Please understand these are my thoughts after only 2 days of using Windows 7 Beta. I fully understand that your experience may differ significantly than mine.
I avoided the Windows download fiasco by following the steps here:
http://blog.hznet.nl/2009/01/10/how-to-receive-a-valid-windows-7-key
I’m running 7 Beta on 2 machines. See here for full specs. 64-bit version on “My Computer” (dual-boot with Vista) and 32-bit on “Utility”.
The Experience:
-Installation was fast and painless.
-Not a single hardware related issue (see tips at the bottom of this post).
-I’ve installed a ton of programs. Mostly the programs listed in the The Vista Freeware Machine. I’m using the pay-for AVG for antivirus. (see tips at the bottom of this post)
-I’ve only just started tweaking the install. Many of the options are the same as Vista’s.
-I tried leaving UAC on. It has improved so much I’ve left it on.
My Initial Conclusion:
WOW! Let me repeat, WOW! I’m highly impressed with Windows 7 Beta at this point.
-It is far snappier than Vista. I hesitate to say the OS itself is “faster” because I have not and will not run any benchmarks. But, it feels faster, it transfers files faster, and it sure as hell boots way faster. On my older computer, Vista (even with SP1) was painfully slow. Windows 7 seems to be equally as fast as XP on it. I have not attempted to play games under Windows 7. I’ve got Crysis and HL2 set up on XP. They run just fine on it.
-Drivers were the nemesis of Vista’s initial release. A great many XP drivers were not compatible with Vista. Windows 7 is using Vista driver versions on my machines without issue.
-Home networking has been made far easier to setup.
-Thus far my only real complaint is the Classic Start Menu is completely gone. Yes, I know people are arguing about this in various forums. But hey, it’s what I’m used to. I’ll learn to deal with it though.
-Sometimes it is hard for us Geeks to step back and look at things from the non-geeks perspective. Windows 7 seems to be far easier to get around in and configure for the non-geek. Microsoft must of heard the cries of the average PC user. An example of this would be the Action Center.
I’m really liking Windows 7 and I’ll attempt to use it on my main rig until the final version is released. IMHO, Microsoft has themselves back in the game with Windows 7.
A Few Tips:
-When it doubt, right-click. Most any option for a file is there.
-Installing apps and drivers. If these will not install:
1 – If you can, extract the file. 7zip does a great job of extracting files, including .exe’s.
2 – Right-click on the executable (exe, .msi) and choose Properties > click the Compatibility tab > check the box next to Run this program in compatibility mode for: and choose Windows Vista.
-Tweaking is very similar to Vista. Remember, back it up first! I’m using an Acronis True Image boot disk to backup.
-For those who like to tweak the services. I’ve created a backup list of the default settings:
https://www.tweakhound.com/files/tweakhound_windows7beta_default_services.pdf
-“Dual booters”, EasyBCD works perfect to manage the bootloader.
If you are using Windows 7 Beta and want to share your experience or a tip, please leave a comment.
(no bashing or fanboy rants please)