Forums | MacLife

Bat · 2008-10-14 11:30 pm

After ME, XP and Vista, it's an improvement.

Nash wrote, "The decision to use the name Windows 7 is about simplicity. Over the years, we have taken different approaches to naming Windows. We've used version numbers like Windows 3.11, or dates like Windows 98, or ‘aspirational’ monikers like Windows XP or Windows Vista. And since we do not ship new versions of Windows every year, using a date did not make sense. Likewise, coming up with an all-new ‘aspirational’ name does not do justice to what we are trying to achieve, which is to stay firmly rooted in our aspirations for Windows Vista, while evolving and refining the substantial investments in platform technology in Windows Vista into the next generation of Windows."

Whatever. 7 it is.

Bungie wins. smile

http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=13196

Bat · 2008-10-27 9:46 pm

Microsoft is already getting Windows 7 ready to pick up where Vista floundered. DailyTech reported on October 14 that Microsoft had chosen to stick with Windows 7 as the official name for the coming operating system. Microsoft also said that it would show the OS to developers in pre-beta form at the Professional Developers Conference this week.

Ahead of the conference, some details are coming out that give an idea of some of the early features of Windows 7. According to ZDNet, the features being offered in the pre-beta version at the show include Action Center, StreamOn, a new animation framework, new task bar and shell, multi-touch and gesture recognition, ribbons, and improved Bluetooth support.

Many of the details of the features won’t be known until they are announced officially at the conference. Action Center is known to be a self-diagnosis tool to help repair problems with Windows 7. Hopefully, rather than Vista's tendency to simply tell users who have problems to get drivers from the hardware makers website or the error can’t be fixed, Action Center will actually offer a fix for errors.

Features of Windows 7 Leak Ahead of PDC Conference

Bat · 2008-10-27 10:02 pm

A first true glimpse of Windows 7, Microsoft's Vista successor, is T minus 1 day and counting. So far we know very little. Oh sure, it supports multi-touch and takes 1,000 engineers to code but the real details will emerge from Tuesday's kickoff to the PDC 2008 developer conference. As detailed by TG Daily, the PDC track notes dedicate 22 of the 155 tracks to Windows 7 with 2 further dedicated to GPU acceleration under the titles, "Unlocking the GPU with Direct3D," and "Writing Your Application to Shine on Modern Graphics Hardware." Interesting times given Apple's announced OS X Snow Leopard support for OpenCL GPU acceleration in partnership with new best buds, Nvidia, and Intel planning to kill off the GPU entirely. Somebody has to be wrong.

Windows 7 to feature GPU acceleration like Apple's Snow Leopard?

Bat · 2008-10-28 5:22 pm

...

Now for the first time, a large list of features from Windows 7 has seen the light of day, following the leak of some features a couple days ago. The biggest new feature is the taskbar overhaul. The new taskbar looks foreign indeed with no text. It is filled with icons for easy program selection. Also new to the taskbar is the option to access "jump lists" with a quick right click. For example, right-clicking the Windows Media Player icon allows you to access playlists without having to open the application or waste time fiddling with menus. Finally, hovering over items on the taskbar generates helpful previews.

When you click the desktop, all windows go transparent offering you a free view. This is helpful to glance at gadgets, which have been moved from Vista's sidebar to a fixture on the desktop. This will be helpful to laptops which have lower screen resolutions and can less afford to waste valuable screen space on a separate sidebar.

There's also a really intuitive new window scaling gimmick [..]

Windows 7 Features Revealed

AMD has released a version of its ATI Catalyst drivers for Windows 7.

The firm said the release is to coincide with the pre-beta release of Microsoft’s Windows 7 OS.

http://www.theinquirer.net/gb/inquirer/ … indows-tip

Last edited by Bat (2008-10-28 5:23 pm)

sturner · 2008-10-28 5:53 pm

Will Microsoft ever stop fixing things that aren't broken? I view their announcement of the Windows taskbar with skepticism, seeing how FUBAR they made Word in it's latest incarnation.

Bat · 2008-10-28 11:35 pm

Dunno. I like the emphasis on utilizing graphics acceleration well, tho, of course.

Bat · 2008-11-01 7:29 pm

This looks promising.

Windows 7 smaller than Vista
It *does* run OK on Atom

JUST A YEAR AGO, severe discussion was going on after Microsoft’s Eric Traut’s presentation of a “shrunken” Windows kernel (at the time dubbed MinWin). The purpose of the demo wasn’t to show off the Windows 7 kernel, but Microsoft’s Virtualization tech. However, a video post on istartedsomething.com sparked what is likely the longest list of flames on record due to the size of the MinWin kernel.

Fast-forward one whole year: Windows 7 pre-Beta is available to developers (and whoever has an Internet connection). Microsoft was literally giving it away at the PDC2008 this week and people couldn’t get enough of it. Slotting the DVDs into everything they could so they could subtract some wisdom from Microsoft’s engineering skills and gain some insight into La Vole’s next big OS.

Following Microsoft’s claims that 7 ran well on a Lenovo S10 netbook, Joanna Stern at Laptop Mag stuck the OS on an EeePC 1000H and *shazam*... it installed. Well, not only did it install but it seems like it actually runs quite well under the future OS. [..]

http://www.theinquirer.net/gb/inquirer/ … ller-vista

Bat · 2008-11-07 11:12 pm

At Microsoft's Windows Hardware Engineering Conference (WinHEC), an important yearly event for the tech giant, new hardware details on the upcoming Windows 7 weren't the only revelation that Microsoft had in store. Perhaps the most significant development of the conference came as a minor clarification -- Microsoft set a solid timeframe for when it plans to release Windows 7, barring unforeseen problems.

Originally, speculation was that Microsoft might field a Windows Vista successor in 2011 or 2012 as there was over 5 years between the release of Windows XP and Windows Vista. However, with less than glowing reception of Vista, largely due to poor hardware partner support and a large footprint, Microsoft stepped up its efforts to launch its new Windows OS, which would set right the places where Vista went wrong.
...

Also revealed by Mr. Howe were more details on Microsoft's secretive Velocity program aimed at improving Windows Vista PC quality. The program, according to Microsoft, will run through next spring, conveniently terminating at about the time that Windows 7 will be preparing to ship.

Microsoft to Release Windows 7 Mid '09, Reveals Vista Improvement Program

NightCougar_37 · 2008-11-08 4:46 am

Now if only we'd get a discount on 7 for those who actually bought Vista...and of course counting those who had it come preinstalled or paid just $80 for an Ultimate upgrade DVD with a new comp big_smile .

Bat · 2008-12-04 2:16 am

Bat wrote:
..Also revealed by Mr. Howe were more details on Microsoft's secretive Velocity program aimed at improving Windows Vista PC quality. The program, according to Microsoft, will run through next spring, conveniently terminating at about the time that Windows 7 will be preparing to ship.
Microsoft to Release Windows 7 Mid '09, Reveals Vista Improvement Program

Looks like that's for real.

With the impending release of Windows 7 next year, Windows Vista SP2 seems set to launch next summer with its developers rushing to incorporate the many fixes and upgrades they had planned in time. The release appears to be moving along on schedule, with the first beta set to make its public debut tomorrow.

Previously, Service Pack 2 for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 was only available to select partners -- "Technology Adoption Program" customers. Today it is free to download to any MSDN or TechNet subscribers, and it goes live for the general public tomorrow through the Customer Preview Program (CPP).
..

As with previous service packs, SP2 bundles Windows Updates released since SP1 into a single source. It also adds support for key new standards. One update is Windows Search 4.0 which should provide faster searches and improved relevancy in results. The update will also ensure that Vista and Server 2008 are compatible with the latest Bluetooth tech, via the Bluetooth 2.1 Feature Pack. Native recording to Blu-Ray on Vista is also now supported at last.

Windows Vista, Server 2008 SP2 Beta Released for MSDN, TechNet Subscribers

Vista SP2, already into beta, and available to the intrepid public [later?] today. Blu-ray burning, get it here.

Bat · 2008-12-04 2:49 am

Windows Vista SP2 - What's Inside? What's Important?
Published 02 December 08 02:15 PM | Celine Allee

With today's launch of the Customer Preview Program (CPP) for Windows Vista® Service Pack 2 (SP2), we wanted to provide a brief synopsis of the elements in this service pack, and encourage you to download and test this release. Windows Vista SP2 is a traditional service pack release with all cumulative released security updates available since the SP1 release in March 2008. In addition, Windows Vista SP2 includes support for new types of hardware and emerging standards that will grow in importance in coming months, along with fixes discovered via automated error reporting as part of our Customer Experience Improvement program.

What makes the Windows Vista SP2 release unique is that it represents a single service pack which applies to both client (Windows Vista SP1) and server (Windows Server 2008) operating systems—since the code base for Windows Vista is shared with that for Windows Server® 2008, a single update can be deployed across your infrastructure. This service model also provides the ability to detect an incompatible driver and block service pack installation, or warn users of any loss of functionality during installation. Other highlights for IT pros include:

Emerging Hardware Support
Bluetooth 2.1 feature pack
Ability to record data on Blu-ray media
exFAT file system now supports UTC timestamps, which enables correct file synchronization across time zones
Support for the new VIA 64-bit CPU
Support for ICCD/CCID smart cards

Hyper-V *
Windows Vista SP2 includes Hyper-V™ technology, enabling full virtualization of server workloads

*To clarify, Hyper-V is not included in Windows Vista SP2, it is part of the Windows Server 2008 service pack. This means that when you install SP2 for Windows Server 2008, or if you install a slipstreamed version of Windows Server 2008 with SP2, the RTM version of the Hyper-V role will be included. Hyper-V was released after Windows Server 2008, which means that the role you currently install is a pre-release role and needs to be updated to bring it up to RTM. This update will be applied (only if necessary) automatically when you install SP2.

Security
Windows Vista SP2 incorporates previously released reliability updates, as well as addressing crashes discovered since the launch of Windows Vista SP1

Performance
Inclusion of Windows Search 4 for improved indexing performance, improved relevancy in search, broader indexing scenario inclusion, as well as new Group Policy integration for Windows Search
Reduction of resources required for sidebar gadgets

Wireless
Windows Vista Feature Pack for Wireless
Fixed issue where Wi-Fi connection was no longer available after resume from sleep

Administration and Support Improvements
Service pack clean-up tool: Restores hard disk space by permanently deleting the previous versions of the files (Windows Vista RTM and Windows Vista SP1) that are being serviced by Windows Vista SP2

We encourage you to download this service pack and test it on your lab machines. You should find that most if not all of your applications continue to function properly with this release. Also, we should point out that either Windows Vista SP1 or Windows Server 2008 is a prerequisite for installing this service pack.

Additional information on Windows Vista SP2 can be found in the Notable Changes in Windows Server 2008 SP2 Beta and Windows Vista SP2 Beta document. For more information on deploying and managing Windows Vista and related service packs, bookmark this blog and the Windows Client TechCenter at www.microsoft.com/springboard.

http://blogs.technet.com/springboard/ar … rtant.aspx

dv · 2008-12-04 9:16 am

I'm just glad they stoppd the naming bullsmurf.

General_K · 2008-12-04 10:06 am

Following Microsoft’s claims that 7 ran well on a Lenovo S10 netbook, Joanna Stern at Laptop Mag stuck the OS on an EeePC 1000H and *shazam*... it installed. Well, not only did it install but it seems like it actually runs quite well under the future OS.

I have a Lenovo S10 with 1 GB of RAM, and I was even able to run Vista on it. No Aero, naturally. It was actually usable. smile

ukimalefu · 2008-12-04 12:20 pm

Apple did it first

sturner · 2008-12-04 1:26 pm

Just two questions. How many versions of Window 7 will be marketed? (Home version, Home Multimedia Version, Semi-Pro version, Professional version, Super-Professional version, Adminstrator version, Everything and the kitchen sink version).

And how much will it cost? ($500 for the useful Professional version and $300 for the crippled Home version.)

Onanum · 2008-12-04 1:31 pm

Just grab an OEM copy if you need it, always cheaper and easier to use than a retail upgrade.

sturner · 2008-12-04 4:45 pm

Ah, but if they can make up the cost through volume, which they should since they have 90% market share, why does their OS cost so much more, when Apple only charges $120.

Booksley · 2008-12-04 5:01 pm

sturner wrote:
Ah, but if they can make up the cost through volume, which they should since they have 90% market share, why does their OS cost so much more, when Apple only charges $120.

They price the higher editions at a price people will buy.

The Home Premium edition of Vista at $120 is what almost everyone buys, but some people will spend more. So why not give them what they want? big_smile

sturner · 2008-12-04 5:09 pm

I don't need to buy 120 worth of crippled OS. But then I don't want to buy 500 of bloatware either.

Booksley · 2008-12-04 7:43 pm

sturner wrote:
I don't need to buy 120 worth of crippled OS. But then I don't want to buy 500 of bloatware either.

Home Premium isn't crippled. Do the Ultimate or Business editions of Vista really have key functionality that you can't live without? (Okay, so I need Remote Desktop, which is only in Business and Ultimate editions, for my own needs, but I got a free copy of Vista Business through MSDNAA, so my argument is still entirely valid! tongue )

Unless you're talking about DRM. But that only matters if you buy DRMed content!

Although if you're talking about the absolutely terrible SMB server, then I'd be forced to agree with you. Yay for having to restart my Vista box every time SMB smurfs itself!

Bat · 2008-12-06 10:20 am

sturner wrote:
Just two questions. How many versions of Window 7 will be marketed? (Home version, Home Multimedia Version, Semi-Pro version, Professional version, Super-Professional version, Adminstrator version, Everything and the kitchen sink version).

And how much will it cost? ($500 for the useful Professional version and $300 for the crippled Home version.)

Vista pricing was goofy. Hopefully they learned that lesson. No word on either issue.

Of course, for your ultra-l33t needs Alti and I ( wink ) recommend no less than Server 2008. Happy Blu-ray burning. smile

ukimalefu wrote:
Apple did it first

Apple hasn't done that yet. tongue

Bat · 2008-12-06 11:25 am

Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 and Windows Vista Service Pack 2 Beta Customer Preview Program (CPP)

Bat · 2008-12-29 6:51 pm

Moving along, at least.

Windows 7 beta hits the web

While the first Windows 7 beta was expected to be released in January, leaked copies of Windows 7 beta 1 have popped up on torrent sites. The OS is expected to be released sometime next year.

The first reviews of beta 1 have popped up as well with WinSuperSite and ZD posting their first impressions of the OS. Paul Thurrott continues to show his concern for the new taskbar in Windows 7 while the ZDNet article has mostly positive impressions of the beta. Thurrott concludes by saying: "At this point in time, Windows 7 is an enigma. Many are excited about testing this next version of Windows, and I'm sure millions of people will do just that when Microsoft makes the Beta available publicly in January. But in use, Windows 7 is fairly unexceptional in the sense that, yes, it has some nice improvements over Windows Vista, but, no, none of them are particularly major changes."

http://www.firingsquad.com/news/newsart … chid=21131

Forums | MacLife

#1 2008-10-14 11:30 pm

Windows 7 to be called... Windows 7

#2 2008-10-27 9:46 pm

Re: Windows 7 to be called... Windows 7

#3 2008-10-27 10:02 pm

Re: Windows 7 to be called... Windows 7

#4 2008-10-28 5:22 pm

Re: Windows 7 to be called... Windows 7

#5 2008-10-28 5:53 pm

Re: Windows 7 to be called... Windows 7

#6 2008-10-28 11:35 pm

Re: Windows 7 to be called... Windows 7

#7 2008-11-01 7:29 pm

Re: Windows 7 to be called... Windows 7

#8 2008-11-07 11:12 pm

Re: Windows 7 to be called... Windows 7

#9 2008-11-08 4:46 am

Re: Windows 7 to be called... Windows 7

#10 2008-12-04 2:16 am

Re: Windows 7 to be called... Windows 7

Bat wrote:

#11 2008-12-04 2:49 am

Re: Windows 7 to be called... Windows 7

#12 2008-12-04 9:16 am

Re: Windows 7 to be called... Windows 7

#13 2008-12-04 10:06 am

Re: Windows 7 to be called... Windows 7

#14 2008-12-04 12:20 pm

Re: Windows 7 to be called... Windows 7

#15 2008-12-04 1:26 pm

Re: Windows 7 to be called... Windows 7

#16 2008-12-04 1:31 pm

Re: Windows 7 to be called... Windows 7

#17 2008-12-04 4:45 pm

Re: Windows 7 to be called... Windows 7

#18 2008-12-04 5:01 pm

Re: Windows 7 to be called... Windows 7

sturner wrote:

#19 2008-12-04 5:09 pm

Re: Windows 7 to be called... Windows 7

#20 2008-12-04 7:43 pm

Re: Windows 7 to be called... Windows 7

sturner wrote:

#21 2008-12-06 10:20 am

Re: Windows 7 to be called... Windows 7

sturner wrote:

ukimalefu wrote:

#22 2008-12-06 11:25 am

Re: Windows 7 to be called... Windows 7

#23 2008-12-29 6:51 pm

Re: Windows 7 to be called... Windows 7

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