Computersight -

Windows Vista was, ultimately, a failure. Shortly after Vista’s release in 2007, Microsoft began working on the next version of Windows, Windows 7. The beta, which was released in January 2009, is now available on Microsoft’s website.

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At first glance, Windows 7’s interface is very similar to Vista’s. The Gadgets are no longer confined to the Sidebar; they can be placed anywhere on the Desktop. The windows and Taskbar are now semi-transparent, as opposed to Vista’s solid gray ones.

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For the first time since Windows 95, the Taskbar has been restructured. Windows 7’s Taskbar functions similarly to the Mac OS X Dock: the Open Windows and Quick Launch sections have been combined. Mousing over a program’s icon shows you thumbnails of all open windows and tabs in that program. Right-clicking brings up a menu of the most recent items that program has opened.

The notification tray has also changed: you can choose which icons always show in the tray, which ones only show when they need your attention, and which ones are always hidden.

The small box on the far right of the Taskbar acts as the Show Desktop button. Mousing over it hides all windows so you can see the Gadgets; clicking on it minimizes all windows.

Windows 7’s Start Menu is very similar to Vista’s. The only difference applies to newer applications (specifically those that come with the operating system and Windows Live Essentials.) These programs, when on the main part of the Start Menu, have a little arrow next to them. Mousing or clicking on the arrow opens a menu with recent documents and such.

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Windows 7 also has great network, sharing, and security features. The Network and Sharing Center has been updated to show network map, wireless signal strength, and connection errors. Windows Media Player also has a setting to share media with other PCs or an Xbox 360. There is also a feature called HomeGroup, which allows you to quickly and securely share files with networked PCs. User Account Control, an obnoxious feature from Vista, now has four settings, ranging from Always Notify to Never Notify.

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The new Action Center shows PC security risks, troubleshooters, and maintenance options.

Windows 7 is pretty fast and extremely stable, even on systems with slow processors and little RAM.

The Windows 7 beta is no longer available, but the full version will be available in late 2009. Pricing info has not yet been released.