Update: For more video demos please check out the Windows 7 Demos post.During the Windows 7 reviewers workshop on Sunday Linda Averett demonstrated the user interface enhancements introduced with Windows 7. Keeping with the trend, Averett described herself as a PC, wearing a red top matching her fall colored desktop with orange and red aero glass tones.
The session was an overview of some new features demonstrated on Windows 7 build 6933.winmain.081020-1842. Unfortunately the build that will be handed out to PDC attendees will not feature most of the enhancements I am about to detail.
First up was the new Windows 7 desktop. The new desktop includes a thicker taskbar, improved system tray and no sidebar. The orb on the start menu also glistens after hover over.
.png)
Although the look is similar to Vista, the main changes would be demonstrated next, hovering Window display and Jump lists. Averett described the jump lists as a "very addictive feature".
.png)
Jump lists are accessible by right clicking on instances in the taskbar and they give you a list of recent documents using the recent documents API. Jump lists are also available on the start menu.
I got the chance to play around with a more recent build of Windows 7 and recorded the following demo of jump lists and the Window preview:
The new hover over window previews:
Averett went on to demo the new Windows Media player controls from the taskbar. You can skip, play tracks and fully control the WMP experience from the new taskbar control.
Snap to side is the next major UI enhancement meaning if you have 2 windows open you can tile them easily by snapping them to the side. This also works by dragging the window up to the top of the monitor and snapping it to the top (maximising it). Interestingly in the demonstrations we saw when windows were maximised the glass effect was still visible. You can also see some of the latest Windows 7 touch advancements where jump lists are 25% larger than when used with the mouse and flick gestures are evident. When Sinofsky was asked if this violated Apple's patents he said he could not discuss any legal issues.
Another great new feature named in the Windows 7 build as "preview desktop" but described as "peek into desktop", allows you to see through windows and straight onto the desktop. Interestingly Microsoft have decided to remove the Windows Sidebar and simply drop the gadgets onto the desktop.
.png)
.png)
Averett went on to describe data Microsoft had gathered regarding customising Windows. 30% of people customise their glass colour. Customers and OEMs both care a lot about customisation. Windows 7 boosts what you can do with the glass colour. You can now create theme sets and save them to share with friends and family.
The system tray has also been re-designed allowing users to hide system tray icons if they wish:
Libraries are now included in Windows 7 to help you better manage documents. Libraries is a collection of content like photos, pictures and music. Libraries allow you to add storage and keep the pictures stored locally across lots of drives but have links to the library.
Federated search allows you to search across multiple PCs to pull photos from another photo library on another PC. The new search pane gives you a great preview of documents too within explorer.
HomeGroup is the feature that allows federated search to search across multiple PC libraries. A HomeGroup allows you to easily link Windows 7 computers on your home network so that you can share pictures, music, videos, documents and devices. It also makes them ready to stream media to devices on your home network such as a media extender. You can help protect your HomeGroup with a password, and you can choose what you want to share.
Another demonstration focussed on the new "PlayTo" option that will stream your music from other PCs and other music libraries (including iTunes) to your media receivers or other PCs. Windows Media Player now plays AAC songs that iTunes uses but as Apple does not license FairPlay content Microsoft is unable to provide this functionality. PlayTo also works on pictures and videos.
Device stage was demonstrated next. This is a part of explorer which will demonstrate what a device is and what it can do. It's an opportunity for the device vendor to fully showcase the device and present a photo realistic image of the device. It has a task area at the bottom section where the vendor can provide links to inbuilt applications and device information. Microsoft believes this will transform opportunities for vendors. The entire device stage is an implementation of software + services and devices built inside an XML document.
A new feature in Windows 7 that was not fully demonstrated was the magnifier tool pictured below. This allows users to zoom into specific parts of the desktop.
My first impression of Windows 7 is that it's a great improvement on Vista. It has improved performance, a neat boot screen that fires up devices quicker than before and the improved taskbar and windows management features will help when switching between various applications. Throughtout the rest of PDC Microsoft will be unveiling more information about the Windows 7 desktop improvements. We'll be there so keep an eye out on our PDC section.
For more images and screenshots check out our Windows 7 gallery. Our friends at ActiveWin and Paul Thurrott have some great reviews too so check them out.
View: Windows 7 Screenshot Gallery 
Wow, are you ever on the wrong website!
QFT. If you want even more desktop customizable, look towards Linux. But I can't help but LOL when viewing the Mac OS Desktop threads...might as well be a "what wallpaper are you using now" thread.
For a very long while and even up to today, Vista desktop posts were also 'what wallpaper are you using now' posts.
Examples, please.
+1
I actually never liked the Windows taskbar, but now they've made it worse
Despite that, it is still too "flat" and bulky.
Edit: Just watched the video... seems too slow to initially appear. Once it is up, it is fine though. I'm busy working, I don't want to wait for my OS to wake up.
why does every new version of windows has even more bulkier taskbar?!?!? even KDE did it.
There is an option to use small icons. As Timan said, don't judge befor eyou use.
Taskbar + QuickLaunch + Doc + Some magic = new Taskbar.
me wants.
I agree. If you all think it is so bad, why waste you're time using it. Switch to Linux or Mac. Just like previous versions of Windows, each is an improvement on the previous version. Then like car manufacturers, you get a complete new one here and there. Windows 2000/XP wasn't a rewrite of 9x, just like Vista isn't a rewrite of XP. Windows 7 obviously is wriiten using Vista's foundation just like Windows Server 2008 is. Even though I still prefer Xp, I boot both XP and Vista on the same system. XP is still MS's best OS to date. If I can squeeze in the look of Vista into XP with the system resource issues it would be awesome. And that is without using skinning tools. I am only praying MS gets it right this time. Vista isn't as bad as Windows Me was, but its darn close. Microsoft can't afford a blunder this time. I see the improvements listed above as cool and functional which is why Windows works. If you feel you can make it look better, then why not apply for a job at MS and show us what you can do. Otherwise, don't be so crtical especially since you aren't being paid to do so.
Dock isn't really meant to manage windows, even though it provides the contextual menu for it when your right click on an icon. This was a large problem until 10.3 with the introduction of Expose.
Last edited by giga on 28 Oct 2008 - 17:17
I actually never liked the Windows taskbar, but now they've made it worse
-2
I actually like it.
I have to say I'm really not a fan of the new taskbar. It looks clunky and takes up too much space, though I'm not criticising the functionality. I really hope they improve the appearance as I actually like how Vista looks and thought that Win7 was just going to improve upon it.
Looks and comfort of use add alot to what a consumer looks in a product. So what if ppl dont like it. I think it looks weird to. But yet, the functionality looks good. However, I still think they can do a better job on the taskbar
me wants.
Plus ten.
I don't see Expose as a solution. I could assign application Expose to the squeeze buttons on my mouse, but I like being able to see all open windows sometimes. Same goes for the keyboard. Only real solution is to use a hot corner.
Despite that, it is still too "flat" and bulky.
Edit: Just watched the video... seems too slow to initially appear. Once it is up, it is fine though. I'm busy working, I don't want to wait for my OS to wake up.
I think it looks pretty fast. In the video, the first one doesn't pop up anything because Word isn't running.
Still, looks like they're making some good progress with Windows 7 - lets just hope the task bar gets some additional tweaking and styling enhancements!
That's exactly what I thought.
I've got my Vista at 1680x1050. I have the taskbar sized to two rows, and it takes up less than a 10th of the height of my screen. The taskbar in these screenshots is smaller than what I'm using now. I just don't see the issue.
I think it looks great - it's more compact and minimalistic, without losing anything. A redesign of the concept was long overdue and I'm looking forward to trying this out!
Aren't computer enthusiasts supposed to embrace new ideas?
Thats exactly what I'd thought, I;m surprised more people aren't comparing it.
large icons, no text, it's a dock (animations irrelevant really).
It's fine but only as long as it's configurable right back to how it was, text/no text, icons sizes.
Any defaults are fine, but plenty of configuration options is how you keep everyone happy.
XP is still MS's best OS to date.
I am only praying MS gets it right this time.
Vista isn't as bad as Windows Me was, but its darn close.
Why try to convince others when you can't even convince yourself?
Despite that, it is still too "flat" and bulky.
Edit: Just watched the video... seems too slow to initially appear. Once it is up, it is fine though. I'm busy working, I don't want to wait for my OS to wake up.
I just watched it as well and it seems almost instantaneous. Note in the video that the Word icon doesn't have a preview, so don't time it from when he mouses over that. Look when the mouse touches the Paint icon the preview comes up without delay.
WRONG! hot down your mouse button on the icon in the dock and a list will appear above it. Stop spreading lies - its making you look childish.
It shows tabs there as well.
Well that's good to hear!
Of course. But sometimes you still end up with multiple windows.
Just hope syncs well among contacts, im buddies, cal, pic folders, etc...
Me wants W7
Are you kidding? They'll add 20% more overhead to iTunes just to spite us all.
Thought device stage is open to all hardware? Then if there's a hardware device that doesn't have its page configured by its manufacturer, the generic Autoplay dialog pops up instead.
See, that's one of my holdbacks to getting a device like the iPhone. Must use iTunes to work with it :/
Hopefully Nokia will embrace this change for the better, for all of us.
True, but won't stop the Apple fans complaining/bashing about it though
Still, the new UI is looking slick, but I'm not sold on the new taskbar yet. Hopefully there will be a public beta like there was with Vista, so I can play with it
I have to say that the "two windows" side-by-side thing looks like a solution in search of a problem. Like, huh?
Examples, please.
It can be quite handy if you want to compare two files side by side. But I don't see why we need this feature for that.
Just do this in XP or Vista: click on the first window in the taskbar, Ctrl-click on the second. Right-click, select "show Windows side by side" (or similar, I am on a German OS). Both windows will be shown side by side. This also works with 3, 4, 5, ... windows.
Really looking forward to what else is to come. Some spiff ideas put to work here. Apple needs to hurry up and cram it into a buggy point upgrade by Christmas so they can claim MS just copied them.
Oh lord. Suddenly the dock and active screen corners never existed.
Hahaha, so true.
I'm sure we'll see some of the same stuff in OS X though and people will forget they saw it here first.
Personally I don't care who thought up the idea. Who implements it in a way that is easiest to use and makes me the most productive. That's the question.
Last edited by QuarterSwede on 31 Oct 2008 - 04:20
well, he ran it on a netbook with an atom processor and 1 gb of memory. So my guess, about the same as vista
And with more tweaking you should be able to get it even lower.
It already looks so much easier to use.
I agree as well, taskbar looks nice. People were screaming that they need to be innovative to be successful with the next windows version. And this looks to fit the bill imo.
wow cant wait !
thro i didnt like the idea of ditch the sidebar
I believe there is a new button on every gadget to toggle between compact and full mode (on gadgets with both, obviously)
Any word if they've fixed up the maze of dialogs and UAC prompts that is the network settings Tom?
Any word if they've fixed up the maze of dialogs and UAC prompts that is the network settings Tom?
they have added a slider bar type feature where u can tell how much of UAC you want to see
You get the text on the mouse-over with the thumb view popups now.
Snapping looks awkward though :/
I don't think Vista's getting much of this, boyo.
Hopefully Win 7's performance and stability will be better than Vista, until then, I'll stick with XP since XP has always rocked.
Still, if they keep making it better into the beta and RC stage, then great.
http://blog.retrosight.com/WindowsMediaCen...OfWindows7.aspx
One feature that would be really cool is tabbed windows. Preventing a need to have a new window for common functions like multiple folders. The 'start menu' in either is better then cascading menu's in earlier versions and does actually provide a benefit.
The coolest thing I have always loved about Windows is the ability to make Windows your own as far as customizations. There is almost nothing you can't change unlike on Mac, while Steve claims he promotes choice. Well he does as long as it doesn't conflict with his.
The biggest thing MS needs to work out with this version of Windows is the resources. One of the biggest turnoffs with Vista is it required 3x's the power to run versus XP. When you install XP fresh, it only uses about 100MB of ram...Vista uses a whopping 500MB with adding any application. And CPU usage was always at about 30%-45%. That kind of resource consumption for someone who uses a laptop isn't good. The monitor on laptops is always the biggest power consumer and the Aero graphics wrecked havoc on batteries. And teh 64bit version which provide no benefits doubles the 32bit version.
The device stage looks to be a really nice addon. With no many mobile devices out there, this could be an intriguing feature if developers capitalize on it. It would be ice to just plug in my phone (not an iphone) and just be able to work with it without doing to much. This could definitely give phone develpers a nice invitation to offer additional capabilities for phone to pc interaction.
I think MS just needs to really listen to it user base. Since they own 90% of the computer market and have a gadget in almost every single one, they really need to make thinks more user oriented. I a sure MS won't have back to back OS failures, they never have since Windows 95 and I am sure they won't.
Kudos to MS and thanks for removing the Sidebar. Nice idea, useless at best.
if you had seen the keynote you would have known about the new magnifier that works with flag - (+-) and offer seamless zoom
It's nothing like the half-assed magnifier in XP.
I started seeing a little bit of longhorn mixed in with the final of Vista. Looks really good
I doubt it, this was actually working, stable code they showed. Don't forget they have vista as basis, that's a completely different situation than the longhorn one.
Correct. There's no mockups or crashy-as-heck code made to work on a handful of computers this time around. This time around all this stuff we see here are running on non-MS-test machines.
The rest of the UI changes are also welcomed.
I am still teething for more changes. What is going to make me swoon in Windows 7 to make the upgrade from Vista really appealing?
Should be interesting what people think of it when it's released
review already up
now for the leak
lol... i feel you man!
+1000
Leopard was released a year, two days ago. Snow Leopard will be available around June 2009. Assuming Microsoft sticks to late 2009 as RTM for Windows 7, Windows 7's release date will sit in between 10.6 and 10.7.
If Apple rushes 10.7 out within half a year, they're being desperate
And yes, I've always thought OSX looked dated with those gummy bear sliders, etc. that they've recently moved away from. Expect Apple to rework their OS look and feel in an upcoming release.
And yes, I've always thought OSX looked dated with those gummy bear sliders, etc. that they've recently moved away from. Expect Apple to rework their OS look and feel in an upcoming release.
Except it definitely won't happen in 10.6
its all the stuff that should have been in vista!!!
they should just call it service pack 2
The main thing I want out of W7 is speed. Things should be zippy, and not just on the latest hardware. In my experience Vista just 'feels bloated' and performance degredation over time is more accelerated than previous releases. Getting rid of the sidebar is a good idea too.
I don't like that they've gone with the whole aero look again. It just looks silly on a lot of 3rd party apps like firefox.
Done.
Think this is more than just the taskbar... I don't see jump lists and enhanced windows previews on KDE.
Think this is more than just the taskbar... I don't see jump lists and enhanced windows previews on KDE.
Sorry, KDE *and* OS X.
Meh . . . I'm just being a dick now.
Oh and KDE's large icons are essentially large Quick Launch buttons. You can get large Quick Launch icons already in Vista if you wish.
tl;dr - everyone steals. Your troll snacks will be shipped across this city within a week, please check your mail box
Think this is more than just the taskbar... I don't see jump lists and enhanced windows previews on KDE.
In all honesty, the first screenshot I saw, I instantly thought "KDE". And not just the taskbar either. Widgets on the desktop that are brought to focus at the press of a button? Yeah, thats like the "big feature" of KDE4. There are many things that are VERY KDE about the look. Heck, even the wallpaper looks like a wallpaper that almost made it into the official KDE release.
If you want to scream COPY, how about Aero Snap (or whatever it's called) - the drag up/down a window to maximize/restore - that I'll admit was lifted from one of the Linux window managers.
Copying goes all ways these days. Just that whenever MS does it, people scream up a tornado at 200 KM/H. The other way from Apple or *nix distros, it's a peaceful night.
If you want to scream COPY, how about Aero Snap (or whatever it's called) - the drag up/down a window to maximize/restore - that I'll admit was lifted from one of the Linux window managers.
Copying goes all ways these days. Just that whenever MS does it, people scream up a tornado at 200 KM/H. The other way from Apple or *nix distros, it's a peaceful night.
The only one screaming bloody murder seems to be you. I agreed it looked the same as KDE and uses less resources... I don't even like KDE4 however, widgets just aren't my thing.
To everyone that will be using Win7 I hope MS brings more to the table than just more "gooeyness."
apart from that i like this look
The x64 version of this should run very well lets hope
apart from that i like this look
The x64 version of this should run very well lets hope
I'm fairly clueless, but since this is based on vista, I don't think drivers will have so many issues as they did going from xp to vista...?
Especially the Media Center enhancements ... and that task bar I like as well (I use a double line task bar in vista, so having everything organized and iconified like in Win7, I think will help me alot
If they can remove needless "bloat" and speed this puppy up, I'm game.
If they can remove needless "bloat" and speed this puppy up, I'm game.
and then you will say it luck features and it sucks !111
They could apply GUI to Vista and you wouldn't know it's not Windows 7. lol
MS, push your photocopiers to the limit
MS, push your photocopiers to the limit
This looks a little more robust than the dock in OSX, imo.
Also what's with the mixing of font rendering techniques in some of those screenshots. ClearType mixed with WPF's font rendering or Photoshopped text.
I dont know what to think....
If not then there will definately be programs to change it back to that functionality
http://aruninte.blogspot.com/2008/10/downl...rrent-from.html
6519 - old.
+1
At least you're our troll who can spell correctly.
Again, this is based on Vista, correct? So that stands to reason that any improvements they've made to Vista since it's release will be included as well. Thus not as many issues pre-sp1? That's just how I look at it, I don't know if that's true though.
P.S: Are the betas stable?
The dock is used in conjunction with a lot of other OS X technologies one of them being the menu bar. While I like where Microsoft is finally going with the taskbar, I still like OS X's use of dock and menu bar to convey information and be out of my way at the same time.
Anyways, after all this screenshots are from a alpha (pre-beta), so the final product can be pretty different in comparison with this screenshot.
Last edited by Magallanes on 28 Oct 2008 - 21:38
Anyways, after all this screenshots are from a alpha (pre-beta), so the final product can be pretty different in comparison with this screenshot.
Wow very detailed comment.
I agree. It doesn't have a lot of visual weight when standing beside app icons just as large as itself.
Why should it run better on lower end systems? People need to stop bitching that the newest software won't run on their stoneage computers and spend the $700 for a half-decent machine that WILL run Vista and 7 just fine.
This is something I agree with, why should it have to run better on older systems.
Lets just hope that Windows 7 is 64-bit only!!!
At work ever since I doubled sized my taskbar (using 19' lcd) I've managed to increase my productivity by overseeing what I have open and such. Mind you a double sized task bar in Windows 2000 allows more apps to be shown than larger icons but this is still at least a year off so I'm sure MS will offer flexibility like it has done in the past.
AAC support is a dream come true. Does it support MP4 too? If it can x264 files I will be very happy.
Last edited by Express on 28 Oct 2008 - 22:35
Hah. Nice how you tied those things together. I don't know how they could possible change it to be more original to appease you. And you haven't even used it yet. Also remember it's not even beta yet. : /
Loving the Device stage as well.
Loving the Device stage as well.
I'm not so happy with the sidebar going because of the amount of gadgets that I personally use. I do like the idea of being able to snap the gadgets to the edges of the screen though as it means I can have a sidebar, well, sort of.
Device Stage is a really good idea as I have a Windows Mobile Phone, takes the best aspects of WMDC and Sync Center and puts them in one app.
Or maybe I'm just averse to change and the ensuing learning curve. Good for home, not for office (from this look anyways). Any thoughts?
Or maybe I'm just averse to change and the ensuing learning curve. Good for home, not for office (from this look anyways). Any thoughts?
I fail to see what's so "Mac-ish" about it. I don't see any resemblance between 7's UI and OS X.
Or maybe I'm just averse to change and the ensuing learning curve. Good for home, not for office (from this look anyways). Any thoughts?
I fail to see what's so "Mac-ish" about it. I don't see any resemblance between 7's UI and OS X.
Maybe so. But we just don't know how things will play out in the next year. I would not be surprised if they gave you the option to use the regular task bar we're all used to. Maybe options like Windows Classic style, Windows Vista style, and then Windows 7 style. Nobody knows at this point.
I was really hoping for an improvement.
...no wait... I lied.
Well pretty simple, just add an option to allow 'show text' in taskbar. Not hard.
-Spenser
The theme is nice, but the thickness of the bar makes me a little annoyed! I thought the Vista taskbar was just right size wise.
What would you suggest?
What would you suggest?
hidden taskbar and a copy of Switcher (free) with a hot corner set up?
(not entirely serious, but who knows, you might actually like it)
Last edited by yakumo on 29 Oct 2008 - 17:53
Finally we'll be able to immediately choose exactly what we want to open, instead of first having to open the window and then having to click the tab/file/song/whatever we wanted to open.
And the thick taskbar without names is also great: you simply know what each icon stands for, there's no need for long buttons with the full name when you can have a live preview by simply hovering it. More space for the actual programs on the taskbar is a big improvement!
Seems like number 7 really brings good luck...
But yes, I would also like to see how they're coming along with the basic theme. Vista's blue was a terrible idea; why couldn't they take Aero borders and remove the transparency like some msstyle artists have done?
Win7 is still in beta which means everything is subject to change...including the new UI. So stop complaining that you dont like the new UI and just wait and see how it looks when it finally comes out. Hell, I didnt like the new UI when I switched from Windows 3.11 to Windows 95. After I learned the new interface, I liked it.
And if you are worried about not being able to use Aero...then you need to get out of the stone age and get a decent PC. Or just not upgrade to Windows 7. Everyone these days, or most everyone, should have a decent video/sound/memory/processor in their PCs to run todays apps. I am happy that MS is making the hardware requirements higher on Vista and now Windows 7. I cannot tell you how annoying it is to work on friends/familys/friends of friends....computers and having to deal with Windows XP running only 256mb of memory. AT least all new systems will have decent hardware and systems will be easier to work on...and faster
Win7 is still in beta which means everything is subject to change...including the new UI. So stop complaining that you dont like the new UI and just wait and see how it looks when it finally comes out. Hell, I didnt like the new UI when I switched from Windows 3.11 to Windows 95. After I learned the new interface, I liked it.
And if you are worried about not being able to use Aero...then you need to get out of the stone age and get a decent PC. Or just not upgrade to Windows 7. Everyone these days, or most everyone, should have a decent video/sound/memory/processor in their PCs to run todays apps. I am happy that MS is making the hardware requirements higher on Vista and now Windows 7. I cannot tell you how annoying it is to work on friends/familys/friends of friends....computers and having to deal with Windows XP running only 256mb of memory. AT least all new systems will have decent hardware and systems will be easier to work on...and faster
That is a pretty aragont remark. Not everyone can afford to upgrade their computers or buy new computers just because of the software. Some people just need it to run the internet, movies, or whatever their purpose is.
Win7 is still in beta which means everything is subject to change...including the new UI. So stop complaining that you dont like the new UI and just wait and see how it looks when it finally comes out. Hell, I didnt like the new UI when I switched from Windows 3.11 to Windows 95. After I learned the new interface, I liked it.
And if you are worried about not being able to use Aero...then you need to get out of the stone age and get a decent PC. Or just not upgrade to Windows 7. Everyone these days, or most everyone, should have a decent video/sound/memory/processor in their PCs to run todays apps. I am happy that MS is making the hardware requirements higher on Vista and now Windows 7. I cannot tell you how annoying it is to work on friends/familys/friends of friends....computers and having to deal with Windows XP running only 256mb of memory. AT least all new systems will have decent hardware and systems will be easier to work on...and faster
That is a pretty aragont remark. Not everyone can afford to upgrade their computers or buy new computers just because of the software. Some people just need it to run the internet, movies, or whatever their purpose is.
No, its common sense. If you PC cannot handle the new OS, then dont worry about installing it until you can afford to do so. You do not have to upgrade to the newest OS. Macs have required better hardware for OSX for a long time. If you expect to run a new OS on a 3-5+ year old PC with only standard hardware and expect it to run the same way the PC was new, then you are delusional. A lot of new software required certain hardware specs and a lot of times, those specs increase with new versions of the software.
Last edited by techbeck on 29 Oct 2008 - 17:43
Express your dislike...that wasnt my point. There was just a lot of complaining about something that hasnt been released yet.
You saying the Windows folder should only be 256mb? OSX required 9gb of HD space and Vista required like 15 I think. In this day and age 15gb install size really is not a lot of space. So I am not really sure why it is such a big deal on the install size. I did read that Windows 7 will eliminate a lot of the hardware requirements and should run smoother. But the install will probably be several gigs worth.
Unlimited text messaging plans. Eating out on every lunch break. Seasonal wardrobe updates. Premium cable--or heck, satellite TV (who can drive past a trailer park without seeing satellites?). Anything with an 'i' in front of it. Console video games--sweet jesus a huge expense, and agreeably a lower priority than a productivity tool such as a computer.
It's bizarre to think that making a scrambled egg sandwich, bowl of cereal, toaster waffle, and/or your favorite expression of pork while waiting for coffee to brew, rather than stopping by a drive-thru every morning, would save enough money to keep you up to pace with technology for years to come. It's mildly annoying to hear the 'no time' excuse when so many people are staying up to ungodly hours vegetating in front of a TV or monitor.
Unlimited text messaging plans. Eating out on every lunch break. Seasonal wardrobe updates. Premium cable--or heck, satellite TV (who can drive past a trailer park without seeing satellites?). Anything with an 'i' in front of it. Console video games--sweet jesus a huge expense, and agreeably a lower priority than a productivity tool such as a computer.
It's bizarre to think that making a scrambled egg sandwich, bowl of cereal, toaster waffle, and/or your favorite expression of pork while waiting for coffee to brew, rather than stopping by a drive-thru every morning, would save enough money to keep you up to pace with technology for years to come. It's mildly annoying to hear the 'no time' excuse when so many people are staying up to ungodly hours vegetating in front of a TV or monitor.
Fantastic post. Spot on.
http://arstechnica.com/reviews/os/macosx-10-4.ars/14
Er, are you trying to say Vista wasn't GPU accelerated? o_O
I know it's a minor gripe, but something this useful should look as awesome as it is!
A lot of companies and people are not upgrading to Vista. I believe most companies are not even going to touch Vista and are waiting until Windows 7.
More formats supported in media center/player is cool, and libraries are definately a welcome feature as well, not to mention the improved search. I'm not so excited about gadgets leaving the sidebar (I haven't really used them in Vista anyway), and I don't plan on getting a touch screen (although a tablet PC would be cool).
I will be upgrading when it comes out - although hopefully I can get in on a free copy from MS like I did with Vista. :-)
My sentiments exactly.
Me wants badly
Windows has run great since Windows 2000. Anyone claiming Windows has been any less than that has not really used it, or has run it on horrible hardware. We need more features. I hope that the next Windows requires a minimum of 4GB of RAM. Seriously. RAM is ridiculously cheep, and there are some great features to be had if the OS would just use it. If you are on a system that is 5 yo, then use the 5 yo OS that was made for that hardware. I have a 5 yo laptop, and I'm not going to upgrade it from XP because that OS was made for that hardware. But I want the juicy eye candy for my quad-core. Give me something to look at, enjoy using and work with.
Two and a half questions though:
1. Can you guys direct me to a PRECISE LOCATION where I can see the taskbar with small icons?
2. Suppose I have two Word documents open and I minimized them. What will happen when I LEFT-CLICK the Word icon on the taskbar? Will it restore both Word windows, or just display a menu?
2A. Also, if the Word windows are not minimized will a left-click on the Word icon minimize them both or just display a menu?
Thanks
http://www.withinwindows.com/2008/11/02/fl...eme-workaround/
but i’m tired of it (not the buttons and the icons from system tray, but the bar)…
it occupies space for nothing (i’m not clicking left or right mouse button on the bar)…
i would rather see my desktop and my wallpaper widescreen…
i would prefer using only the buttons or icons from desktop which give me oportunity to move them all over i want on desktop (it would be quite wonderfull to move the start button and the clock from system tray over the entire desktop)…
furthermore, even the concept of the taskbar, isn’t like a black spot on the name of Microsoft’s OS?…doesn’t have to be only about windows (and tabs)?…
i endured the taskbar because i was a beginner in what ment using an OS and didn’t know what i wanted from it…but now i think i grown up along side the new technologies…
destroy the bar, i want to visualise the windows widescreen
Commenting has either been disabled on this article or you are not logged in. Click here to login or register, its free!
Note: Anonymous commenting is disabled in order to keep the quality of responses to a high standard.