taskbar is the most important Windows UI change since Windows 95, and it will dramatically change the way you use Windows. And it's better than the Mac's Dock.

That's because the "superbar"—as the taskbar is known by developers—jerks taskbar functionality in a new direction. It's no longer merely a window manager—just a place to manage open windows and by proxy, open applications. It's now a bona fide application launcher. More than that, it blends the two in ways that will remind many of the OS X Dock—apps that are running and those that aren't can live together. True, you've been able to launch apps from the Windows taskbar's Quick Launch ghetto for ages, but that's been demolished so that Microsoft could completely and seamlessly integrate the launching of new apps and the managing of running ones.

Managing Apps and Open Windows

The OS X Dock operates from a similar standpoint, but Windows 7 takes this (not to mention the translucency gambit) a step further: The visual signification of a running application (versus one that's not and merely "pinned" to the taskbar) is exceptionally subtle—a kind of "glare" appears on the top left corner of the icon and it's faintly outlined. It borders on actively encouraging you to forget the distinction, which as computers become more powerful and applications launch more quickly, matters less and less anyhow.

The flashing colored glass effect when an app is trying to get your attention, however, is nice, and though way less ostentatious than the old blinking button, definitely obvious. Unless you have the taskbar set to auto-hide, then the notification is barely visible as a flashing line of color on the bottom of your screen. The Mac Dock's bouncing icons definitely works better there.

These aesthetic similarities aside, what actually makes the superbar superior to the Dock is window management—including, by extension, application management. I can easily find, access or close any window I want from the taskbar nearly instantly, thanks to the combination of live thumbnails and Aero Peek. Rolling over an icon in the taskbar pops up live thumbnails of every open window of that app. If that's not enough to tell which one you want, rolling over a thumbnail brings that window to the front, full-sized, and makes every other window translucent. And it's easy to move from app to app in one motion to bring up the window you want, or close it. This is not just a neat visual trick, like Flip 3D. It's genuinely useful.

The benefit breaks down if you have more open windows of an application than the number of previews that will fit across your screen horizontally: In that case, you get a much less useful list of open windows, like old school Windows or control-clicking a Dock icon on the Mac.

The Power of the Pop-Up Menu

Right-clicking—or clicking the icon then quickly swiping upwards—brings up a pop-up menu (aka a jump list). Control-clicking on the OS X Dock does something similar, giving you a list of open windows. Some apps (like Adium) are coded for additional Dock functions, but it's not the same as the powerful visual metaphor that the superbar and Aero Peek give you. Applications still need to be coded specially to take advantage of the superbar's pop-up menu, but it's more powerful. If an app is coded to use Windows 7 jump lists—when you right-click on an icon or click and swipe upward, you have instant access to frequently used or other functions—it will erase the slight advantage the Dock currently has.

The superbar does share one of the Dock's major shortcomings as an application launcher—it's not immediately apparent how to launch a new window of an app from the taskbar. The secret as Windows evangelist Paul Thurrot points out is that you right-click the app icon, then click the app name itself appearing in the pop-up menu. Granted, from the Mac Dock, unless opening a new window is coded into the app as a Dock function, like Safari, you can't do it at all.

The superbar's biggest shortcoming—at least when you first use it—relates to the way it handles folders and document shortcuts, which is exceptionally confusing. You can only pin one folder to the bar. After that, every subsequent folder you want to pin to the taskbar is pinned to Windows Explorer. Say you have the Libraries folder pinned for quick access to Documents, Downloads, Pictures, etc. But I also want another folder (in this example, Games and Computer) pinned to the taskbar, so I drag it to the bar. There, it shares the same icon as my first pinned folder. When I click the icon, up pops Libraries. Where's the Games folder? I have to right-click on the folder icon (or click and swipe up). This gives me a jump list of pinned folders and other frequent programs. You pin documents the same way, only they're hidden in the jump menu of the application that opens them. It takes some learning before you can use it fluidly.

The View From Above

The challenge of learning a totally new Windows behavior is the cost of getting this huge step forward in UI. The superbar makes Windows way more conducive to running tons of applications, since it's actually possible to find apps and precisely the window you want in a second, no matter how bad the shitstorm on your desktop is. In this sense, it's a better application manager than the Dock, from which, generally speaking, you can't do much more than jump to open applications or close them.

It's true that it's actually less necessary for the Dock to be a superpowered wunderkind—Spaces gives you multiple desktops to work on, and Expose is pretty fantastic. It's faster, though if you've got too many windows, the thumbnails are too small to be useful. Aero Peek solves this issue nicely by letting you quickly cycle through full-screen windows. The superbar has a button in the bottom right corner that works sort of like an OS X Expose hot corner, instantly making every window transparent so you can see the desktop—clicking will actually clear everything away.

There are definitely arguments to be made against the density of the superbar, packing so many function into a single UI element—many criticisms of the Dock apply to the superbar, like the total lack of text labels, and though it sidesteps some of the Dock's issues, like the poof, it presents new flubs. It could definitely improve in some ways (especially the notification area, which I didn't even go into).

But it shows the most thought of any Windows UI element in a long time, and manages to handle the complexity and multiplicity of functions about as well as one could expect. It does more than the Dock, and for the most part, works beautifully to enable—encourage, even—serious multitasking that the default Windows UI never has before.

i.gizmodo.com/5131933/giz-explains-why-the-windows-7-taskbar-beats-mac-os-xs-dock

Mark your calenders everyone, July 13th 2009 will be the day that Microsoft will officially announce the Windows 7 RTM. This also happens to be the same day as the Worldwide Partner Conference 09 in New Orleans.

We are likely to see many more leaked builds before the July 13th date, as Microsoft engineers continue to smash bugs and other problematic showstopper issues. On July 13th, all manufactures will be able to get their hands on the RTM to begin testing with their software and hardware.

The Windows 7 GA or General Availability build will come on October 22nd, which is the version that's released to the entire world. The build may or may not change from the RTM stage to the GA stage, it's dependent on whether or not any showstopper bugs are found by the manufactures.

techfragments.com/news/936/Software/Microsoft_Windows_7_RTM_Coming_July_13th.html

Windows 7 does not provide its users a way to change the start menu to the classic start menu. This is probably a feature that not many users want but there are surely some users who prefer to work with the classic start menu than the new one. The only way to work with a classic start menu is to use a third party software program since there is no built in way to activate a classic start menu.

The application Windows 7 Classic Start Menu has been created just for that purpose. It can be pinned to the Windows 7 from where it can be executed. Please note that this does not replace the existing start menu in Windows 7.

The installation could be a bit tricky as it requires UAC confirmations. After downloading the software run the installer. The installer will place icons on the computer desktop including a CS Menu First Run icon which needs to be executed after the installation. The current user needs to logout afterwards.

All that’s left to do is to move the pin the program icon into the Windows 7 Taskbar. A click on that icon will display a classic start menu which can be configured further to suite the needs of the user.

windows7news.com/2009/07/03/use-a-classic-start-menu-in-windows-7/

Just when you think that all went quiet on the Windows 7 front in preparation for the RTM, a new leaked development milestone of the operating system makes its way into the wild. Windows 7 Build 7264 from the RTM branch is now available for download through various illegal third-party sources including torrent trackers and warez websites. With the start of July, Microsoft has entered the final month of Windows' development process. In the second half of July 2009 the Redmond company will release the successor of Windows Vista to manufacturing, aiming to meet the global October 22, 2009 availability deadline.

The full build string of the latest leaked release is 6.1.7264.0.win7_rtm.090622-1900, according to Wzor, citing Vinylzine. According to the full build version, the release was compiled on June 22, 2009. This is not the final RTM build of Windows 7, as Microsoft has already moved past the 7264 mark, and wrapped up Windows 7 Build 6.1.7265.0.win7_rtm.090624-1905 on June 24, 2009. But although it is not the gold build of Windows 7, 7264 is as close to RTM as possible.

news.softpedia.com/news/Windows-7-Build-7264-Leaked-and-Available-for-Download-115499.shtml

With the second half of July approaching the feeling that Windows 7 RTM is so close it can be tasted is getting stronger and stronger. The confirmation that Microsoft will be releasing the next iteration of the Windows client to manufacturing by the end of this month came in early June 2009, but without a specific deadline delivered. While closing in on producing the gold build for Windows Vista's successor, the Redmond company is keeping the final backing stages of the Windows 7 development process under a tight lid. But this is only valid for its own cooking ovens; once development milestones are out of Redmond Windows 7 builds manage to find their way into the wild. It is of course the case of Windows 7 Build 7264 leaked earlier this week.

Quite a lot has happened between Build 7264 hitting the download pipes from torrent trackers and warez websites and the previous leaked release, Build 7260. Sure enough, there are changes in the operating system itself; nothing at a large architectural stage of course, but more in respect to the details that Microsoft was still holding back from its users. Since mid-June the software giant has confirmed the Windows 7 box design and the pricing details for the platform.

At the same time, the company has kick-started the Windows 7 Free Upgrade Option Program, a marketing initiative in partnership with OEMs, designed to provide end users with free upgrade editions of Windows 7 for equivalents of Vista SKUs bought with qualifying new computers between June 26, 2009 and January 31, 2010. In addition, discounted upgrade copies of Windows 7 are still available for pre-ordering, Home Premium for $49.99 and Professional for $99.99, for customers in select markets, with Microsoft preparing to bring the special offerings to more countries.

And all the while the company is keeping mum on the progress of Windows 7 toward RTM. In all fairness this is by no means a new strategy for the software giant. Official details on the evolution of Windows 7 between milestones were never shared with the public. This doesn't make Build 7264 any less valid or relevant - a relevance drawn from the proximity to RTM. In this sense, while being a release from the RTM-branch, Build 7264 is not, and will not qualify as the gold build of Windows 7.

Windows 7 Build 7264 Installation

Below you will be able to see screenshots from the installation of Windows 7 Build 7264. It has been over two weeks since I performed a deployment of Windows 7, and some details otherwise familiar faded a tad. But I installed every milestone of Windows 7 I could ever get my hands on, and the sheer speed of the process continues to deliver quite an impression. Even on a virtual machine with just 1.5 GB of RAM the deployment is fast, and will undoubtedly surprise end users in a pleasant manner. It's just a different league compared with previous releases of Windows.

With the exception of a few details associated with the End User License Agreement, installing Build 7264 is the same as the Release Candidate bits. But in the EULA, Windows 7 is no longer accompanied by any moniker highlighting a development phase. The operating system is referenced as plain vanilla Windows 7, an indication of the proximity to RTM.

news.softpedia.com/news/Windows-7-Build-7264-RTM-Branch-100-Screenshot-Gallery-115823.shtml

Windows 7 has introduced a  number of improvements that have without a doubt made it easier to work with than any of its predecessors. The new taskbar along with a slightly tweaked glass look gives it a fresh feel in itself that tempts the user to explore it further. It was developed while keeping the customer feedback in mind and has, in short, made everything quite simple. 

Faster Startup and Shutdown times

With Windows7, your computer (notebook/PC) will start up, shutdown and resume from standby much faster than ever before.

Windows 7 Libraries

One of the new features of the upcoming Microsoft operating system are libraries which basically is a collection of folders on the computer system. A Library can be treated like a folder with a group of subfolders inside it. The important thing to remember is that the subfolders are not actually stored in the library. They are just made to seem as though they are. Each library has some default contents, but you can change these, and also create new libraries if you wish.

Desktop Enhancements

• Aero Peek: Allows you to show the computer desktop, hiding all active windows in the process. This feature in Windows 7 is enabled by hovering over an icon in the right-bottom most corner of the new Windows 7 Taskbar.
• Aero Shake: Allows you to quickly concentrate on one window while hiding the rest. Simply grab and shake the title bar to hide or show all other windows.
• Desktop Wallpaper Slideshows: Allows you to change wallpapers automatically after a fixed period of allotted time.
• Gadgets: Unlike Vista, Windows 7 allows the gadgets to be moved and resized as desired.

The New Taskbar

The new taskbar dubbed “Superbar” in Windows 7 is alone worth the upgrade. Some of the new enhancements in taskbar really helps you in increasing your work productivity!

• Jump List displays the most recently used files of a particular application:
  • Its just a single right click away! 
  • No need to search the document again.A right click on the icon on your taskbar ,select the document and you are ready to work again.
  • You can also create your own customized jump list.

• Better Taskbar previews in 7 give you a better view of what’s open:
  • Larger icons increase visibility.
  • Modifiable taskbar icon order greatly help especially when working with multiple documents from different applications.
  • Preview and full-screen preview before switching to window.

Easier Networking via HomeGroup

HomeGroup makes it simple and easier to share music, documents, printers, and everything else with the other PCs running Windows 7 in your house.

Improvements in Battery and Power Options

• With Windows 7, you get more time from battery than in Vista.
  • Power draw reduced by 15 per cent
  • More battery life
• More suitable for netbook computers.
• Detects whether the battery is not working properly in a better way at a much earlier stage than Vista.

Windows Touch

With a touch-sensitive (multi-touch supported) screen, you can browse online newspapers, flick through photo albums, and shuffle files and folders—using nothing but your fingers just like you can on your iPhone.

These are the top reasons why I will be upgrading to Windows 7 this summer. What about you?

www.redmondpie.com/7-reasons-to-upgrade-to-windows-7/

Microsoft's new Windows 7 operating system will be available in October, and the company officials say the system will give more functionality through form.

The features include desktop backgrounds that change on their own; a program called "Aero Peek" that lets non-active screen windows turn transparent and increased ability to see documents side by side.

"It's kind of the perfect combination of beauty and brains," Latika Kirtane, of Microsoft, said. "So we have this aesthetic look that's a beautiful design, but we've also really thought about increasing the user's efficiency on the machine. So for example, Windows 7 jump lists really help you access the documents you find yourself looking at often. Windows Aero Shake is an easy way for you to clear your desktop off and really focus on one window at a time. Connecting laptops is one of the scenarios Window 7 really encourages and removes some of the hindrance of home networking with home groups."

It's even designed to easily pull up content on one computer, a song for example, and have it play out through another.

PC users who are still a bit traumatized by their last upgrade to Windows Vista need not worry, say some experts, and that the transition to Windows 7 will go smoother.

"It works in the ways that you'd want it to. Microsoft really listened to their customers and decided not to overpromise and under deliver," Lance Ulanoff, of PC Magazine, said. "So there's smart things that you might not notice, like everything that worked on Vista will work on Windows 7. Believe me, that wasn't the case with Vista."

Windows 7 hits shelves on October 22. There will be three versions, Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate, which range from $120 to $320, depending on the version and whether PC users upgrade or buy the full package.

Pre-orders of Windows 7 through July 11 are half-off. Those who buy a PC today with Vista will get a free upgrade.

The upgrade advisor at Microsoft.com will tell you which models can run Windows 7.

www.news8austin.com/content/headlines/

Cloanto recently announced that it has released the Amiga Forever 2009, the latest version of the Amiga preservation, emulation and support suite for Windows and other platforms.

Like its sister product C64 Forever, Amiga Forever 2009 introduces a  combination of the RP2 retrogaming file format, RetroPlatform Library to recognize content, and RP2 Manager to export and import to and from other file formats.

The 2009 version includes lot of enhancements and was tested to comply with "Compatible with Windows 7" requirements, said a press release.

New features include one-click integration of the AmiKit and AmigaSYS add-ons and new system ROMs (e.g. the 0.7 Kickstart required to run the software used by Andy Warhol's famous 1985 Launch of Amiga demo).

When both Amiga Forever and C64 Forever are installed, the players share data and software modules with each other, uniformly playing back RP2 games of both 8-bit and 32-bit platforms.

The same familiar user interface and settings are also applied to saved states, disk write undo, dual-monitor setups and other advanced functionality.

"The way it brings back memories is amazing, and it feels as if Commodore and Amiga were united again," said Michael C. Battilana of Cloanto.

Amiga Forever 2009 is available now in three editions:

*Value Edition (downloadable installer for Windows systems)

*Plus Edition (downloadable CD ISO image with additional Windows and platform-neutral content)

*Premium Edition (physical Plus Edition CD and two DVDs, plus instant download of the installer for Windows)

The Plus Edition includes the KX Light boot environment with barebone PC hard disk installation and online updates. The Premium Edition additionally contains more than five hours of videos, added the release.

www.ciol.com/Developer/Operating-System/News-Reports/Amiga-Forever-2009-compatible-with-Win-7/6709121952/0/

Older virtualization software made it possible to test-run Linux in Windows, but now, it's also possible to do it the other way around.

Thanks to the newly released Sun Virtual Box 3.0, it's now much easier to test Windows 7 in Linux. Despite all the hype about Windows 7 being ready for prime-time even though it's still in release candidate stage, it's still safer to perform a test run of Windows 7 beta in a virtual environment before actually installing it onto your computer. The latest version of Sun's open source virtualization software can let you do that on Windows XP, Vista, Mac OS X, any Linux distro or even Sun's rather uncommon Solaris OS.

Once Virtual Box is installed, you can then run any guest x86-based OS. This is particularly interesting for people who like to try out other operating systems without having to go through the more cumbersome process (not to mention risky) of actually installing them. If you've got enough memory in your system, you can even test run multiple OSes all at the same time (see image below).

This version now supports Direct3D for Windows guests and OpenGL for all others. Therefore, you can seamlessly test the 3D features of say, Windows 7 or the latest Ubuntu on your host system. This also means that you can run computer modeling and 3D design apps. If that doesn't pique your interest, then perhaps the thought of running graphics-intensive Windows games on Linux will. Getting interested?  (Naturally, you won't get anywhere near the speed of 3D acceleration running on native graphics hardware, but unlike some previous virtualisation environments, it allows software that relies on 3D acceleration to run.)

Other new features included are:

• the ability to support up to 32 vCPUs per guest
• Hypervisor enhancements for SMP
• and an updated API platform

Since it's an open source project, those who would like to compile and build their own product may download the Open Source Edition. Once you get to that link, scroll down to the bottom. If you don't care about the source code and would just like to check it out, just click that link and choose from their wide selection of binaries that will run directly on supported operating systems.

apcmag.com/test-your-windows-7-beta-in-linux.htm