Windows 7 M3 Screenshots
Microsoft is still using the Windows 7 codename for their upcoming operating system. The company recently released the M3 build of Windows 7 to selected partners and first screenshots of changes in that build have hit the web shortly thereafter. The Windows 7 News website posted more than 20 Windows 7 screenshots on their website showing the changes, features and new looks of the upcoming Windows operating system.
Most experts do agree that Windows 7 will be available sooner than they had expected. Microsoft was always speaking of a 3 years since Windows Vista release date which could be any date in 2009 and 2010. As of now most seem to suggest that Windows 7 might hit the streets no later than June 2009 which would be very early considering that Microsoft is putting lots of efforts on Windows Vista promotion currently.
Back to the screenshots. They show the changes to the Microsoft Paint and Wordpad programs which got an overhaul just like Windows Calculator which broke news earlier this year. The screenshots seem to suggest that part of the Control Panel is also getting an overhaul. The Display Properties for one are looking completely different compared to previous versions of Windows. While those changes might make sense Microsoft should also consider that many users might feel a little bit lost in Windows 7.
Windows Media Player light sounds like a nice idea if the client is loading faster and more responsive. Anything that you want to add?
Update: It turns out that Microsoft has made additional changes to long living programs of the operating system, including several of the games that ship with every version of it. It is interesting to note that the company follows the same path for its Windows 8 operating system that will be released in October 2012. Changes here include a revamped Windows Explorer file manager, a new task manager layout, and of course, the new Metro start page that does away with the start menu of the operating system.
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ml, after re-reading my last comment, I realize it’s totally unclear. What I meant was that it would be great in Linux if installing a Windows program were more automated. Meaning if I stuck in a cd installer for something like Office, that Linux/WINE would recognize and automatically start the WINE installation process.
Is that reasonably clear?
Arp when did you last use Windows. When I stick a CD in the drive it does automatically come up with an install dialog or have I misunderstood you?
I don’t like the default font used throughout Windows Vista.
WINE is advanced enough that for most people (ie email/surfing/light everything else peeps) should be fine with Linux. If installing Windows programs were easier – like sticking the cd in and getting an immediate install dialog – it would really be worth switching.
I myself had to switch back from Ubuntu after 2 months because I got tired of running XP in Virtualbox 24/7. Needless resource usage & extra time – it was cool at first but got old fast.
Windows 7…
Well, only 3 years after Vista. I think people are going to use Linux cauz’ Vista is too idiot-poof.
Like garbanzo said, it takes more and more time to make something. And they are promoting Vista with a message like “Work better and faster” lol
Vista is a good system. But the Windows architecture is not made for things like UAC. They should rework all the way the system acts.
Under Linux, you have UAC-like system (Sudo, which inspired UAC for sure.) but it’s non-intrusive, because with the way the system works, you don’t have to be Root to, use your system every day.
A major problem of Vista is that it’s too intrusive. “You don’t have a working background scanner with your anti-virus ? Well, let’s give you a warning for that.”, “Are you REALLY Sure you want to do that ?” and that kind of stuff.
Hope Win7 will behave better in that domain otherwise, many people are going to switch to Linux…
I think Windows7 will just be the same as Vista full of redundant code.
a ribbon interface in paint? yuck!
from the looks of things, i think Microsoft is assuming that the average computer user is getting dumber every year, because they keep trying to make Windows into something idiot-proof. the interface keeps getting shinier and blockier, and things that used to take one click are starting to take many more. commands are hidden deeper within ‘are you sure?’ messages.
i don’t use Vista because it tries to guess what i want to do, instead of just doing what i tell it to do. it looks like Win7 is going to be even worse.
if it really is coming out next year, i’d better start learning Linux…
Yes, but can it bake bread?
I agree on the stupid versions. It’s just price-gouging. I just bought a new laptop and had to go through the versions trying to figure out what I need and what supposed features could be replaced by other means. In the end, my decision was made when I decided on a 64bit system and Lenovo had one option for that (Business 64).
The versions aren’t that confusing but they should make it this way.
Vista Cheap version
Vista Normal version
Vista Best version
Amos yes I think so to. All those different versions are to confusing. Who could really name the differences between the different Windows Vista version and it will probably be the same when Windows 7 comes out. I personally think that this is a bad business decision.
Man… all seemed well until I read the word ‘Ultimate’, and realised that they’re playing the same stupid games again.
No one actually wants a choice of OS versions crippled to varying degrees, surely?
I must agree with you Martin:
I installed Vista this week and I’m lovin it!
Vista is way cooler than XP!