There’s been a LOT of hype in the past year about Windows 7. Here’s some toned down truth based on my hardcore usage of it between 8/8/2009 and 10/16/2009. I installed it on my self-built Quad-Core 2.4Ghz, 4GB RAM machine with multiple, internal SATA hard drives, USB external hard drives, and 2 DVD+/-RW drives.
- Hype: Windows 7 is much faster. Reality: I don’t notice any difference. I haven’t done any actual timing, but if it is faster, it’s certainly not noticeable.
- Hype: Windows 7 boots faster. Reality: It doesn’t seem to be any faster to me. I did NOT do a stop watch comparison between boot times before and after the upgrade, but it seems to take just as long. Note that a lot of people time their old Windows installation, which may be quite aged with many things loading, then do a FRESH install of their latest OS. Of course, a FRESH install will always be faster than a "mature" install. For a true comparison, you have to do an UPgrade, not a fresh install. That way, you know it’s going to be loading all the same stuff (unless, of course, you had Windows Live OneCare installed and had to remove it. You should time boot up on Vista AFTER you remove One-Care.
- Hype: Windows 7 taskbar will show you thumbnail previews of apps as you float over the running app’s icons. Reality: While true, this is NOT a new, Windows 7 feature. Vista has had this feature since it was released in December 2006. Again, NOT NEW! It is, however, slightly (very slightly) improved.
- Hype: I’m spending money for an upgrade, so obviously, I’m keeping all my old features plus gaining new ones. Reality: You lose Windows Movie Maker, Windows Mail, Windows Calendar, Vista Ultimate Extras, a clean UI that isn’t polluted with MS Office ribbon bars, the classic start menu. Also, other features are hidden, like the Quick Launch bar.
- Hype: The new Windows 7 taskbar is MUCH better than the XP and Vista taskbar. Reality: No, it’s not. You lose the quick launch bar. "pinned" icons are not the same and are difficult to distinguish between "an icon to start an app" vs. "a running app". It takes a lot of research and work to gain the lost functionality back. For your convenience, I’ve done the research and have compiled a step-by-step tutorial here:
Get your Quick Launch bar back under Windows 7
Anonymous: Though I didn't state in this article that I performed an upgrade, I did however do an actual upgrade. Here's my article on the experience: http://csharpner.blogspot.com/2009/10/windows-7-upgrade-experience_16.html
Yes, I am fully aware of the pros and cons of each method as I've been doing this for 27 years, designing and building computers and networks, and have been a programmer for 27 years on multiple platforms, languages, and technologies. In my case, I chose to do an upgrade rather than a clean install because:
1. It was just a few months ago when I /did/ do a fresh install of Vista 64 bit (previously had 32bit).
2. As a software developer, I've got WAY more software installed that even most power users.
3. The amount of time to gather all my install media, cd keys, serial #'s, performing the installs, reconfiguring Windows and each and every piece of software takes MUCH longer than doing an upgrade. Generally, it takes me a full month to get back up to speed after a fresh install, and I never get quite everything back.
In principle though, I do agree with you. In most cases, a fresh install is best.
Dude, you did an UPGRADE. Bad idea. I know it's a pain in the ass, but anybody with a clue will tell you to do a CLEAN INSTALL when installing a new operating system. You just don't want to drag along all of the registry baggage and crud from Vista. I always back up my data, wipe the drive clean, and install from scratch. Significantly faster. I would never do an upgrade. Consider the fact that 99% of people get their operating system installed on a computer directly from an OEM, and it should tell you how much priority upgrades really have. I wouldn't do it. But that's me.