Okay, folks… before I get jumped on and accused of blatant Windows-bashing, I will state, up-front, that Windows 7 is much, much better than Windows Vista. In fact, I’ll go so far as to say that Windows 7 is a functional OS… but more on that later.
At the moment, I want to discuss these commercials. “Windows should be easier.” “Windows shouldn’t crash.” “Windows shouldn’t send my personal financial information directly to the mob.” These are all fine ideas, but the idea that “Windows 7 was totally my idea” just bugs me. I know the idea is to show that Microsoft is responding to the wants and needs of the consumer, but I just keep seeing them as evidence that it never would have occurred to anyone inside Microsoft’s headquarters that the computer shouldn’t crash… but that’s just the cynic in my speaking, I’m sure.
As per Windows 7, it has certainly improved the user experience on my office desktop. Vista was a continuous pain, and now, the computer doesn’t suddenly stop recognizing usb peripherals and require that they be unplugged and replugged. The screen doesn’t lock up when I’m typing. It doesn’t take a (windows) millennium to reboot the computer, and Lordy, lordy, they actually didn’t hide the shutdown button for those of us who might want to… you know… turn the computer off.
It’s nice… really. The only problem I’m currently experiencing is some problems with video playback (just some glitches… like the tracking is off on the vcr… probably just need to update the graphics driver). I do not, however, like the freakin’ taskbar. The XP taskbar was simple, sure, but each open window had a spot on the taskbar, and you could tell at a glance what each window was… at least until you ran out of horizontal space. In 7, they’ve turned it into a sort of horizontally-cascading menus… which looks very slick, but requires extra effort to get where you want to go… and that’s the thing with Windows 7, it all seems to work, but not necessarily how you might want it to.
Now, to be fair, I’ve not played with any of the Windows 7 configuration tools to try and tweak it to my will. I’m just trying to familiarize myself with the default windows experience… and it is what it is. Will I upgrade from XP at home? Probably at some point. I’ve been meaning to go 64-bit for Photoshop’s sake, and I will probably make the jump to the current OS when I do that… but I’m not in any hurry. If you have Vista on a machine, Windows 7 is a compelling upgrade. For those still running XP, it’s nice… there’s no compelling reason not to upgrade.
In any case, it’s nice to bid a not-so-fond farewell, to Windows Vista: Flaming Ball of Death Edition!
I’ve been using macs since 1995. Took a class on windows when 98se was introduced. It was capable and I could make it work without problems. I still think windows NT was the best and most stable. It seemed to go down hill from there. I think hardware makers had to make bigger and faster just to run windows. I’d rather spend a bit more on less agrivation. Just ask my sister and nephew. Good luck. I know a few friends who like windows 7.
I am accepting of all OSes. Laurie uses a Mac, I use macs and PCs at work. My desktop dual-boots between XP and Linux. The right tools for the right job!
Windows Vista was Microsoft’s New Coke (I’d say “Gigli”,but people chose to pay for that,whereas Windows updates are nearly mandatory if you want to be able to update/utilize other crap). I skipped that upgrade, but unfortunately still had to deal with it at other places.
I acknowledge I’m not cool enough to be a Mac owner/user yet. Reason – I’m not smart enough to stop double-clicking…
I think it’s actually my underdog love working there, b/c the “I’m a Mac, I’m a PC” commercials are a bit too condescending for me. I love when people get Prius’ b/c they are better for the environment (or for other intelligent reasons), but I don’t think those who don’t buy/drive them should be looked down upon (you guys have your opinions, but you’re not doing that here, so thank you).
Thanks for linking video, too.
Yeah, I just thought the Australian version of the commercial was particularly funny! When Vista came out I tried it on the office PC (because it cost nothing… university license and all) and rapidly opted not to bring it home. I am toying with the idea of bringing 7 home though because, as I said, it is reasonably stable, and I expect them to start forcing XP out at any moment.
I’d be happy if I could go all Linux, but my love for Photoshop and the Creative Suites currently prevents it… and I could go all Mac if I didn’t like gaming… so… for the moment Windows is a necessary evil…
… but I’d never go so far as to compare it to “Gigli”! That’s just mean… 😉