7 Thoughts for Windows 7
The iMac, my main desktop, primary system, love it, love OS X. Can't get any better for me. (Well maybe if I upgrade and trade it in for the new 27" model). But anyway, I also have a Gateway NV series notebook, when I purchased it I qualified for the free Windows 7 upgrade. Today - Tuesday November 24, 2009 I receive in the mail my copy and upgrade software. Here are my thoughts, seven thoughts to be exact.
1 - Very long setup and upgrade time.
The process of upgrading, installing both the Windows and Gateway discs, to running the OS smoothly took about 5 hours. Now, I know that installing a new OS on any computer isn't a quick task. But guys, 5 hours!? It took about 3 hours for the installation discs to do their job. The other two hours will be explained in the thought below.
2 - BSOD before first boot-up!? Double you tea eff.
This really frustrated me. After the first and second disc were done installing. I was prompted to take out the Windows 7 disc and to re-insert the first disc (Gateway Upgrade Wizard). Once I attempted to do that, BAM! BSOD, right there. I said to myself, "no, no this can't be happening". My system then rebooted itself into safe mode and I diagnosed the problem was not Windows, but my own. (Or so I believe?) Apparently I could not install the upgrade because I had my hard drive portioned for Ubuntu Linux. I had no clue this would effect the portion of the hard drive that Vista was running on, and running the Windows 7 install on. But after some quick trouble shooting, I got it all working. I am now enjoying playing with Windows 7.
3 - Wallpaper Transitions
This is a feature I didn't really see myself using. I felt it would not be of any use to me and it is strictly aesthetic. Well, this is true, it is an aesthetic feature. But after using it for a few minutes and watching these beautiful wallpapers transition with fades, I fell in love.
4 - Side by side auto adjust windows.
Guys, this feature has been one of my favorites since I played with it in the RC. Using it to compare before and after HTML changes, shopping online comparing prices, or just watching a video while keeping track of the weather in my town. I really love this new addition to Windows.
5 - Clean, clean, clean.
Compared to Vista, Windows 7's UI is extremely clean and sharp. I love the new user interface, and the new task bar. Being able to easily switch and run through different windows and applications has been great. I find it making me more productive and being able to tackle multiply things at once. This is great for anyone who is a power user and enjoy a clean desktop experience.
6 - Post-Its, ya better watch out.
Windows 7 has this new note feature called Sticky Notes. The title says it all, basically they are little virtual post-it notes. They come in a lot of handy. Typically If there is something I read online, or spontaneously remember and I want to write it down quick so I don't forget it- I'd open up WordPad or reach for a pen and paper. Microsoft's Sticky Notes has solved that issue for me. They work just as needed, nothing more nothing less.
7 - Don't second think, upgrade now.
If you are a Windows user, and are still stuck with either XP or Vista, upgrade. I highly, highly recommend investing the money into buying this OS. It is without doubt, the best solution for Windows users who are frustrated with their current OS. Even running it for only a few hours now, I can sincerely say that is is awesome! You will definitely not regret it and you won't be disappointed. Give it a try, you've got nothing to lose!
-Thomas Hayden
http://twitter.com/thomas_hayden
Thomas Hayden
Reader Comments (4)
dude u must have a crap pc if it took 5 hours mine doesnt even take 30 mins
As a matter of fact, the PC is pretty decent. And it is impossible to have a full version OS install in less than 30 minutes my friend. I was having problems because I was running Ubuntu in the background.
Yeah, just put W7 on my mac pro today via boot camp. I love mac OS and mac hardware, hate PC hardware, I kinda like PC OS.
Dude you never said in your post that you were running Ubuntu in the background. It might help to give the full story. Why were you doing an upgrade may I ask? Upgrades of OS's are never good. It always leaves behind remnants from the older OS not to mention the Windows.Old file folder! My disc allows a clean full install. Sure they call them an upgrade disc but if you will boot the computer with the disc and select "Custom Installation" it will give you full format and partition options and will install a full clean install. If it took you 5 hours something is seriously wrong with your PC. It took me between 10 and 15 minutes. Now of course I do have a very fast RAID setup, RAID 0 to be exact. But in 15 minutes I had a desktop up and ready to roll. I have never found an OS that installs that fast RAID or no RAID. Windows 7 is amazing and hasn't given me any problems. It indeed is very clean and clear. How much RAM do you have on that laptop, what kind of processor, and also what type of hard drive do you have? If it is a plain run of the mill 5400 RPM then I can see it being slower but 5 freakin hours! Dang man thats unreal! You should boot your computer with that disc and see if it allows you to do a "custom" install option. That is the "clean install" option. If you are familiar with deleting partitions and setting them up, format, etc then I say do that. I think you'll be pleased and get an improved performance out of the OS. I'm not chappin you man but if it took you 5 hours I would be leary of that install. Sounds like a bad install and when that happens sometimes ugly things rear their heads. Anyway good luck and I hope ultimately that it works for you.
-Kevin (thedigitalbloke@gmail.com)