Mossberg: “Windows 7 Leaves Vista in the Dust”
Looks like we’re not the only ones having a positive experience with Windows 7. In today’s WSJ, Walt Mossberg offers a first impression on the beta operating system from Microsoft. He likes the less intrusive warnings and “nag screens” and I agree with him. One of the benefits I find in Mac OS X is how the operating system isn’t in the way. It’s just there to provide you a safe and usable environment. I’m finding that Windows 7 is much the same in that respect.
We can’t put final thoughts together on performance of Windows 7 as compared to Vista, but on the two notebooks Mossberg tested, he sees a huge improvement. His Sony VAIO “had been a dog using Vista” but now is faster booting, resuming from sleep and opening applications. My experience is that Windows 7 is at least as fast performing as Vista with those same tasks. Bear in mind however, I’m using Windows 7 on a netbook with limited specifications; the fact that it’s no worse or is marginally better is a good sign to me.
Mossberg points out two issues he sees at this point. First, there’s no current method to upgrade to Windows 7 from Windows XP. That is going to be a huge problem for many potential users of the new OS if it’s not addressed by Microsoft. I suspect they’ll address that as we get closer to a launch.
The other issue mentioned is how many applications that used to come with Windows are no longer included with Windows 7. I don’t view this as an issue, but more of a compromise and conscious choice for a better experience overall. Software like Mail, Photo Gallery, Movie Maker and more won’t be included with Windows 7, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get them. Microsoft is offering them as a free download with their Windows Live Essentials. I’m not so sure that this is a negative point. Sure, you never want to lose functionality when you upgrade something. I understand that point, but you haven’t “lost” these applications; they’re simply not included with the base install.
These were left out to simplify the installation process and so that applications people don’t want aren’t crammed down their throats. If you want ‘em, go get ‘em. If you don’t, you won’t have to waste time hunting for ways to uninstall them. It’s a compromise of sorts and you can’t have it both ways. Maybe the best compromise option is a custom default web page in Internet Explorer that explains this situation and offers a direct link to the Windows Live Essentials installation site. How would you handle it?
they will probably do the samething they did with Windows Live Messenger, just offer a shortcut to DL in the Start Menu.
In regard to your question, I think MS should include a CD/DVD with the current versions of Live Essentials on it with the Win7 install. I can only see the exclusion of those apps being an issue for those who have no or very limited Internet access. Another alternative would be to include them on the Win7 install disk and specifically ask the user if he wants to install them. They would be optional by default.
Walt is a Rock Star. I personally think Microsoft should be forced to NOT bundle Internet Explorer(IE) with any of their OSes. I think the European Union(EU) is trying to make this happen. Because IE is on most machines is why many web sites are written/tested for IE only. This is an unfair advantage over competing browsers. Also IE does a pretty bad job of conforming to existing web standards and this has created a huge number of poorly written web pages made by lazy developers. Hopefully those AntiTrust overlords will review Win7 before it is released.
I find it interesting that the only screen shot Walt included was one taken of Windows 7 running on his Mac, not the two Windows laptops his article states he’s using it on.
How should I download a different browser then?
just go to firefox.com and get it.
@Tory, I completely agree. There has always been a “Support” folder on the Windows CD with additional tools, and it should contain the Live Essential bundle. Additionally, it was already on the “Welcome” screen when I first setup 7 on my laptop.
@James, interesting, but convenient since Mossberg is such an (admitted) Mac guy to begin with. No file transfers necessary that way. And I’ll have to say, I can’t stand his perspective most of the time since he is so biased towards Apple, BUT the fact that he’s praising W7 so highly is a very good sign that Microsoft is actually getting things right this time.
Windows 2000 was the same way… maybe Microsoft just loves to end each decade on a high note… 3.0 was the first successful version in 1990, then 2000 in 2000, and now 7 leading into 2010…
@James: Perhaps you could explain how the average user would download Firefox without any browser on their PC.
The only thing interesting about this Mossberg guy taking a picture of his Mac in an article about Windows is that he lacks any journalistic integrity.
@Tory: Why would someone with no internet access need Live Essentials? For that matter, why would they need the latest version of Windows?
Many ways to get a browser these days. Even the old FTP program (still part of all windows distros) still works, or how’bout ancient SMTP(via email). The most efficient means of distribution today is probably BitTorrent. But I am sure MS could put a link somewhere that uses HTTP in the background to retrieve a browser of your choice. But they should NOT be allowed to put only a single link to their browser. It’s called “Antitrust” for a reason. I don’t trust MS (or anyone over 31).
@Jake: Perhaps you could read the part about Windows Movie Maker being part of Windows Live Essentials, a program that does not require internet access.
Perhaps you could also consider that there are a good number of people that still depend on dial-up access. Using Microsoft’s blogging tools to upload text or a few pictures, or using Windows Live Messenger to send instant messages, or writing emails would not be a problem, but downloading tens or hundreds of megabytes would be troublesome.
Finally, perhaps you could consider that even someone who does not have intenet access could still buy a new computer, and given a choice between XP, Vista and 7 pre-loaded, should be informed as to which would be the better choice.
With no browser, it’s darn near impossible for a user to do anything on the Internet. Try explaining Aunt Mable how to issue FTP commands, and tell me how that works out for you.
I’m all in favor of keeping Windows, Mac OSX, and Linux as “light” as possible (and I even favor stripping the Windows Live from the default install), but a web browser and media player are things I’d consider essential to the operation of a computer.
If I don’t like the two that come with it, THEN I am always free to go and get one that makes me happy.
As for the Windows Live bundle, again, I would prefer it be available on the CD for quicker install.
im glad you, as well as walt are enjoying the os… actually im a little surprised i always thought you leaned (just a little) to osx…
Windows essentials: I think MS is doing the right thing by unbundling these programs from windows, because i don’t want to use them ALL, and i dont want things i don’t use on my computer. However, many are useful offline–photo gallery, movie maker, etc. Probably a version should be included on a CD along with the win7 cd.
IE/Firefox: The user needs some kind of browser to start with, even if he only uses it once to download FF (or something else). Perhaps MS could simply include 2 links on the desktop: “install IE” or “install FF”, which connect to the net and download the current version, then delete the “install” shortcuts. Personally, however, i don’t see a problem with having IE included because i can just install FF.
The problem is all the computer illiterate people out there who can’t find “the internet” if it’s not on their desktop. They would also likely be confused if the icon changed to a blue sphere with an orange blob from a big blue “e”.
For those wondering about the Windows Live Essentials package, Microsoft has already said that several OEMs are including this package on new PCs even today, and I would expect more will follow…
I’m surprised Mossberg still thinks Vista has compatibility issues. It DID, sure, but when was the last time you heard of an app or peripheral that didn’t work with Vista?