Windows 7 Beta Review

[n!Cola]

More like preview, but w7 looks very promising to me :clap:


Conclusion

Windows 7 is certainly a huge improvement over Windows Vista and other versions. I can only describe it as having the really neat features and eye-candy of Vista and the stability of Windows XP. It's very clear that Microsoft's main goal with Windows 7 is performance and stability. Microsoft has also made it clear that the system requirements to run Windows 7 is very light. You will be able to run Windows 7 on the same systems that Windows XP runs on and you won't need advanced computers with 4GB of RAM and 4Ghz processors, which is a huge break in tradition. Usually with each operating system release, Microsoft adds to the system requirements, but this time, Microsoft is cutting them back.

Windows 7 is a big step towards having an operating system that has a lot of neat and useful features, but also has rock-solid stability and performance at the same time. When Microsoft releases this beta to the public, there's no doubt there will be a lot of buzz and I think a lot of praise as well.

http://www.techreviewsource.com/content/view/227/1/

Beta1 full ISO's are all over net by now

[cegras]

Looks like we're progressing towards a light weight, stable, and efficient OS that does what it needs and can have functionality added on. I may soon purchase my second legitimate copy of Windows ..

[bro20000]

Windows 7 is a massive improvement over vista! Got my copy today of windows 7 beta 1 build 7000

[Carfax]

Oh well, I never upgraded to Vista because of it's slower gaming performance, so hopefully Windows 7 will change things.

[Boogerlad]

anyone think it's good eneough to replace xp x64? i'm getting it to test, but am not sure if it will replace my main os. Anyone have any opinions?

[RVWinkle]

Everything I know about xp x64 says it's terrible. Migrating to Windows 7 is inevitable but the main question will be if we have to wait for a service pack to be released. The main thing I'm hoping for is that they emphasize the 64 bit version over 32 bit because it's time to move on.

[RPGWiZaRD]

Oh well, I never upgraded to Vista because of it's slower gaming performance, so hopefully Windows 7 will change things.

Unfortunately that's where you'll get most disappointed, so far everything I've compared W7 to Vista with, the difference is usually less than 1%. Maybe the case is different with ATI cards, dunno. But when DX10 and later on DX11 is used properly, the games can run faster than they would in DX9 / XP when IQ is same in both versions but I doubt Vista/W7 ever will be able to improve the performance over the DX9 titles. It's not the NVIDIA's drivers to blame, they cannot how matter they optimize the drivers if changes to the OS that need extra code execution or changes to APIs etc, remain same performance unless on purpose drop XP drivers and only improve Vista/W7 drivers.

[firebane]

anyone think it's good eneough to replace xp x64? i'm getting it to test, but am not sure if it will replace my main os. Anyone have any opinions?

No.


Everything I know about xp x64 says it's terrible. Migrating to Windows 7 is inevitable but the main question will be if we have to wait for a service pack to be released. The main thing I'm hoping for is that they emphasize the 64 bit version over 32 bit because it's time to move on.

XP x64 is a great OS and a reason why lots of people use it.

[Warboy]

Had my copy for 5 days now. Whoever has a eye on my photobucket would know that.

[Nasgul]

Oh well, I never upgraded to Vista because of it's slower gaming performance, so hopefully Windows 7 will change things.

Really? Not me, I installed Vista and I'm enjoying the games the same, nothing different or slower. And I'm never going back to XP.

As for W7? I can't wait to get it, I like Vista and if W7 is going to be an improvement over Vista, then I'm certainly going to get it when it gets released.

[FischOderAal]

Sounds too good to be true... It's better to stay skeptical than being disappointed in the end. They promised much with Vista as well.

But: instead of reducing the requirements I'd rather want a heavily improved GUI. That's the biggest construction site imho. The requirements are OK if you ask me. It's not as if our PCs haven't improved since XP was introduced...

I had no reason whatsoever to be disappointed with the performance of Vista.

[Ket]

OMG.. please don't make me start listing whats wrong with Vista..... perhaps a better way to do things is to list whats RIGHT with Vista, thats very easy, NOTHING. W7 on the other hand looks much improved, something thats genuinely a step forward and cuts back on all that fusking bloat.

[moiraesfate]

See... here's the problem... no matter how good Windows 7 might be, it will still cost about $500 when it first comes out which means its out of most people price range so its scratched off the list. I simply can't afford it.

[firebane]

Something I don't like about Vista and Windows 7:
- Vista has removed the old classic XP login style
- Windows 7 has removed classic start menu

[moiraesfate]

*blinks* There's no start menu? wth?

[firebane]

*blinks* There's no start menu? wth?

no theres a start menu.. you just don't have a choice anymore (or so it seems) to have the "classic look" back in the good times of Win2k.. I prefer it more.

[moiraesfate]

Oh that makes more sense. Yeah I like the old look too. I always change it on any computer I'm on. Though my work computer won't let me which drives me batty. lol It has a lock to prevent user changes. The most I can do is save documents.

[cliffy]

Installed Windows 7 and i love it. So far the only things that haven;t worked for me is Mcafee enterprise and 3d Mark 06. Really liking the task bar and being able to pin programs to it. Its possible i am imagining things but so far it feeks alot more responsive than Vista. Just waiting to get my hands on the x64 version now.

[itznfb]

See... here's the problem... no matter how good Windows 7 might be, it will still cost about $500 when it first comes out which means its out of most people price range so its scratched off the list. I simply can't afford it.

vista home premium 32/64 oem was $109 the day it was released. ultimate was $180. i would imagine 7 will be similar.

[cliffy]

Something I don't like about Vista and Windows 7:
- Vista has removed the old classic XP login style
- Windows 7 has removed classic start menu

The clasic theme is still there.

Right click desktop
Personalise
Ease of access themes
2nd one along = windows clasic:D

[Dark79]

itznfb;3535432']vista home premium 32/64 oem was $109 the day it was released. ultimate was $180. i would imagine 7 will be similar.

I think the "Most people" that moiraesfate was referring to don't even know what "OEM" is and would most likely be dealing with the retail versions which cost twice as much.

[firebane]

The clasic theme is still there.

Right click desktop
Personalise
Ease of access themes
2nd one along = windows clasic:D

You failed to read what I said :P

I said classic "menu" not "theme"

[Xiphos]

I hope they don't drag out the release of W 7 too long :p

[sjg0]

Hey my dad has a MSDN subscription and I have been wanting to try out Windows 7 but he says he cannot find the Beta(Build 7000) anymore.

I think I heard someone mention that MS pulled the download because it got leaked to Torrent sites or something? Is this true?

I would really like to try it out and if anyone has any info I would appreciate it. Oh and I dont want to get it from a torrent site either because I believe you still need a key.....

On the Operating systems note:
Vista64> XP 64> XP 32> Vista 32> Linux> Mac
Personally, I wouldnt pay the full $180 or whatever for Vista, but if you have the opportunity to upgrade I would say definitely go for it. SP1 Improved things A LOT. FYI: Install SP1 first, then go ahead and install drivers and such(Jeeze whats all this bad Vista hype? Dont hold a grudge guys, Its better now.).

[HuffPCair]

Vista 64 is better then XP 64 the only reason everyone likes XP 64 is cause they are used to it and not willing to try something different. Most people that have dissed Vista are the ones that have not yet tried it and are trying to act like they know or are the ones using old old stuff and that is not the fault of MS it is the fault of the people that made whatever you are trying to use.

Vista and performance specially in gaming I have not seen any difference at all. Everything I have thrown at Vista has worked. Everytime I have ran into something wrong it is because of the company that made that not MS.

I have the new beta 7000 for windows 7 and I love it. The taskbar took me a bit to get used to but after I did it is amazing and compact and I love it. I also love the features for Windows media player. I have ran into a few bugs but that is why it is called a beta there are going to be bugs. I just hope they fix them before the final product. So for the people dissing this it is because you do not know. Specially on Windows7, but Vista is a very good OS just a bit heavy and that is what W7 is fixing.

[Dr_Swizz]

Hey my dad has a MSDN subscription and I have been wanting to try out Windows 7 but he says he cannot find the Beta(Build 7000) anymore.

I think I heard someone mention that MS pulled the download because it got leaked to Torrent sites or something? Is this true?

I would really like to try it out and if anyone has any info I would appreciate it. Oh and I dont want to get it from a torrent site either because I believe you still need a key.....



Read this:
http://www.osnews.com/story/20741/Windows_7_Beta_Released


Edit:
I found this note on the Windows 7 download page:

"To protect your MP3 files
1. Before you install this Beta release, back up all MP3 files that might be accessed by the computer, including those on removable media or network shares.
2. Install the Beta release of Windows 7; download and install the Update to Windows 7 Beta"

Is Windows 7 going to delete all my MP3s? is it going to automagically convert them to wma?

[VisBits]

anyone think it's good eneough to replace xp x64? i'm getting it to test, but am not sure if it will replace my main os. Anyone have any opinions?

XP64 is the worst implementation of 64bit microsoft has ever attempted. :rofl:

Vista puts xp64 to shame. :up:

[dan7777]

windows 7 x64bit 7000 is out and now im useing it its awsome

[safan80]

Is Windows 7 going to delete all my MP3s? is it going to automagically convert them to wma?


no it doesn't convert them it :banana::banana::banana::banana:s them up.

[sjg0]

Read this:
http://www.osnews.com/story/20741/Windows_7_Beta_Released


Edit:
I found this note on the Windows 7 download page:

"To protect your MP3 files
1. Before you install this Beta release, back up all MP3 files that might be accessed by the computer, including those on removable media or network shares.
2. Install the Beta release of Windows 7; download and install the Update to Windows 7 Beta"

Is Windows 7 going to delete all my MP3s? is it going to automagically convert them to wma?

Thanks M8. Yea we found it now and I'm installing it on an old P4 before I put it on my main rig. I need to find a HDD around here to backup my files......


XP64 is the worst implementation of 64bit microsoft has ever attempted. :rofl:

Vista puts xp64 to shame. :up:

It depends what programs you use bro. If you use typical WMP, games, movies, etc... then ya XP64 is going to blow. But if you use programs like Photoshop, XSI, Maya, etc... then it is fine. If you dont have Vista, dual boot ftw. If you do, all the better, because Vista 64 uses 32bit instructions pretty well (not great but whatever).
I wouldnt say Vista puts XP (64) to shame, its just a little easier with Vista.

[Papu]

no it doesn't convert them it :banana::banana::banana::banana:s them up.

hasn't done anything to mine yet , 12K mp3's in WMP12 :up:

[HuffPCair]

After my class I will be able to play with W7 64 it should be done installing... Well I hope four hours should be plenty. LOL

[Particle]

If you turned off the option to retrieve info from the net for your MP3s, it probably won't effect you. Did you, Papu?

[itznfb]

public beta is available at 12am PST 1/9 correct?

[sjg0]

After my class I will be able to play with W7 64 it should be done installing... Well I hope four hours should be plenty. LOL

Took two for my good ol' P4 so unless you are running an Intel 8088(5Mhz anyone?) you should be fine.


itznfb;3562248']public beta is available at 12am PST 1/9 correct?

Correct. Microsoft is putting a limit of 2.5 Million downloads. Then its closed, but the beta will last till like August 09 (Solid 6 months for free OS).

[itznfb]

Correct. Microsoft is putting a limit of 2.5 Million downloads. Then its closed, but the beta will last till like August 09 (Solid 6 months for free OS).

god i hope the rumors of clearqam support and native HD support are true. i could really use this on my media center.

[Jor3lBR]

itznfb;3562248']public beta is available at 12am PST 1/9 correct?

Any download links?

[sjg0]

Any download links?


Want to try the Beta? Come back the afternoon of January 9.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/default.aspx

[szukalski]

On the Operating systems note:
Vista64> XP 64> XP 32> Vista 32> Linux> Mac

Obviously not too good on the linux front are you? Faster, more stable, and able to be customized to your heart's content. Sure, it may take a little learning and smarts, but that's just like overclocking isn't it?

[Fuji]

I got it off technet today.

First attempt wouldn't install i didn't set the primary boot as CD-ROM (used the F12 key for boot menu)

installed pretty fast, and setup pretty fast.

I don't get the quick boot, it's a tad faster than vista, but it's not what i thought it'd be

Overall, the OS feels faster, it still uses a lot of ram, but that's ok - with prices this low i can always add another 4 GB.

I like aeropeek and the re-designed taskbar. I like being able to hide icons that i don't care to look at and the grouping is nice.

Everything i installed works except for anti-virus (McAfee 8.5i).

One annoying thing is the start+E doesn't go to my computer anymore and where msft placed different files is strange (User account)

UAC is a lot better overall and the wlan finding is nice. MCE is nice too. No more hacks for clear qam.

If this is the beta, i can only hope that the RTM is faster (i hear that beta is non optimized). It's starting to look like a good os.

One more thing. My gadgets dissapeared.

[HuffPCair]

I got it install and going the 64 bit verision and love it so far. Works smoother then Vista and it is on a crapper Harddrive then Vista is. I am waiting to fully switch over till the final product is out but this one looks good. after I installed everything I needed minus Steam and TF2 so far it is just under 1 gb of ram on startup. Everything I have tried on it works amazingly like usual so no complaints YET.

[HuffPCair]

Ok I got it up and got most my stuff installed except steam and a few games, but I will do that later tomorrow when I have time. Here is a screen shot of it so far and no problems yet that I can find with anything other then my Logitech Webcam but I am going to try the driver from the website and I bet that fixes it.

Sorry for the crappy pictures but I dont have PhotoShop on here yet and I just used Paint which has been redone a lot also.

The first picture is just the desktop with the little preview window at the bottom

The second one is with multiple windows up and then holding the mouse over one of the programs it turns all the windows transparent except the program you are pointing to.

[Jor3lBR]

Server is too busy

That's all I get...

[HuffPCair]

lol no I was downloading stuff at the same time.

[safan80]

Something I don't like about Vista and Windows 7:
- Vista has removed the old classic XP login style
- Windows 7 has removed classic start menu

the classic start menu is junk anyways.. I don't miss it.

[itznfb]

i haven't been able to find a public download link. anyone else?

[safan80]

itznfb;3565112']i haven't been able to find a public download link. anyone else?

you were too slow


hasn't done anything to mine yet , 12K mp3's in WMP12 :up:


did you install the hotfix first :rolleyes:

[crazy1323]

Wow, so it has already been downloaded too many times and Microsoft pulled it

[itznfb]

you were too slow

i checked the minute they said it would be available, and for several hours after that. there was never a link. it still says "Want to try the Beta? Come back the afternoon of January 9."

[Heretic]

itznfb;3565146']i checked the minute they said it would be available, and for several hours after that. there was never a link. it still says "Want to try the Beta? Come back the afternoon of January 9."

From the news thread on win7:

i've got some working links

x86
http://download.microsoft.com/download/6/3/3/633118BD-6C3D-45A4-B985-F0FDFFE1B021/EN/7000.0.081212-1400_client_en-us_Ultimate-GB1CULFRE_EN_DVD.iso

x64
http://download.microsoft.com/download/6/3/3/633118BD-6C3D-45A4-B985-F0FDFFE1B021/EN/7000.0.081212-1400_client_en-us_Ultimate-GB1CULXFRE_EN_DVD.ISO

[Xanadu]

I've had it for about a day now and I'm pretty pleased with it. I am, howevr experiencing some problems. Is anyone else having touble with certain programs( for me it's Steam, F@H, and Magic ISO[as far as I know]) and the install won't initialize. Other programs will, so I'm not sure what sets these apart. Any ideas?

[HuffPCair]

Steam seems to be working fine for me. I havent tried folding at home yet though.

Though I noticed that when my computer is idle my network signal goes crazy. So I am guessing Microsoft is getting some info from me or something, but it lags my connection for like a few minutes after I start doing stuff again. Anyone else seen this yet?