Microsoft Windows 7 Aims to Be What Vista Isn't

By James Mowery Nov 4, 2008

Microsoft Windows 7 Details Functionality Operating System

Microsoft saw better days before the release of Vista — which many consider a disaster — but Microsoft is quickly trying to make amends with the development of Windows 7, commonly referred to as the operating system that Vista should have been. The Professional Developer's Conference brought plenty of details about Microsoft's latest operating system and we have explored the most important ones.

New taskbar, new explorer functionality, new UAC controls, new home networking… it all sounds quite overwhelming considering a previous major release (Vista) hit store shelves only less than two years ago. Granted, things were less than spectacular with Vista.

Think of this as Microsoft's second chance to make things right. They have to deliver the goods. Windows 7 is all about exposing the improvements that have made their way into Vista, but have not yet been taken advantage of for whatever reasons.

Microsoft Windows 7

Microsoft Windows 7 was created to pick up the broken hopes surrounding Windows Vista. Regardless of whether or not Windows Vista deserved the bad rap, its reputation has been harmed so bad that even Microsoft readily acknowledges the public's dismal expectations with the operating system.

The only thing that can be done is to start over — a new interface, new feature set, a new name and a new attitude. That is the approach Microsoft is taking.

User Interface Improvements

The new taskbar is one of the major features that Microsoft touted at PDC2008. The changes are very drastic and might even confuse some users at first. However, the changes seem to have been met with optimism overall.

In previous editions of Microsoft Windows, the taskbar served as a method of seeing which windows/applications were running at a glance. Generally, each window was given its own unique piece on the taskbar. That is great if the user is only running a handful of applications at any one time, but things could quickly get out of control if running dozens of applications is the norm for that user.

In Windows 7, the new taskbar will be similar to the dock within OS X. But there is also functionality that is not available within OS X.

Users will be able to place preferred applications on the taskbar — again, similar to OS X — and this will allow easy one-click access to commonly used applications. This new interface element will also allow quick and easy access to windows and applications, similar to the taskbar previously functioned.

The new Windows 7 taskbar

It functions like a program launcher, window switcher and more. Additionally, applications activated that are not placed in the taskbar will appear after being run, just like OS X.

Jump lists is new feature heavily integrated with the taskbar that provides customized menus for individual applications, allowing quick access to common and useful functionality for each application. It is accessed by simply clicking on the program icon in the taskbar. The list will provide useful functions and information with a single click. It is the file menu that is actually useful.

The sidebar has been removed in order to allow widgets to roam freely on the desktop. Previously, the sidebar served as an area to hold widgets that were programmed by Microsoft and third-parties, but now these widgets are simply placed on the desktop. This places much more emphasis on desktops being live and interactive. The only problem is that the widgets that exist currently are generally poor quality. Hopefully Microsoft can help change that.