At the Professional Developers Convention 2008 Microsoft, for the first time, gave the public a look at the much anticipated Windows 7. Microsoft has been extremely secretive about this new OS so it was nice to get a taste of what Windows users can expect to see in Windows 7.

A concern voiced by some is that Microsoft has turned a deaf ear to its customer base and hasn’t paid attention to what they want. One of the complaints has focused on the user interface. It hasn’t received a radical change since the introduction of Windows 95. At the Profession Developers Convention, Microsoft has shown it is willing to make a chance. The user interface has received a major overhaul. One of the changes I noticed immediately with Windows 7 is the taskbar. Similar to the Mac’s Windows now users big icons on its taskbar. Users can say goodbye to the text that accompanied it in prior versions.

Icons can now be rearranged. Microsoft users now have two ways they can navigate between Windows. When a Windows user mouses over an icon it reveals a set of Windows thumbnails additionally clicking on the thumbnail switches windows. Also, right clicking on the icons will bring up a new user interface device that Microsoft has called jump lists. Apple has been using implementing this technology with their Mac’s for a while, and it’s a great feature.

Microsoft states that hardware and software that were used on Vista users system should work in Windows 7. One of the reasons I hesitated to upgrade from Windows XP to Vista was I learned that not all of my hardware would function correctly if I used Vista. Microsoft states that Windows 7 won’t show any regressions. I’m a Mac, Windows, and Linux user and I’m really excited that of the many changes that are coming in Windows 7 the user interface has received a much needed face lift.

The current operating system, Vista, has received a lot of criticism; Compatibility issues were a common complaint and a never-ending source frustration for the Window users who experienced them forcing some home Windows users along with businesses to uninstall Vista and revert to their prior OS. Apple has taken jabs at Vista in its extremely popular commercials Mac vs. PC’s. Some Windows users held off purchasing Vista and instead decided to wait until Windows 7 was released.

Kudos to Microsoft for paying attention to how people use their software. Microsoft paid attention to the data received from the Customer Experience Improvement Program (CEIP) an optional feature of many of Microsoft programs (It’s off by default.) Of the many things the data showed one key thing it revealed is that 70% of users have between 5 and 15 windows open at one time. it sounds like their are a lot of multi-taskers out there and I’m one of them. I have many Windows open when I’m on my computer. Now if only Microsoft would lower the price of their OS I would be even happier. If you want to learn more about Windows 7 you can log onto Microsoft’s website they have a section devoted to Windows Windows 7.

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