Windows 7 beta

[Messyhair42]

I haven't seen it yet myself, i hope to get it tomorrow. what are your impressions, likes/dislikes? how does it compare to XP/vista/ubuntu?

[Polygon]

apparently its just vista service pack 2. i hear from a lot of people that windows 7 is being pushed so fast cause vista has such bad PR that even just releasing a new version of windows that is very close to vista would be taken a lot better then vista.

and they are also screwing over all the vista customers after saying that vista would be the OS for the next 10 years.

[shatteredmindofbob]

It requires a Vista installation, so I'm out.

Too bad, I was really looking forward to it, but MS doesn't want to invite me to their party, then frankly, I'm too cool to go anyway!

[jeyaganesh]

Windows7 beta is already available illegally. Lot of news telling it works better than Vista and XP.

[aschwerin.moses]

Lets give credit to them (for once)...


I like the touch technology that they are going to get. The photo application feature is really nice, like in Minority report. Bill gates has been saying about OS going completely Touch, Voice recognition, RFID..... hope apple fanboy's accept that apple has "copies/borrowed/stole/enhanced" this feature into Mac OS

[tylerspaska]

It requires a Vista installation, so I'm out.

I'm not really sure what you're talking about. I installed in in VirtualBox with no problems, and no previous Vista install.

Anyway, as for the OP's question, IMO Windows 7 is like a retarded love child between KDE 4 and Vista. I don't see many improvements over either.

I've only played around with it for a few minutes, and will admittedly need to spend more time with it to give it a proper review. I dual boot Vista and I think that anyone who has spent some real time with the OS would realize that it's actually a good usable system. Sure there are some annoyances, but there are annoyances for me in every OS. I think that Windows 7 takes those little annoyances and accentuates them as 'features'. The only thing i prefer over Vista thus far is the improved UAC.

[jrusso2]

I see it as Vista lite. Same kernel, some apps have been moved to the web to make it lighter.

[Giant Speck]

I've heard good things and I've heard bad things.

I'll be trying it out for myself in a couple days, so I guess I can give some feedback then.

[shatteredmindofbob]

I'm not really sure what you're talking about. I installed in in VirtualBox with no problems, and no previous Vista install.

Anyway, as for the OP's question, IMO Windows 7 is like a retarded love child between KDE 4 and Vista. I don't see many improvements over either.

I've only played around with it for a few minutes, and will admittedly need to spend more time with it to give it a proper review. I dual boot Vista and I think that anyone who has spent some real time with the OS would realize that it's actually a good usable system. Sure there are some annoyances, but there are annoyances for me in every OS. I think that Windows 7 takes those little annoyances and accentuates them as 'features'. The only thing i prefer over Vista thus far is the improved UAC.

I was refering to the legal version that'll be out later today

[MellonCollie]

I was refering to the legal version that'll be out later today

The leaked version from a couple of weeks ago is the same version(7000) as the 'official' one. And no, you don't need Vista to install it.

[infinitejones]

http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/windows_7.png

[Giant Speck]

The leaked version from a couple of weeks ago is the same version(7000) as the 'official' one. And no, you don't need Vista to install it.

Right. The Windows 7 Beta that is out right now (build 7000) provides two options when booting up: upgrade or install. You can upgrade from Vista to Windows 7 Beta or you can install Windows 7 from scratch.

[jespdj]

*edit*: beaten by infinitejones... :)

[asgardcurse]

I replaced vista on my laptop(HP 6720s 1.73GHz celeron, 2GB, x3100 384MB GFx) with windows 7 a few days ago, it's way faster, reboots in about 1½ min and everything works fine, except one thing...

As usual Windows overwrites the bootloader when you install it, nothing strange there,
Before I had a Sabayon, ubuntu, vista tripple boot. My plan was simple, in with the Sabayon live CD, fix grub.. and so I did.. great, Sabayon and Ubuntu boots fine.. uhm.. ok.. Windows 7 don't, crap I haven't installed my "Telenor" mobile internet yet in linux on the lappy, ok, needs windows to grab the files needed. start with windows boot cd and fixmbr so I can get online, great, Windows works..
ok, now, how to fix this...
in with the ubuntu CD, just to check if it does it better then Sabayon(should be the same), fix grub, and no windows, same as Sabayon, the option to boot windows is there, but don't work.

I guess Microsoft have made Windows 7 incompatible with grub... if anyone haveany clue on how to fix.. feel free to post..

besides the grub problem, I really like Windows 7, it feels like a shiny XP on a fast computer on the same computer as vista was slow and bloated

[ThePinkPoo]

I am waiting on a buddy to hook me up with a disc. I am on a triple boot right now so it will be interesting to see how this runs with that.

[mamamia88]

is it officialy out yet on ms.com? i can't find it also will i be able to run it in vm?

[MellonCollie]

Edit: I removed the links because Microsoft seem to be making changes at their end.

[ThePinkPoo]

The servers are getting hammered. I get "Server is busy."

[Sand & Mercury]

I replaced vista on my laptop(HP 6720s 1.73GHz celeron, 2GB, x3100 384MB GFx) with windows 7 a few days ago, it's way faster, reboots in about 1½ min and everything works fine, except one thing...

As usual Windows overwrites the bootloader when you install it, nothing strange there,
Before I had a Sabayon, ubuntu, vista tripple boot. My plan was simple, in with the Sabayon live CD, fix grub.. and so I did.. great, Sabayon and Ubuntu boots fine.. uhm.. ok.. Windows 7 don't, crap I haven't installed my "Telenor" mobile internet yet in linux on the lappy, ok, needs windows to grab the files needed. start with windows boot cd and fixmbr so I can get online, great, Windows works..
ok, now, how to fix this...
in with the ubuntu CD, just to check if it does it better then Sabayon(should be the same), fix grub, and no windows, same as Sabayon, the option to boot windows is there, but don't work.

I guess Microsoft have made Windows 7 incompatible with grub... if anyone haveany clue on how to fix.. feel free to post..

besides the grub problem, I really like Windows 7, it feels like a shiny XP on a fast computer on the same computer as vista was slow and bloated
Give this a look: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/RecoveringUbuntuAfterInstallingWindows#Quick%20Sta rt and go to the sixth point for the section Quick Start

Works exactly the same for Windows 7.

It's nothing done by Microsoft. It happened to me too with Vista, GRUB wouldn't pick it up automatically, I just had to put in the information my menu.lst by hand. It's a bit of fiddling but you should be fine.

[Frak]

Links for download

* Download the Windows 7 Beta 32-bit version (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)
* Download the Windows 7 Beta 64-bit version (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)

[NoSmokingBandit]

My crappy laptop refuses to boot from a cd, so i installed XP Lite on a 10gb partition and tried to install it from the disc using that method. Then it reboots and i get a "ntldr is missing error" so i copy that file from another install. For some reason my xp partition no longer boots so i throw in a live cd but it wont mount the win7 partition.
MS hates me.
Anyone have any other ideas for how to do this?

[Giant Speck]

Links for download

* Download the Windows 7 Beta 32-bit version (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)
* Download the Windows 7 Beta 64-bit version (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)

Thank you! I didn't want to go looking for it myself!

Is it unlocked or do you need a key, and if it needs a key, where do you get it? I technically still have a key from my *cough*other*cough* download, and I guess I can still use that.

[Frak]

Thank you! I didn't want to go looking for it myself!

Is it unlocked or do you need a key, and if it needs a key, where do you get it? I technically still have a key from my *cough*other*cough* download, and I guess I can still use that.
It doesn't *need* a key. It'll work for 30 days without a key, 120 days if you run slmgr -rearm in the command prompt. Microsoft has yet to release key's yet. They will release 2.5 million keys.

[Giant Speck]

It doesn't *need* a key. It'll work for 30 days without a key, 120 days if you run slmgr -rearm in the command prompt. Microsoft has yet to release key's yet. They will release 2.5 million keys.

Ah, okay. I forgot how this whole thing works! :D

But yeah, I'm downloading it now. I'll work on the partitioning tomorrow and install it.

[mamamia88]

how much hd space does it take up i only have 20gb left

[Giant Speck]

how much hd space does it take up i only have 20gb left

It's supposed to only need 8 GB. I managed to get it up and running in VirtualBox, giving it only 20 GB.

[mamamia88]

huh maybe i should wastes the hd space on the vista partition since i almost never use it anyway

[jrusso2]

I thought Windows 7 is now a public beta meaning anyone can legally run it as long as they get it from the download site.

[Giant Speck]

I thought Windows 7 is now a public beta meaning anyone can legally run it as long as they get it from the download site.

Yes. As of today, Windows 7 is a public beta. Though, I think they're capping the total downloads to 2.5 million. I may be wrong about that number...

[MellonCollie]

The activation keys are limited to 2.5 Million, but I'm sure the iso downloads are unlimited.

[Giant Speck]

The activation keys are limited to 2.5 Million, but I'm sure the iso downloads are unlimited.

Oh, well meh.

I've been really retarded today. :D

[cardinals_fan]

I don't really want to download 2.4 gigabytes...

[MellonCollie]

Oh, well meh.

I've been really retarded today. :D

No you've not. :) There's been a bit of confusion thanks to some tech news sites/blogs getting their info mixed. Even I'm not 100% sure if I'm right! :D

[Frak]

I don't really want to download 2.4 gigabytes...
Download it when you sleep, like I do.

[jedimasterk]

Two of the most important items of Windows 7 haven't been mentioned yet. Price and minimmum system requirements. Looks pretty, that's all so far.

[Frak]

Two of the most important items of Windows 7 haven't been mentioned yet. Price and minimmum system requirements. Looks pretty, that's all so far.
And boot speed; it blows Ubuntu out of the water on my system.

[Giant Speck]

And boot speed; it blows Ubuntu out of the water on my system.

It installs surprisingly fast, too!

[cardinals_fan]

Download it when you sleep, like I do.
I guess that's a possibility.

For everyone who's tried it in a VM: how big did you make the hard drive?

Also, if I downĺoad from Frak's link, where do I get my beta key?

[solitaire]

i installed Win7 in Virtual box on my little laptop.
2Ghz p4(mobile)
768Mb ram
16Mb Video

I had to force Virtual box to use 512Mb of ram for the install to run, but after that Win7 actually ran rather well in my laptop!!

[MellonCollie]

Two of the most important items of Windows 7 haven't been mentioned yet. Price and minimmum system requirements. Looks pretty, that's all so far.

1GHz processor
1GB of main memory
16GB of available disk space
Support for DX9 graphics with 128MB of memory
DVD-R/W drive

[mamamia88]

man i might just have to buy a new hd to try this out i have 20gb left on ubuntu and 20gb left on vista.a

[NoSmokingBandit]

1GHz processor
1GB of main memory
16GB of available disk space
Support for DX9 graphics with 128MB of memory
DVD-R/W drive

Actually, i just installed it on a 900mhz P-III cpu with 512mb ram. Yeah, its slower than molasses in january, but it can be done. Im pretty sure my video card doesnt support anything fancy either, its some old Trident piece of junk card. I do have a dvd drive though, so i get one point :P

[Frak]

To get a Beta key, login here (https://profile.microsoft.com/RegSysProfileCenter/InfoDefault.aspx).

Once you are there DO NOT CLOSE THAT TAB. Open a new one and go to either of these links (depending on your version).

32-Bit Key : https://www.microsoft.com/betaexperience/scripts/gcs.aspx?Product=tn-win7-32-ww&LCID=1033

64-bit Key : https://www.microsoft.com/betaexperience/scripts/gcs.aspx?Product=tn-win7-64-ww&LCID=1033

[cardinals_fan]

One last question: now that I have my key, do I need to download the ISO immediately? This isn't a good time for me to download that big of a file, so can it wait for tonight?

[gjoellee]

Windows 7 Ultimate build Beta is available for download legal somewhere on one of Microsofts websites! The download will be closed when there have been 2,5 million downloads!

Read this: http://news.softpedia.com/news/Downloading-and-Installing-Windows-7-Beta-Build-7000-101661.shtml

[Frak]

One last question: now that I have my key, do I need to download the ISO immediately? This isn't a good time for me to download that big of a file, so can it wait for tonight?
I downloaded mine last night, but I'd hurry; they're about to stop the DL's. After that, you'll have to get it, ehem, another way *winkity wink wink*.

[cardinals_fan]

Windows 7 Ultimate build Beta is available for download legal somewhere on one of Microsofts websites! The download will be closed when there have been 2,5 million downloads!

Read this: http://news.softpedia.com/news/Downloading-and-Installing-Windows-7-Beta-Build-7000-101661.shtml

That's what we're all talking about. The license expires in August.
I downloaded mine last night, but I'd hurry; they're about to stop the DL's. After that, you'll have to get it, ehem, another way *winkity wink wink*.
I guess I'll try now.

[Kleist]

I've installed already. Yes, the install is fast; it includes some gadgets as KDE, looks pretty, I have to say. About performance, it's hard to say yet, but I installed openoffice 3.0 and run smoother than in ubuntu. It recognized all my drivers out of the box.So far, nothing very impressive. I might use it if I'll buy a new computer with windows 7 included, but I won't pay $200-300 bucks for this thing.

:)

[Frak]

7-tip: Remove the Send Feedback link on the Windows.

Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop in regedit and set FeedbackToolEnabled to 0 by double clicking on it's entry. The default value is 3.

Reboot, and it'll disappear. The testing build info is embedded inside of a dll, so only releasing a new hacked dll every update would fix the issue.

[OutOfReach]

On the page with the key, when I click the Download button, absolutely nothing happens. :|

[Frak]

Links for download

* Download the Windows 7 Beta 32-bit version (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)
* Download the Windows 7 Beta 64-bit version (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)
Try these links.

[Dreamlocked]

Does anyone have md5sums on the 32-bit and 64-bit versions?

[seanc7]

I just finished downloading them so they haven't hit 2.5 million yet.

I figured I'd give it a spin on an older P4 laptop I have lying around.

[cardinals_fan]

Downloaded. It doesn't work in Qemu, my preferred virtualization app, so I'll see if I can get VMWare set up on SliTaz.

[Z_Cee]

Stick with Ubuntu and you'll be happier. I Beta tested Vista for M$ and they ignored a lot of bug reports from their official Beta testers. With the speed that Windows 7 is being developed, I look for Windows 7 to be just another version of Vista with a few eye-candy changes. The beta's of Windows 7 I've tested seem to be slow and bloated.

I use Kiwi/Ubuntu 8.04 LTS on a former Vista laptop of mine and it works better than Vista could ever hope to work.

One good thing about Vista is that it will at least get others to try Linux!

[kamaboko]

Stick with Ubuntu and you'll be happier. I Beta tested Vista for M$ and they ignored a lot of bug reports from their official Beta testers. With the speed that Windows 7 is being developed, I look for Windows 7 to be just another version of Vista with a few eye-candy changes. The beta's of Windows 7 I've tested seem to be slow and bloated.

I use Kiwi/Ubuntu 8.04 LTS on a former Vista laptop of mine and it works better than Vista could ever hope to work.

One good thing about Vista is that it will at least get others to try Linux!

Not all machines are the same, so mileage does vary. That said, it's greased lightning on my laptop.

[Mason Whitaker]

Its much quicker than Windows Vista, I'll tell you that. I can hopefully hope that Microsoft won't screw this up to badly...

[asgardcurse]

Give this a look: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/RecoveringUbuntuAfterInstallingWindows#Quick%20Sta rt and go to the sixth point for the section Quick Start

Works exactly the same for Windows 7.

It's nothing done by Microsoft. It happened to me too with Vista, GRUB wouldn't pick it up automatically, I just had to put in the information my menu.lst by hand. It's a bit of fiddling but you should be fine.

thanx will have a look.. odd is that it worked fine with vista for me

[damis648]

I just installed it (Public Build 7000 on a 50Gb test partition), and have been messing with it for about 30 minutes. I have to say, and don't kill me, it's quite nice. It even automatically (!!!!) installed my video driver. Right after the installation, I got a notification from the panel that I has just installed updates. I clicked on it, looked at my updates, and saw how the video driver was automatically installed. :popcorn: Awesome. I started playing with themes, settings, and the new taskabr and start menu. The new taskbar is very nice. I love how hovering over one application you can see all the windows, hover over a window and all the others go transparent, and add any application and you get an instant right click option in the bar are just great features. The chanaging background is also nice, as well as the gadgets (no sidebar now, yay :popcorn:) The new start menu and search are also quite useful (better than vista). Also, the integrated networking and 'homegroups' are neat to have too. The new explorer is also great in conjunction with the features of the new taskbar. I actually really like it... (maybe dual boot in the future :popcorn:)

Edit: WOW that's alot of popcorn...
Also, it is very fast and uses MUCH less resources than Vista (RAM at 1GB with a whole bunch of programs running (still doesn't beat Ubuntu though) and at idle only uses 1% CPU (Ubuntu idles at 4-5%)

EDIT 2: I agree with billgoldberg, it is a good OS. Also, I forgot to say that IE integrates nicely in that hovering over the icon not only shows all the windows but also all the tabs. As long as firefox manages to integrate this in the future, I might just install it when it releases.

[billgoldberg]

I haven't seen it yet myself, i hope to get it tomorrow. what are your impressions, likes/dislikes? how does it compare to XP/vista/ubuntu?

It's really impressive and blows Gnome and Kde out of the water gui-wise.

The new Live essential package that comes with the beta is also a nice upgrade.

I just finished installing it (was using the prebeta before that) and it was really fast. The whole thing was up and running in 20 minutes.

Besides having to install the ATI driver to fix the resolution, everything worked OOTB.

The OS starts in the same time Ubuntu did on this pc (Arch is still faster :p).

I'm using the Ultimate version and only have 1gb of ram and it runs very smooth. As smooth as Ubuntu did. No problems at all on the speed front, unlike Vista.

The new "superbar", the search fields everywhere, the new explorer, ... yes it's a good OS.

Don't get me wrong guys, I still prefer Linux, I use Arch as my main OS. Because despite the rock solid release from Redmond it's still Windows, get out your anti-virus, anti-spyware tools.

btw: this version can be downloaded freely and you can get your product key legally from some Microsoft site.

[damis648]

btw: this version can be downloaded freely and you can get your product key legally from some Microsoft site.

Yes, http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/beta-download.aspx

[Frak]

FYI, Page 3-5, I already posted all of the necessary links.

[damis648]

FYI, Page 3-5, I already posted all of the necessary links.

Oh, sorry. :o

[Tim Sharitt]

Has anybody tried to run it in a VM. I tried Vista in several VMs but it's always ran to slow to be usable. I don't really want to clear out a partition just to try it out.

[Moop]

I downloaded the 64 bit version from MS. The download went quicker than expected, about 35 mins for 3.2 gb.

Installation went fine but it didn't detect my XP install on a separate hdd. It detected and installed my video, lan, and wireless and installed the drivers. It froze up when I tried to reboot and I needed to restart manually but everything looks good after reboot.

I've never used vista but I'm impressed with the gui in Win 7. I'm still finding my way around but I like it so far.

[damis648]

Has anybody tried to run it in a VM. I tried Vista in several VMs but it's always ran to slow to be usable. I don't really want to clear out a partition just to try it out.

I just quickly boot up a LiveCD and resize. But I will try it in a VM soon and let you know, I hear Vbox has 3D Accelleration support now, maybe we can even get Aero. :popcorn:

[73ckn797]

To get a Beta key, login here (https://profile.microsoft.com/RegSysProfileCenter/InfoDefault.aspx).

Once you are there DO NOT CLOSE THAT TAB. Open a new one and go to either of these links (depending on your version).

32-Bit Key : https://www.microsoft.com/betaexperience/scripts/gcs.aspx?Product=tn-win7-32-ww&LCID=1033

64-bit Key : https://www.microsoft.com/betaexperience/scripts/gcs.aspx?Product=tn-win7-64-ww&LCID=1033


These links do not take me to any key. Where on the site would they be found?

EDIT: Nevermind, figured it out.

[damis648]

I ended up having to install IE in Wine because clicking the 'Download' button in FF wouldn't do anything. :(

[PoopyTheJ]

I've tried to DL like 8 times so far today and every time it times out, tried flashget, through mozilla nad wget and nothing will resume. I'm pulling my hair out anyone else having difficulty?

[Tim Sharitt]

I ended up having to install IE in Wine because clicking the 'Download' button in FF wouldn't do anything. :(
I had to get the link from the page source. I think it's the same one frak linked to.

[Moop]

I've tried to DL like 8 times so far today and every time it times out, tried flashget, through mozilla nad wget and nothing will resume. I'm pulling my hair out anyone else having difficulty?

I couldn't get it to download using firefox in ubuntu. I used IE in XP. I was able to get the key in firefox but it wouldn't download. I suppose I could have used a torrent if needed.

[PoopyTheJ]

rebooted in windows and it installed an activex download manager, now I see why i couldn't get resume to work in any normal program. Arrggg, proprietary...

[damis648]

I just realized that WordPad in 7 allows you to save to ODT document. :popcorn:

[Wii Owner 3.14]

I've been trying to install over Ubuntu 8.04, but every time the CD gets to the second loading screen, with the "(C) Microsoft Corporation," the computer reboots (I have it set to boot from CD, so it's just looping). Anybody have any ideas why this would be happening?

[Giant Speck]

I've been trying to install over Ubuntu 8.04, but every time the CD gets to the second loading screen, with the "(C) Microsoft Corporation," the computer reboots (I have it set to boot from CD, so it's just looping). Anybody have any ideas why this would be happening?

When it reboots are you getting a screen that says "Press any key to boot from CD/DVD"?

If so, are you pressing any key?

If so, don't. When it reboots, leave it alone. Don't press anything.

[Giant Speck]

I'm posting this from a freshly installed Windows 7 Beta 1, and from the first impression, all I have to say is: wow.

It's snappy. It's more intuitive. The new taskbar is awesome!

I did go in and install Google Chrome, and I'm getting ready to install Winamp.

So far, everything is working just like I would want it to. However, I've only been playing around with it for lest than fifteen minutes.

I think I'm going to have to go back and reinstall GRUB, though, because when it restarted during the install, it showed a bootmenu that only included Windows 7 and Windows Vista.

[HunterThomson]

Lets give credit to them (for once)...


I like the touch technology that they are going to get. The photo application feature is really nice, like in Minority report. Bill gates has been saying about OS going completely Touch, Voice recognition, RFID..... hope apple fanboy's accept that apple has "copies/borrowed/stole/enhanced" this feature into Mac OS

Ya but MicroShaft stole the Desktop Environment GUI stuff from Apple.

[the8thstar]

Hello all,

I'm interested to try the Beta. Could you recommend a good download link that works?

Thanks alot in advance.

[Giant Speck]

Hello all,

I'm interested to try the Beta. Could you recommend a good download link that works?

Thanks alot in advance.

From Frak's post:

Links for download

* Download the Windows 7 Beta 32-bit version (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)
* Download the Windows 7 Beta 64-bit version (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)

[otz070]

Lets give credit to them (for once)...


I like the touch technology that they are going to get. The photo application feature is really nice, like in Minority report. Bill gates has been saying about OS going completely Touch, Voice recognition, RFID..... hope apple fanboy's accept that apple has "copies/borrowed/stole/enhanced" this feature into Mac OS

So basically there going to actually introduce a "brand new feature" that wasn't already created by someone esle?

Firefox came out with tabbed browsing, So IE7 Copied calling it "new tabbed browsing
Apple introduced the shiny gui way before anyone (really if anyone can recall back that far system 8.0 was what started it all (I love macs just cant afford them anymore:() I had one on system 7.5! way back then)
So of course way late in the game the "failed" windows vista copys (though not as good in my opinion) the fancy shiny gui.

(Interestingly enough as I mentioned "failed" windows vista this is because not only did many users become dissapointed but I also read an article in I think it was CPU (Computer Power User) about microsoft actually considering vista a failure though not in so short of a summary, more like a two paragraph statement saying that we are not pleased with the results---in other words admiting defeat without actually admiting it or something like that..... and a few lines down in the article was the announcement of windows 7.

It was just the way that this was worded that it was only one of many reasons (not on the part of cpu though I love the magazine:), but on the quoted parts of the microsoft people) that helped further influence my desicion to nolonger use microsoft products. If I have to pay to upgrade my OS every 2years then forget it especially if there going to keep putting stuff like this out.
I now run ubuntu hardy and xppro and I find that it is actually an annoyance to even run xp as I have become accustomed to the speed of linux and I cant stand waiting the mere 100seconds for windows to load all of it's crap.

The one thing that gets on my nerves though lately is why exactly is it that even though people are willing to acknolodge that they dont like windows they still put up with it? Imagine if more of the premium software that was windows only (or in my case hardware) had native linux support.

The only way to kill the beast is to stop feeding it...
(most of its sales come from preinstalled systems...so you might want to remember that if you purchase a system to use for only linux that has a win oem preinstall, your still paying extra for the win oem)

I apologize if this has gotten alittle overdone or watever it is only my opinion of microsoft/the new windows 7's (introduction)
I'm not saying by any means that the new version will be good or bad It's just that I got sick of putting up with stupid pointless errors of past versions and I now use linux and pretty much 95% opensource software anyway so I don't really need it now i guess.....


And to exit on a much lighter note... (Actually happened) vista has voice command features (though there not really that good) so I tell my computer "open MY Computer" and the system responds "do you want to "kill a computer".............(Me now fed up after screwing with it for 15minutes).............."Yes" :) It really happend. possibly my favourite vista moment!!!!


also don't ask me why but to those who are having trouble downloading If your using a genuine windows site, they don't usually allow download managers I've tried, unless they've changed things.... maybe they are afraid of overloading their servers. (Seriously?)

[the8thstar]

From Frak's post:

Thank you very much Giant Speck. I appreciate the help.

[billgoldberg]

Ya but MicroShaft stole the Desktop Environment GUI stuff from Apple.

What are you talking about?

[damis648]

It's snappy. It's more intuitive. The new taskbar is awesome!

While I agree with you, I must remind you of billgoldberg's old signature: "The only 'intuitive' interface is the nipple. After that, it's all learned." :popcorn:

[Giant Speck]

While I agree with you, I must remind you of billgoldberg's old signature: "The only 'intuitive' interface is the nipple. After that, it's all learned." :popcorn:

Well, I meant more intuitive as in it is more intuitive than Vista. But in comparison to the nipple, it is as intuitive as a wet match.

(CAUTION: Giant Speck is not good at making analogies. Please bear in mind that Giant Speck will not be held responsible for any cranial explosion that may result from trying to understand his analogies.)

[damis648]

Well, I meant more intuitive as in it is more intuitive than Vista. But in comparison to the nipple, it is as intuitive as a wet match.

:lolflag: Yes, it's very nice. I will probably keep it until my beta period ends.

[ingvildr]

Anyone running the beta should defiantely apply this update 32bit (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=a754008b-d574-4e39-b4ba-67b859a242b7&displaylang=en) or 64bit (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=0c56bf3c-9370-4fda-b4c8-5dc63d55626d&displaylang=en).

From Microsoft.com
"Brief Description
Install this update to resolve live and recorded TV issues in Windows Media Center, recorded TV playback issues in Windows Media Player, and MP3 file corruption issues in Windows."

[damis648]

Anyone running the beta should defiantely apply this update 32bit (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=a754008b-d574-4e39-b4ba-67b859a242b7&displaylang=en) or 64bit (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=0c56bf3c-9370-4fda-b4c8-5dc63d55626d&displaylang=en).

From Microsoft.com
"Brief Description
Install this update to resolve live and recorded TV issues in Windows Media Center, recorded TV playback issues in Windows Media Player, and MP3 file corruption issues in Windows."

Windows update should do this automatically, no?

[ingvildr]

Windows update should do this automatically, no?

It didn't for me i just got a few drivers.

[Giant Speck]

Anyone running the beta should defiantely apply this update 32bit (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=a754008b-d574-4e39-b4ba-67b859a242b7&displaylang=en) or 64bit (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=0c56bf3c-9370-4fda-b4c8-5dc63d55626d&displaylang=en).

From Microsoft.com
"Brief Description
Install this update to resolve live and recorded TV issues in Windows Media Center, recorded TV playback issues in Windows Media Player, and MP3 file corruption issues in Windows."

Thanks for this! One of the next things I want to try is my Pinnacle PCTV stick.

[RATM_Owns]

BTW, to get the guest additions to work, click Devices->Install Guest Additions at the top and reboot Windows 7 Beta.

Then go to Computer and click on the guest additions drive. On VBoxWindowsAdditions and either VBoxWindowsAdditions-x86 or VBoxWindowsAdditions-amd64 (depending on which ISO you installed) go to Properties for the EXE, go under Compatibility, check the "Run this in compatibility mode for..." and choose Windows Vista.

Then run VBoxWindowsAdditions and approve the UAC prompts (if you didn't disable it) and reboot the VM.

[Hyper Tails]

I downloaded it and It's nice
But!
The 64-bit one is broken and the 32-bit one works
and I need help getting my wireless working because it won't work

any help will be thanked

but windows 7 is still very nice

wireless card: Realtek RTL8187 wireless 802.11g

[Frak]

It didn't for me i just got a few drivers.
This installed for me automatically in Windows Update.

[Matthew Wiebelhaus]

I have it installed right now, its faster than vista (I had it installed before this) and it has many more features. I have had any problems with it. I am pretty satisfied and my laptop is 3 years old. It runs very fast and smooth. I havent even heard my fan turn on yet as in vista.

[WiFi Ed]

I downloaded and installed the x64 version on my desktop and notebook. Quick install, all the desktop hardware works, most of the notebook hardware works too, with the exception of the Fn key functions and the webcam. I was able to install the Sony utilities for Vista x64 and now the Fn keys work too. Office 2007 works (well, duh) as does my ESET NOD32 antivirus. Haven't tried Adobe CS3 yet.

Win7 has a lighter footprint than Vista, consumes a little less memory, a bit less of the CPU. The only problem I've seen so far is with iTunes. iTunes keeps trying to update a library file and Win7 won't let it write to the directory. Eventually, I started getting "You need to run chkdisk" messages, so I re-installed Win7 but left off iTunes. Pretty good so far...

[emshains]

Well, from what I hear, it runs hell of a lot faster than vista does on old hardware.

[Frak]

Microsoft Extends Windows 7 Beta Availability Until January 24th (http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/windows7/archive/2009/01/10/here-s-where-we-stand.aspx)

[klange]

I'm all up and running on my laptop (which is also alpha testing Jaunty, need to fix my Grub after installing Windows...). Things seem fine so far, haven't had to download any drivers for one.

From what I've heard, the Beta lasts until August. I'm also beta'ing Kapersky AV so Windows will shut up.

e: Ooh, pull off/on full screen. Something I love from our world.

[Frak]

I'm all up and running on my laptop (which is also alpha testing Jaunty, need to fix my Grub after installing Windows...). Things seem fine so far, haven't had to download any drivers for one.

From what I've heard, the Beta lasts until August. I'm also beta'ing Kapersky AV so Windows will shut up.

e: Ooh, pull off/on full screen. Something I love from our world.
Just watch the calenders, as it ends at 12:00 AM August 1st, 2009.

BTW, I turned off UAC and changed it so it doesn't alert me for an anti-virus (I'm smart enough not to hurt myself).

BTW, do a large file transfer in explorer, and your explorer toolbar icon (the folders in the rack) will do a pretty cool transfer loading style change.

BTW, I use BTW a lot, BTW.

[MellonCollie]

BTW, I turned off UAC and changed it so it doesn't alert me for an anti-virus (I'm smart enough not to hurt myself).


You didn't need to turn UAC off for that. Just open Action Center (click the flag in the system tray) and click 'Turn off messages about virus protection'.

[Frak]

You didn't need to turn UAC off for that. Just open Action Center (click the flag in the system tray) and click 'Turn off messages about virus protection'.
That's what I did:

...and changed it so it doesn't alert me for an anti-virus...

I just don't like UAC that much.

[Wii Owner 3.14]

When it reboots are you getting a screen that says "Press any key to boot from CD/DVD"?

If so, are you pressing any key?

If so, don't. When it reboots, leave it alone. Don't press anything.

That just sends it to Ubuntu (which I now remember is still 7.10, though I'm not sure if that matters; it's on a secondary computer that I forgot to upgrade). I can't see a way to make the Windows 7 beta DVD continue past the little loading bar after the text-based one. What did you have to do (if anything at all) to get it to actually install?

[cardinals_fan]

I have it working in VMWare. So far, I'm extremely displeased. More to come once I get some issues worked out...

[MellonCollie]

That's what I did:



I misread your post. ](*,)

[NoSmokingBandit]

I have it working in VMWare. So far, I'm extremely displeased. More to come once I get some issues worked out...

Tbh, its much better when installed native than in VMWare. Much, much better.

[cardinals_fan]

Tbh, its much better when installed native than in VMWare. Much, much better.
Any particular reason?

[Frak]

Any particular reason?
The speed is now, more than ever, dependent on the graphics. When switching between integrated and my 8800, theres a massive boost in speed on the 8800. That's not saying it's slow on integrated, Aero is still much faster than it's Vista counterpart. What I'm trying to say is, there's much more overhead in a Virtual Machine than there is if you just ran it on metal.

[cardinals_fan]

The speed is now, more than ever, dependent on the graphics. When switching between integrated and my 8800, theres a massive boost in speed on the 8800. That's not saying it's slow on integrated, Aero is still much faster than it's Vista counterpart. What I'm trying to say is, there's much more overhead in a Virtual Machine than there is if you just ran it on metal.
The speed is the least of my problems. My usb adapter (which never worked well, even in XP) has issues (http://news.softpedia.com/news/Windows-7-Fails-to-Play-Nice-with-Legacy-USB-Network-Adapters-100983.shtml) in 7. I found a thread (http://www.sevenforums.com/drivers/1151-belkin-usb-wireless-driver.html) discussing the issue and decided to copy the installer over on a flash drive. Windows 7 failed to recognize my flash drive. I'll probably set up a shared folder to transfer the driver installer, but this makes me very uncomfortable with the idea of actually installing this thing.

[73ckn797]

Loaded Windows 7 on another computer I just put together with no issues and picked up all hardware with no problem.

1.6Ghz Biostar board with on-board graphics and 2Gib RAM. Bought the board with processor at Micro Center about 2 weeks ago. With 1Gib RAM and Trendnet wireless Ethernet card and CD/DVD burner I paid only $136.00 USD. Already had an extra 1Gib RAM chip, keyboard, mouse and case.

[djb6]

I have it working in VMWare. So far, I'm extremely displeased. More to come once I get some issues worked out...
Just a note, as big of a fan as I am of Ubuntu, Windows 7 is amazing. I had it set up in VMware as well and it was nothing compared to what it's like doing a clean install. I'm using it right now and I'm ready to take this beta and make it my main OS on my computer, even though it's only a beta.

[djb6]

The speed is the least of my problems. My usb adapter (which never worked well, even in XP) has issues (http://news.softpedia.com/news/Windows-7-Fails-to-Play-Nice-with-Legacy-USB-Network-Adapters-100983.shtml) in 7. I found a thread (http://www.sevenforums.com/drivers/1151-belkin-usb-wireless-driver.html) discussing the issue and decided to copy the installer over on a flash drive. Windows 7 failed to recognize my flash drive. I'll probably set up a shared folder to transfer the driver installer, but this makes me very uncomfortable with the idea of actually installing this thing.
None of my USB things worked at all in VMware with 7. Now, they all work perfectly.

[bitumen]

Running Windows7 in VirtualBox 2.10 on ubuntu 8.10 64 bit

only issue i had was install guest additions

need to run the additions in Vista Compatability mode

Found How To Here
Thanks to http://www.ideaexcursion.com/2008/12/31/installing-windows-7-beta-1-in-virtualbox-210/

[Giant Speck]

BTW, do a large file transfer in explorer, and your explorer toolbar icon (the folders in the rack) will do a pretty cool transfer loading style change.

I love that feature! It also does it when you are extracting files from a .zip file.

[cardinals_fan]

What is your favorite feature in Windows 7? I ask because I'm considering giving up on it (it's a disaster in every VM I've tried) and just resizing my trusty Slackware partition to fill the drive. Should I install? Is it worth it?

[joey-elijah]

What is your favorite feature in Windows 7? I ask because I'm considering giving up on it (it's a disaster in every VM I've tried) and just resizing my trusty Slackware partition to fill the drive. Should I install? Is it worth it?

i would defo say yes! It's very slick and UI friendly.

...and for the moment, it's free!

[RATM_Owns]

It hangs on "Starting Windows" for me.

Like, completely stops.

All I've done was installed, installed guest additions, disabled the Feedback tool, and that's it.

[PoopyTheJ]

Longest install I've ever seen for this OS. Took forever! Also after getting it installed did not install my ethernet driver at the very least. I'll find out what else after I get grub fixed.

[cardinals_fan]

i would defo say yes! It's very slick and UI friendly.

...and for the moment, it's free!
Slick and UI friendly? What does that mean?

[Frak]

Slick and UI friendly? What does that mean?
Buttons are easy to see, objects interact with the environment, power-user-ish window tiling and resizing (as simple as dragging to edges of screen), notifications and progress without constant checking, etc, etc, etc.

I like it myself.

[KiwiNZ]

I have installed the 64bit version on my test laptop. First impressions are positive. Very stable for a Beta .

They have removed some features , one in particular is Windows mail. The Vista version of this was actually very good so I am at a loss as to why they have removed it for 7.The photo gallary has been changed and is not as good as the Vista version.

The jury is still out on the Task bar and Start menu , I am just not sure of it

So far no issues with loading things like Open Office, VLC, Thunderbird and Firefox and Avast.

All in all though I like it but not blown away or excited, I just feel that its Vista as it should have been .

[KiwiNZ]

Thats odd , 25 minutes including updates for me , thats not bad

Longest install I've ever seen for this OS. Took forever! Also after getting it installed did not install my ethernet driver at the very least. I'll find out what else after I get grub fixed.

[Frak]

Thats odd , 25 minutes including updates for me , thats not bad
The part that takes the longest is expanding the archives, and that part is almost entirely dependent on your amount of RAM and processor speed.

[PoopyTheJ]

Takes a long time to load, however aside from that it only missed my ethernet card and smb drivers. Had to install the catalyst drivers, which exist for windows 7 already, so that was cool. Some programs will not work though, like the IFS tool for viewing EXT3 partitions, which I need. So as for right now it's strictly for Far Cry 2 and homework, as my online school requires windows for my current class.

[KiwiNZ]

The part that takes the longest is expanding the archives, and that part is almost entirely dependent on your amount of RAM and processor speed.

The machine I used has 2Gb Ram and 2.4ghz CPU

I am going to try it on a Desktop soon , it will be interesting to compare

[Frak]

The machine I used has 2Gb Ram and 2.4ghz CPU

I am going to try it on a Desktop soon , it will be interesting to compare
With same specs (dual-core I'm hoping), took 32 Minutes including updates. (64-bit edition)

[Giant Speck]

I have installed the 64bit version on my test laptop. First impressions are positive. Very stable for a Beta .

They have removed some features , one in particular is Windows mail. The Vista version of this was actually very good so I am at a loss as to why they have removed it for 7.The photo gallary has been changed and is not as good as the Vista version.

The jury is still out on the Task bar and Start menu , I am just not sure of it

So far no issues with loading things like Open Office, VLC, Thunderbird and Firefox and Avast.

All in all though I like it but not blown away or excited, I just feel that its Vista as it should have been .

The reason Windows Mail has been removed is because they are trying to make Windows 7 as light as possible from the get-go. Windows Mail and other programs that used to be available upon fresh install will now become a-la-carte downloads from Windows Live, or will become web services associated with the Windows Live website.

[quickshade]

As far as the mail and photo viewer, make sure you download the add on pack from windows live (it's free and will stay that way, but it removes bloat from the OS) and you'll have all those great apps back. I think the apps they have included and not included need to be refined a bit more, but my overall view is it is a fast and mean OS, and the best OS I've seen from MS maybe ever. I will always use linux, but Windows 7 might take a bit of my Linux time away.

Of course I thank linux and it's community, for the power we put into building a better OS than Microsoft has finally made them have to really try again.

[L815]

** edited **

[geekygirl]

As far as the mail and photo viewer, make sure you download the add on pack from windows live (it's free and will stay that way, but it removes bloat from the OS) and you'll have all those great apps back. I think the apps they have included and not included need to be refined a bit more, but my overall view is it is a fast and mean OS, and the best OS I've seen from MS maybe ever.

I agree with you 100% about this - Windows 7 is snappy and responsive, has some great ideas about the user interface - given that my impression after installation was..ooh look, it looks KDE4...lol

I am using W7 64bit as my main OS currently until the beta expires and am looking forwards to upgrading my Vista install to Windows 7 now - MS might actually be on to something too...

Nice to see that across many internet forums that Windows 7 is meeting peoples expectations and then some - although there are always going to be the anti-MS/Windows crowd no matter where you go, but a good OS is a good OS no matter who made it...

[cardinals_fan]

I decided to install it. That was a very bad decision. I didn't realize that Windows 7 automatically includes and uses the proprietary NVIDIA drivers, which are broken for my card. On a Linux box, I would have dropped to the CLI and edited my xorg.conf, but I have no clue how to do that on 7. I'll google a little bit...

[Frak]

I decided to install it. That was a very bad decision. I didn't realize that Windows 7 automatically includes and uses the proprietary NVIDIA drivers, which are broken for my card. On a Linux box, I would have dropped to the CLI and edited my xorg.conf, but I have no clue how to do that on 7. I'll google a little bit...
Just boot into safe mode and uninstall them from there. It'll drop back to vesa on normal reboot.

[HunterThomson]

What are you talking about?

Come on =P~ Xerox invented the mouse and GUI but didn't patent it. Then gave it to Apple. Them micoshaft partnered up with apple. They copped there GUI+mouse idea. Then came out with windows and Steve Jobs and Bill broke up.

Come on, everyone knows that classic love story of the computer age?

[cardinals_fan]

Just boot into safe mode and uninstall them from there. It'll drop back to vesa on normal reboot.
No can do. After installation, 7 restarts to the Setup wizard. I can't complete it with the broken drivers, but I also can't complete it in safe mode. And it won't start up without completing the wizard. In short, I'm screwed.

[Frak]

No can do. After installation, 7 restarts to the Setup wizard. I can't complete it with the broken drivers, but I also can't complete it in safe mode. And it won't start up without completing the wizard. In short, I'm screwed.
Pop in your CD and start the recovery manager. From there, see what you can do.

[cardinals_fan]

Pop in your CD and start the recovery manager. From there, see what you can do.
I'm not sure if I can do anything. The options are for recovery (no good), memory and disk checks, and a command prompt. I opened the prompt and failed totally and miserably. It opened at X:\ (the recovery CD, I believe). I tried to cd D:\ (my Windows 7 partition), but it did nothing. My Windows CLI skills were never good, and have gotten worse from lack of practice. Is there any hope, or should I overwrite it with SliTaz?

[PoopyTheJ]

Also Sunbelt Personal Firewall = BSOD, started in safe mode and tried to uninstall but you can't use the windows installer/uninstaller in safe mode. Gonna try deleting the offending .sys file from ubuntu.

Nvidia driver, hmmm, you can't uninstall it in safe mode I take it? Try associating the generic driver with your card in safe mode through the device manager.

[cardinals_fan]

Nvidia driver, hmmm, you can't uninstall it in safe mode I take it? Try associating the generic driver with your card in safe mode through the device manager.
I can't boot into Safe Mode. I was never able to finish setup. My only options are the recovery tools on the disk, and they aren't capable of what I need. I'm deciding what to replace it with now...

EDIT: I've had it with Windows 7. Back to SliTaz, this time with JFS :D

[Messyhair42]

k, i finally got a chance to try it...and the download won't start.

[quickshade]

What Graphics card were you using. I'm trying to find some of the bad ones (I've heard of 2-3 people having the same issue) and report them to MS and nividia so we can better understand where the problem is. There should not be any issues with the graphics cards cause errors like that because most of the underlying code for the graphics framework is the same, just refined and tuned up from Vista. BTW try the graphical tools on the windows CD, might have better luck.

[67GTA]

When I click on the download button, nothing happens. Have the servers melted down again?

[ThePinkPoo]

Not too shabby from what I have played with. I am still unsure about the new taskbar. I was impressed about the driver support and that on install it will update itself. Seems like a few steps up.

[Kernel Sanders]

They have removed some features , one in particular is Windows mail. The Vista version of this was actually very good so I am at a loss as to why they have removed it for 7.The photo gallary has been changed and is not as good as the Vista version.

From what i've read, it's because they are pushing "Windows Live Essentials" that you can download from the Live website. It's annoying and stupid IMHO, but that's the reason.

http://download.live.com/

Hope this helps :KS

[Cenotaph]

Well, i liked Windows Mail, but with Windows Live Mail available for free its pretty much useless. Also, many ppl now dont even use mail applications, giving preference to web-based mail clients.

So i think it makes sense that some applications are not installed by default, microsoft has been criticized in the past for these pre-installed applications, let's not forget it.

The OS is "cleaner" this way, i like it.

[KiwiNZ]

aaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrgggggggggghhhhhhhhhh the start menu is still as irritating as a slow driver on the motorway

[MellonCollie]

What's annoying you about the start menu? :P

[hatten]

It'll take several days to download, i don't have DVD-reader/burner and probably too crappy computer=no testing from me :|

I'll reinstall k-/x-/ubuntu and XP instead :popcorn:

[the8thstar]

I can't download from the link provided in this forum. Do you guys know of a reliable other source?

[MellonCollie]

Have you tried this link? (http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/dd353205.aspx) You need to sign in with a Live ID and then it should prompt you to install the Akamai download manager.

[dvader]

have it , win7 , installed as a virtual machine , it works OK

is it possible to install it as a dual boot ..


read in a Ubuntu magazine that Vista and Ubuntu can present problems


Dvader

[ThePinkPoo]

have it , win7 , installed as a virtual machine , it works OK

is it possible to install it as a dual boot ..


read in a Ubuntu magazine that Vista and Ubuntu can present problems


Dvader

I had it as a triple boot. If you already have Windows installed then you will have to reinstall GRUB after you install 7.

[Twitch6000]

From all the videos and blogs I have read on this beta it seems widnows 7 is what vista should have been.

I really hope Microsoft keeps the good work up on this OS.

I might try the 30 day trail myself when I get some time... lol

[the8thstar]

Have you tried this link? (http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/dd353205.aspx) You need to sign in with a Live ID and then it should prompt you to install the Akamai download manager.

Yes, I did. When I click to download, nothing happens.

[Messyhair42]

I'm having the same problem. are microsoft's servers still lagging?

[MellonCollie]

Try these links. I'm sure there's a java version of the Akamai download manager (so the download should work in [insert name of Linux distro here]), so if you have java installed it should ask you to install it.

32-bit (http://wb.dlservice.microsoft.com/download/6/3/3/633118BD-6C3D-45A4-B985-F0FDFFE1B021/EN/7000.0.081212-1400_client_en-us_Ultimate-GB1CULFRE_EN_DVD.iso)

64-bit (http://wb.dlservice.microsoft.com/download/6/3/3/633118BD-6C3D-45A4-B985-F0FDFFE1B021/EN/7000.0.081212-1400_client_en-us_Ultimate-GB1CULXFRE_EN_DVD.ISO)

[kahrytan]

I've tried Windows 7 and here's my review.



It takes less than 1 hour to install. I estimate around 45mins.
Boot up time is faster then Ubuntu 8.04. I counted boot times in 1-one thousands.

Windows 7 took 22 seconds to get to login and 7 seconds to usable desktop. This is with antivirus installed.
Ubuntu 8.04 took 24 seconds to boot to login and 9 seconds to usable desktop. This is with out Compiz.
Sorry, ubuntu 8.10 is too buggy to test due to unsupported hardware.


Microsoft took a page from Linux boot and creates 200mb boot partition. 28mb of it is used for bootmanager files.
Aero is nicer then Ubuntu default look.
Performance of Windows 7 is about the same as Ubuntu without compiz.


Windows 7 is shaping up to be a true linux adoption killer.
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o200/kahrytan/Screenshot/Win7.png

[Frak]

For everybody having download issues, I posted direct links on page 3 of this thread.

[Frak]

I thought this was a cool feature for new users.

[MellonCollie]

Here's another neat feature that'll come in handy for tech support: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=NdFMqz8VMk4

[rockface]

I've tried Windows 7 and here's my review.



It takes less than 1 hour to install. I estimate around 45mins.
Boot up time is faster then Ubuntu 8.04. I counted boot times in 1-one thousands.

Windows 7 took 22 seconds to get to login and 7 seconds to usable desktop. This is with antivirus installed.
Ubuntu 8.04 took 24 seconds to boot to login and 9 seconds to usable desktop. This is with out Compiz.
Sorry, ubuntu 8.10 is too buggy to test due to unsupported hardware.

Aero is nicer then Ubuntu default look.
Performance of Windows 7 is about the same as Ubuntu without compiz.


Windows 7 is shaping up to be a true linux adoption killer.
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o200/kahrytan/Screenshot/Win7.png

Linux, the last time I looked was, and is free. What you mean to say is Microsoft will spend billions to keep their place in the IT food chain.

There will be no mass Linux exodus on the desktop, it will never happen.

But Linux will proliferate, none the less. This alone scares Microsoft types. The present economic climate at the very least gives favour to FOSS.

Are their any 'Microsoft Types' (sorry for generalizing with a bad spell checker) that disagree with this assumption?

Nice background, but Linux is still here. And Windows 7 will never change this fact.

[Frak]

Linux, the last time I looked was, and is free. What you mean to say is Microsoft will spend billions to keep their place in the IT food chain.

There will be no mass Linux exodus on the desktop, it will never happen.

But Linux will proliferate, none the less. This alone scares Microsoft types. The present economic climate at the very least gives favour to FOSS.

Are their any 'Microsoft Types' (sorry for generalizing with a bad spell checker) that disagree with this assumption?

Nice background, but Linux is still here. And Windows 7 will never change this fact.
Linux will exist for a long, long time. And you're right, there will not be Linux exodus on the desktop. Microsoft isn't scared of this, as this alone gives Microsoft rights to do things (since desktop Linux can now be considered a competitor of Microsoft and subsequently save them from monopolizing).

OS/2 is still around, BSD is still around, and even BeOS is around in its Haiku version. There's no real point being made.

[rockface]

Linux will exist for a long, long time. And you're right, there will not be Linux exodus on the desktop. Microsoft isn't scared of this, as this alone gives Microsoft rights to do things (since desktop Linux can now be considered a competitor of Microsoft and subsequently save them from monopolizing).

OS/2 is still around, BSD is still around, and even BeOS is around in its Haiku version. There's no real point being made.

Microsoft is VERY scared of this. CHOICE. Just what would you do if there was choice?

if you do not think, Microsoft loves you. whatever

[RATM_Owns]

Test Arch Linux in the time race. :P

[Frak]

Microsoft is VERY scared of this. CHOICE. Just what would you do if there was choice?

if you do not think, Microsoft loves you. whatever
I keep my tinfoil hat on, and I already have all the crystal skulls, so the mayans can't get me. Thx.

[cardinals_fan]

What Graphics card were you using. I'm trying to find some of the bad ones (I've heard of 2-3 people having the same issue) and report them to MS and nividia so we can better understand where the problem is. There should not be any issues with the graphics cards cause errors like that because most of the underlying code for the graphics framework is the same, just refined and tuned up from Vista. BTW try the graphical tools on the windows CD, might have better luck.
I've already reported my problems to NVIDIA many times. They just don't care very much about the users of their GeForce 6100s. This has been true of every NVIDIA driver since 17x.xx, on any OS.
Microsoft is VERY scared of this. CHOICE. Just what would you do if there was choice?

if you do not think, Microsoft loves you. whatever
Microsoft is actually part of a massive conspiracy to help jellyfishes take over the world.

[Cenotaph]

Linux has a very dedicated community and is one of the main strengths of the Free Software movement, it will always be around no matter what.

Also, I expect Windows market share to drop a bit even if Windows 7 is great. The computing market is shifting towards mobile/task-specific devices and while windows is a great OS for general PC purposes it might not be the best option for dedicated devices.

What i mean is gaming for instance, console market seems to be on the rise, and therefore windows loses one of its main selling points. PC will tend to be used solely as workstations where linux and even mac osx (for very different reasons) can be better or decent enough options for some companies.

I do not expect Apple to keep increasing and overtake Microsoft at all, but the pc market should be a little more balanced, lets say 75% for MS, 20% for Apple and 5% for Linux and others. And that's being very optimistic...

Where Windows 7 should worry Linux is in the netbook market, which i see as one of the biggest opportunities ever for Linux to expand its adoption. If Windows 7 does achieve the goal of being netbook-friendly and without a proper response from linux, that market opportunity will be lost.

[Frak]

I've already reported my problems to NVIDIA many times. They just don't care very much about the users of their GeForce 6100s. This has been true of every NVIDIA driver since 17x.xx, on any OS.

I have a 6150SE that worked fine OOTB. It is, though, nearing it's EOL stage.

Microsoft is actually part of a massive conspiracy to help jellyfishes take over the world.

I knew this was coming...

Time to get mai lazahz.

[Twitch6000]

There is one thing I have noticed... there is still a great number of low end computer users out there...(my uncle and mom being two people).

Then with Both Windows 7 and Vista needing atleast 1gb to run smooth I would see those sort of people looking for a alternative to windows when the time comes.(yes I know a long time,but it is true)

I think this is one area that windows would still lose some users....

Then Linux or whatever OS would gain users.

I know my brother has a mid range laptop(1gb,1.6ghz) and if he were to put vista or windows 7 on it, within one month he would be begging me to put Linux back on it.(ofcourse he doesn't want to change distros now either... I think he has fallen in love with Ubuntu UE lol...)

[cardinals_fan]

I knew this was coming...

Time to get mai lazahz.
Too late. You will be assimilated. Resistance is futile.

In any case, I'm actually happier using Xvesa than I ever was with regular Xorg, so not all is lost.

[Frak]

Too late. You will be assimilated. Resistance is futile.

In any case, I'm actually happier using Xvesa than I ever was with regular Xorg, so not all is lost.
...lies

[doorknob60]

Works well for me (I'm using it ATM). My upgrade installation failed (IDK what happended, I came back and Vista was screwed, and an error report said it bluescreened...), but my clean install finished in like 20 or 30 minutes, and it's working just fine so far. Good quality considering it's a beta. I don't think it requires Vista for a clean install, because I wiped mine after it messed it up :P EDIT: If you can't get it to download, go into Windows (assuming you have it, you could try IEs4Linux or something too) and use IE to download it. Kinda annoying, but it works.

BTW, do a large file transfer in explorer, and your explorer toolbar icon (the folders in the rack) will do a pretty cool transfer loading style change.


I like that too, and it also does it for IE downloads (noticed while downloading FF, although IE8 isn't half bad). Maybe FF could do that when W7 is final :-)

[Giant Speck]

There is something strange I have noticed about using Windows 7.

With only Google Chrome and Winamp running, I am using 611 MB of RAM. And yet, it is running smoothly. I have yet to see one lockup, even when memory usage is upwards of 900MB.

I don't understand it at all. It's using more memory than I am normally comfortable using, and yet it doesn't feel like I'm using that much memory.

Does that make any shred of sense to anyone?!?

[Frak]

There is something strange I have noticed about using Windows 7.

With only Google Chrome and Winamp running, I am using 611 MB of RAM. And yet, it is running smoothly. I have yet to see one lockup, even when memory usage is upwards of 900MB.

I don't understand it at all. It's using more memory than I am normally comfortable using, and yet it doesn't feel like I'm using that much memory.

Does that make any shred of sense to anyone?!?
It does what it's supposed to, cache libraries and applications into RAM. Unused RAM is wasted RAM. This makes features run smoother, and programs launch faster. RAM is a million times faster than your hard drive at accessing and delivering information.

[Giant Speck]

It does what it's supposed to, cache libraries and applications into RAM. Unused RAM is wasted RAM. This makes features run smoother, and programs launch faster. RAM is a million times faster than your hard drive at accessing and delivering information.

So basically, high memory usage isn't actually a bad thing as long as the operating system manages the used memory properly?

It seems that Windows 7 handles memory a lot more efficiently than Vista, with an emphasis on "a lot."

[jimbo99]

Vista 7 beta is just that a beta. It is pretty stable but that's pretty easily explained as md5 runs show most of the .dll and .exe files as Vista files.

Aside from that the new taskbar is ok. one can't fault them for making something better. But Vista 7 is simply just Vista with a new taskbar and a few other things. It doesn't qualify as a new OS.

They should be releasing the taskbar update as a patch to Vista and leave it at that.

It does seem faster, but it has all the inherent problems that XP and Vista had/have. Those are due mostly to a lack of drivers. For those of you who fix units without have recovery CDs know that its a hard fought battle to find drivers even under XP and especially under Vista. Vista 7 is the same, if not worse.

Fortunately under Linux the drivers are just there and they just work.

[bfc]

I installed Window 7 beta on a 4 year old Toshiba laptop, quite standard hardware, intel integrated graphics and wireless.

The results have been less than stellar. It didn't detect my wireless card, integrated card reader, and apparently had issues with my "mass storage" controller. It's done nothing but crash continuously, maybe it's a bad install?

Linux works perfectly on this machine and detects all components out of the box.

I totally understand that it's a beta, but, not detecting my intel 2200bg wireless?

I do like the new taskbar, for some reason I'm not really annoyed with how "big" it is (the KDE4 task bar size annoys me, and the first thing I do is resize it to be as small as possible)

[quickshade]

Vista 7 beta is just that a beta. It is pretty stable but that's pretty easily explained as md5 runs show most of the .dll and .exe files as Vista files.

Aside from that the new taskbar is ok. one can't fault them for making something better. But Vista 7 is simply just Vista with a new taskbar and a few other things. It doesn't qualify as a new OS.

They should be releasing the taskbar update as a patch to Vista and leave it at that.

It does seem faster, but it has all the inherent problems that XP and Vista had/have. Those are due mostly to a lack of drivers. For those of you who fix units without have recovery CDs know that its a hard fought battle to find drivers even under XP and especially under Vista. Vista 7 is the same, if not worse.

Fortunately under Linux the drivers are just there and they just work.
So what justifies me upgrading to the next Ubuntu everytime. Most times it just upgrades packages for bug fixes, and maybe a new feature that should have been there a year ago. Not bitching, but don't slam one company when Ubuntu clearly does the same thing. Not to mention they really have changed a ton of stuff. It runs smoother than Vista ever did. And thats why I like it. It works, it's fast and most of all, it's stable.

[Giant Speck]

Is the wallpaper rotating feature a new feature for Windows 7, or was that there in Windows Vista, as well?

Either way, I love it. I downloaded a wallpaper pack from deviantART and I have it set to switch wallpapers every ten minutes. It's nice to have the desktop change color every now and then. It creates a warm, welcoming feel to the computer.

I know this is possible for Ubuntu, and the next time I log into Ubuntu, I am getting this for Ubuntu, too!

[xouns]

I downloaded yesterday, but because my girlfriend came over, I couldn't instal untill today. So, I started installing at 10.51am and had my first glimps of the desktop at... 11.11am! That's 20 friggin minutes! WOW! No problems, really nice installer (I must say, they've outdone themselves there).

One big problem I encountered immediatly, my LAN nor my WAN was detected automatically, so I had to revert to XP to download the VISTA drivers for my WAN and rebooted (darn, that's quicky!) and installed, no pain. Everything worked, installed the updates and wham, there we go. Internet is really slow, but don't know because thats because internet is slow or IE8 or MSW7. I guess time will tell that.

I think that Microsoft has made a good program here. One thing: I thought MS admitted that the registry wasn't such a good idea, and now there still working with a registry? What's up with that?

[xouns]

Oh, oh, oh, and I actually love the download progres bar for IE on the taskbar: when you download something, the IE icon slowly grows green, as your download progresses. I WANT THAT FOR FF!

[NoSmokingBandit]

Oh, oh, oh, and I actually love the download progres bar for IE on the taskbar: when you download something, the IE icon slowly grows green, as your download progresses. I WANT THAT FOR FF!

I fell in love with that too, lol. Just wait for FF4 i guess :P

[Giant Speck]

I fell in love with that too, lol. Just wait for FF4 i guess :P

Or maybe a later beta of Windows 7. Hopefully, this will turn out to be functional with other applications as well.

We can only hope and wait...

[NoSmokingBandit]

Or maybe a later beta of Windows 7. Hopefully, this will turn out to be functional with other applications as well.

We can only hope and wait...

I'm certain it would be something in the app itself. Like in osx when safari downloads something it makes the Downloads icon in the dock bounce, FF doesnt do this because the dev's havent added it to the app yet.
Either way, its a really cool feature.