Windows is Back... and Better Than Ever!

I've always been one to upgrade to the latest version of Windows as soon as I possibly can. A career in education always helps, since we get access to the latest and greatest software before it is released to the general public. Windows has always had its ups and downs. Some versions were great, and others were slightly problematic (and that's being nice!). With the exception of the release of Windows 95, when Microsoft first introduced the Start menu, I can't remember being as excited about a new Windows release as I am with Windows 7. I've heard many people say that Windows 7 is what Windows Vista should have been, and I fully agree.

Not only has Microsoft created a visually appealing operating system, but also very functional. I've been using Windows 7 since it released to manufacturing back in August, and I think it might have crashed only once (I'm notorious for pushing the limits by keeping too many programs open at the same time). While that point alone might convince some to upgrade to Windows 7, there are other features that have helped me to become more productive. Sure, Windows 7 has some nice-looking desktop backgrounds and pretty Aero effects, but two features that stick out in my mind as being most helpful are Snap and the redesigned taskbar. With previous versions of Windows, I'd constantly find myself rearranging the windows on my desktop so that I could simultaneously work with multiple programs. As an author, I regularly am comparing differences between two files. With Snap, I can drag the title bar of one window to the extreme left side of the screen to automatically display that window on the left half of my monitor, and drag the title bar of the other window to the extreme right. I then have two, equally-sized windows side-by-side. With today's larger, widescreen monitors, it is fairly easy to view the contents in each window without zooming in too much. Secondly, I love the redesigned taskbar. Because I normally work with many programs simultaneously, I was never able to read the text on the taskbar buttons and inevitably would open the wrong windows all the time. Microsoft must have felt my (our?) pain and started grouping taskbar buttons by program, and not displaying names on the taskbar buttons by default. The new format takes getting used to, but the days of the cluttered taskbar are gone forever! For those of you who like the old taskbar style, you can configure Windows to display the taskbar button text.

Of course, there are many other great, new features in Windows 7 such as HomeGroup, Aero Shake, Problem Steps Recorder, and the rotating desktop backgrounds. Whether you plan to use Windows 7 yourself or teach it to your students (or both), I am very convinced that this operating system will please the masses.

STEVEN FREUND