Windows 7 Hype Vs. Reality
By CSharpner · October 16, 2009
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