Microsoft Windows – The Main Differences Between Windows 7 And Vista
Before Microsoft released Windows Vista, it attempted to explain that their new product would redefine all future guises of operating systems and create a new format that would effectively change the way we use computers. Whether it succeeded or failed in that attempt when it was released in 2007 can be determined by what Microsoft decided to aim for with its latest operating system, the successor to Vista, Windows 7. Whereas Vista was meant to be almost a completely new operating system, Windows 7 was designed more as an updated version, in-line with previous Microsoft operating systems. Does that mean Vista was a failure? Not necessarily as it could also be seen as a slightly different direction from the preceding Windows XP, and it could be argued that without the feedback generated from Windows Vista, Windows 7 may never have happened; or at least, may never have been as much of a success as it has been.
One of the primary goals that Microsoft set itself when developing the Windows 7 operating system was to make integration of components, whether external or internal, much better in terms of performance, effectiveness and efficiency. This meant that Windows 7 had to be able to recognize and support all various types of components that could be found connected to a computer, no easy feat. As this task is almost impossible, especially with newer technology being developed and integrated every single day, Microsoft also ensured that if a product was not supported, it would either be updated to support it or provide the ability to directly communicate with the manufacturer to obtain support software. One more thing that Microsoft wanted to improve upon in Windows 7 was the performance of the operating system. Previous versions of Windows by default loaded up unnecessary programs and services in the background when a computer was booted. This resulted in wasted resources on processes that were not being used. Many advanced users recognized this and were able to remove unwanted start-up programs from the boot.ini file, but Windows 7 has taken away that need by removing these processes from the standard boot process.
The taskbar at the bottom of the screen (by default) in Windows 7 has been totally reworked to make accessing programs easier. Microsoft has integrated more customization options into Windows 7 so you now have the power to remove unwanted dialogue boxes, program ‘quick launch’ buttons and other notifications. One of the most talked about features of the taskbar is the ability to hover over a running program to view a preview of what that program is doing, which even works with videos or animations running in the background. The UAC (User Account Control) in Vista was something that most users had a problem with. When making any changes in seemingly very minor instances, the UAC would flag up a question box to ask for permission to make the changes. Most users saw this as a hindrance and thankfully, Windows 7 has toned down the UAC to give users more freedom and responsibility to make their own adjustments.
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