Quick overview:
Vista is quickly forgotten: Microsoft is working flat out on its successor, “Windows 7,“ the final pre-release version of which—”Release Candidate” (Build 7100)—will be available for public download on the Microsoft website starting May 5. Windows-Tweaks reveals what’s new and where you can find the RC. [By Sandro Villinger]
There's no question about it—Vista was and remains an unlucky child: Due to poor driver support in its early days and higher system requirements, it earned a bad reputation that has been completely unwarranted since SP1, at the very latest. Even the recently released SP2 won’t change that: Many XP users hear negative things about Vista and refuse to make the switch. Now Windows 7 is in the starting blocks and aims to address all the points of criticism. Starting tomorrow, the latest Release Candidate (RC, Version 7100) will be available for free download at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/beta-download.aspx—including German versions and both 32-bit and 64-bit editions. I’ve been working intensively with the Release Candidate for the past two weeks, and over the next few days, I’ll be showcasing the best Windows 7 features through pictures and text. Let’s get started:
Superbar: The new “Superbar” replaces the taskbar: It combines the former Quick Launch bar and the taskbar, creating a more organized interface. In the future, you’ll launch and manage a program (Word 2007, for example) using an icon.
Action Center: The notification area of the taskbar is much less likely to annoy you with so-called “balloon tips,” displaying only the most important notifications. You can choose which programs should display notifications and which should not.
Aero Peek: When you click the small transparent rectangle to the right of the clock, all windows instantly become transparent, allowing you to quickly view the desktop.
Aero Snap: When you drag a window to the left or right edge of the screen, it automatically scales to fit that half of the screen. In the past, it took a lot of effort to arrange two windows side by side. By the way: If you drag the window to the top edge of the screen, it maximizes.
In the coming days there will be more new features that you can try out right away with the Windows 7 RC!
Sincerely,
Sandro Villinger
On Windows Tweaks you will find time-saving tech guides for PC, software & Microsoft. For a stress-free digital everyday life. Already We have been tweaking Windows since 1998 and just don't stop!
