Windows 7 - Your opinions [Archive]

Blighter

10-05-2009, 20:34

Last night I borrowed my mates USB drive so I can copy my files over, format, and install Windows 7.

I was amazed, and still am, ever since I booted up the install CD.

The installer itself was nice and pretty, but also VERY quick compared to previous windows installs. I've installed XP MCE05 twice on this laptop, and both times it took around 45 minutes. Windows 7 took 29 from CD insertion to logging into my user account :cool:

The new start menu is pretty cool too. I can see it taking a bit of getting used to but it works very well. I like the way Quick Launch/Open Programs are combined, and even with properly coded programs (MSN), it even removes the icon from the system tray and just uses the one icon (see screenshot).

It's also fast. Very fast. My laptop isn't the best in the world (specs below), but even aero runs very swiftly and the whole OS seems really resource light.

Like vista, 99% of hardware works out of the box and they've FINALLY decided to include codecs for things like DivX/xVid \0/

The start menu has a little new feature which is handy. When you hover over a program in your recently used list, it displays the recently opened files for that recently opened program :huh::shocked:;D

The backgrounds that come with W7 are nice, and a new theme support is pretty cool and can see it being welcome among many :) (as you can see from the screeny, some theme files have slideshow backgrounds)

I know there are parts I've left out but I assume you're getting bored of reading now.. so here are some screenies... (click for bigger)

My system details:

http://blighter.net/upload/files/1/w7a_thumb.jpg
(http://blighter.net/upload/files/1/w7a.jpg)

The new sexy Paint:

http://blighter.net/upload/files/1/w7b_thumb.jpg
(http://blighter.net/upload/files/1/w7b.jpg)

What happens when you have multiple windows open:

http://blighter.net/upload/files/1/w7c_thumb.jpg
(http://blighter.net/upload/files/1/w7c.jpg)

Start Menu:

http://blighter.net/upload/files/1/w7d_thumb.jpg
(http://blighter.net/upload/files/1/w7d.jpg)

My Pictures (soz Piggy & Des ;D):

http://blighter.net/upload/files/1/w7e_thumb.jpg
(http://blighter.net/upload/files/1/w7e.jpg)

WMP:

http://blighter.net/upload/files/1/w7f_thumb.jpg
(http://blighter.net/upload/files/1/w7f.jpg)

Themes:

http://blighter.net/upload/files/1/w7g_thumb.jpg
(http://blighter.net/upload/files/1/w7g.jpg)

Mark

10-05-2009, 21:10

Think it's going to take me a while to get used to the imminent demise of the menu bar. 20 years worth of experience to un-learn. :o

(that's also why I haven't taken the plunge with Office 2007)

A Place of Light

10-05-2009, 21:17

Is this still due for release in October?
The reason I ask is I'm putting off formatting until it's on sale.

Zirax

10-05-2009, 21:24

Think it's going to take me a while to get used to the imminent demise of the menu bar. 20 years worth of experience to un-learn. :o

(that's also why I haven't taken the plunge with Office 2007)

That does look odd and could be frustrating. I'm tempted to jump to Office 2007 but I will only do so when my work swaps.

One thing to check though Blighter, how restricted are you with regards to making Super User (admin level) actions? I don't mind putting in a password (like Linux) but if it's OTT like Vista.

The interesting thing will be around driver support. As this is heavily based on Vista from what I've read around, I gather the drivers should be more mature?

Briggykins

10-05-2009, 21:35

I don't really see it's the massive leap over Vista that it was touted to be (tho I like Vista so that's not such a big deal for me :) ). However I do think some of the UI features like the new taskbar will be good once I get used to them. One thing tho...what is the point of Aero Peek (on the far right)? Why do I want to see what my desktop looks like?:confused:

Mark

10-05-2009, 21:42

UAC has been neutered, and the dreaded 'Continue' button of doom is gone. You still get prompted, but can say when, and the wording has been cleaned up for novice users (so it's now a 'Yes' or 'No' prompt).

Unfortunately, these changes also opened up some holes for malware. Hopefully, Microsoft has fixed those by now.

Richard Slater

10-05-2009, 21:46

Windows 7 isn't a massive jump over Vista (in fact Vista is v6.0, Win 7 is v6.1) Microsoft have stated they did all the nasty application breaking changes in Vista now they are refining the technology and concentrating on user experience and kernel optimization.

I have been using Windows 7 as my secondary machine at work since the Beta was released, last week I installed Windows 7 on my primary machine - if I have to do a re-install of my home computer before Window 7 is on general availability I will be making the switch there too.

Zirax, Vistas UAC on/off control has been replaced with a slider to give the end user control over which system events trigger a username and password box.

Blighter

10-05-2009, 22:40

One thing to check though Blighter, how restricted are you with regards to making Super User (admin level) actions? I don't mind putting in a password (like Linux) but if it's OTT like Vista.

http://blighter.net/upload/files/1/w7uac.jpg
:cool:

Haly

10-05-2009, 22:46

I like it but I hardly used vista previously so it's quite a change from XP.
It feels nice and fast. My only minor complaint is I appear to have lost middle click on my laptop but to be fair to Windows, that may well be my fault as I haven't looked very exhaustively for drivers. Other than that, it only took 25-30mins to install and it was ready to go.

Blighter

10-05-2009, 22:50

Haly

10-05-2009, 22:52

Which laptop is it? (Make & Model) I'll get you some linkage :)

edit: People actually use a middle mouse button? ;D

Dell Vostro 1510 :)
And yes :p I always use it to open new links in tabs in FF :D

Blighter

10-05-2009, 22:54

ftp://ftp.us.dell.com/input/R179644.exe

edit: I guess you've checked "Optional Downloads" in Windows Update? Sometimes new drivers hide in there.

Haly

10-05-2009, 23:04

No luck :( Ah well, not a big problem. When I get round to it, I'll have a proper dig about. Thanks anyway :D

Psymonkee

10-05-2009, 23:17

I use middle click all the time for scrolling around pages very quickly :)

And tabs. And reloading guns in games.

Hmmmm

Blighter

10-05-2009, 23:45

Can anyone here say that middle click is working on W7?
I've just plugged in a M$ IntelliMouse and it's not working for me either :(

LeperousDust

11-05-2009, 01:48

edit: People actually use a middle mouse button? ;D

Jesus man all the time, this is granny were talking about, middle mouse closes my tabs, opens in background, closes programs opens up other special menus for me to do with process' and hiding windows etc... all over my vista. I HATE laptops that don't allow middle clicks by pressing the middle of both buttons...

Joe 90

11-05-2009, 02:24

i like it, and i love the UK theme :D

however i don't like how often FF has crashed, and that Chrome still doesn't work :(
oh, and the fact its gone from < 30gb fresh install to > 40gb :/

not booted it for a couple of days whilst I finish off an assignment, but i guess its a good start, just needs a few things sorting out with third party software.

Kainz

11-05-2009, 04:47

It's already on both my NC10 netbooks and I love it. Its way quicker in use than XP SP3 that was on those machines anyway.

Over this weekend I finally gave in and dumped it on my main PC. I couldn't before since my Auzentech Meridian soundcard is still awaiting Windows 7 drivers so I had to re-enable the onboard AC97 sound specially for use with the OS. Windows 7 just flies right now and no real game incompatibilities have been noticed yet.

I had a lot of trouble installing it though. I downloaded it 3 times from MS and noticed that the iso had the wrong md5 hash every time and wouldn't fully install - it would crash as the OS finalised the install. I then gave in and downloaded the torrent, which had the exact filename of the MS iso except it had the correct hash. It worked perfectly.

AboveTheSalt

11-05-2009, 11:29

Following installation, activation and installation of patches - 15GB :eek:

Having a look around, there seem to be loads of duplicate files, some of them are pretty large; e.g. PINTLGT.IMD at 64MB, l2057.ngr at 54MB, mingliub at 32MB.

A backup using Acronis 11 only just fits on a DVD.

After nightmare experiences downloading the .ISO (I eventually managed it using a W2K system), initial impressions are pretty positive; Windows 7 seems to be a usable version of Vista.

Burble

11-05-2009, 11:32

I've still not got around to trying this out. Because I'm lazy - can I virtualise it? I don't to cock about with my working systems so shoving it into a VM would be nice.

divine

11-05-2009, 11:35

I see no reason why not, it's no different to any other OS bar not being quite at the Gold phase yet.

Daz

11-05-2009, 13:05

I've still not got around to trying this out. Because I'm lazy - can I virtualise it? I don't to cock about with my working systems so shoving it into a VM would be nice.
Running fine in Workstation 6.5, just pick Vista (apparently easy install works as well). Not tried in ESX.

Zirax

11-05-2009, 16:16

The UAC slider looks good. I may follow Burble as well and install on a VM as it takes ages for me to finish fiddling with the machine after a rebuild.

Richard Slater

11-05-2009, 19:23

Well Visual Studio decided to explode on me and not allow me to register it, so I am doing a re-build and going with Windows 7 RC on my home machine slightly sooner than I had expected, it is going well at work though I am loving the new task bar and I want to get my sticky developer mitts on it.

Wish me happy installing :)

And it's done, pretty much dead on 2 hours from taking a backup of C:\Users to up and running with Web and E-Mail. Happy :)

Blighter

11-05-2009, 22:23

^^ I want to get my mits on how to do the special new taskbar right click stuff (like on MSN where its combined with the old systray menu)

Joe 90

12-05-2009, 00:44

just booted it for the first time in a while, the image scaling had gone tits up and the res said 1920x1080 but the wallpaper was shrunk in't middle and windows were opening out side of my viewport... as was the task bar.... oh and ALT.CTRL.DEL was a black screen. lose.

*anybody know if that might be the windows 7 driver from ati that caused that?
i was using their vista driver with the beta, and only just installed the driver for 7 from the amd site :/

Mark

12-05-2009, 16:03

Safe mode boot and drop the resolution down.

Blighter

12-05-2009, 19:11

How to change your LogonUI background (the one you see before you login):

Open Registry Editor (Run --> regedit)
Find this dir: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Aut hentication\LogonUI\Background
Edit the "OEMBackground" DWORD to the value: 1
Navigate to: C:\WINDOWS\system32\oobe\info\backgrounds
Put your desired background there with the filename of backgroundDefault.jpg

NOTES:
- You'll probably have to create the info\backgrounds folders yourself
- Filesize must be under 256kB ( :( )

Enjoy :)

Joe 90

12-05-2009, 20:28

Safe mode boot and drop the resolution down.

but its the recommended resolution? :huh:

its most certainly not unsupported. ran for a while in 7....just that one boot that seems to have sent things west.

Feek

12-05-2009, 21:03

Burbs, if you want to run it on your Mac in a VM then there are some guides linked here (http://www.tuaw.com/2009/05/10/installing-windows-7-rc1-on-your-mac-for-free/).

Burble

12-05-2009, 21:05

Good stuff, thanks Feekles.

Blighter

13-05-2009, 21:27

Just noticed another new feature thats rather cool...

If you are running a program that's doing a time consuming task which uses a progress bar (such as Windows Backup), then the program's icon in the start menu will semi-turn into a little progress bar itself!!! :D How cool is that?!?

http://blighter.net/upload/files/1/windowsmakesmewet.jpg

A Place of Light

13-05-2009, 22:04

I hope the home premium version won't be too expensive.

Streeteh

13-05-2009, 22:23

Gonna be installing this instead of vista when i upgrade my PC. Any huge issues i should know of before i take the plunge?

Kainz

14-05-2009, 04:49

Gonna be installing this instead of vista when i upgrade my PC. Any huge issues i should know of before i take the plunge?
Just the normal procedure of making sure all your hardware actually has the required drivers. My Auzentech Meridian soundcard is still awaiting them so I had to install a daughterboard to use with my mobo's onboard sound.

Been running W7 full time for just over a week now on my desktop and there has been the odd vista'esq quirk - Sometimes when installing an app, the entire screen will sort of fade to white and hang with the cursor turning into a progress icon. Terminating the install process via task manager is the only way to resolve it.

Logitech's Setpoint software self-terminates halfway through the install so a W7 compat version is incoming 'soon'. Apple's iTunes (required for my iphone) is the only app to give me real hassle. It just wouldn't install properly, taking 30mins at one point. Third install was lucky though.

Dymetrie

14-05-2009, 08:29

Currently downloading the RC, will be backing up and doing a small amount of rebuilding (ie: stealing the DVD-RW out of my mediabox because I need a drive which isn't knackered!) and will prolly install this afternoon.

Issues with itunes sound bad Kainz, I'll give an update of my experience either later today or sometime tomorrow (unless I'm having too much fun and cba talking to you lot :p)...

Toby

14-05-2009, 09:57

Not using this on my main machine but have been running it on my HTPC for two weeks now.

Have it set up with four tuners (1 analogue cable, 2 DVB-T Freeview, 1 DVB-S Freesat). Took quite a while to sort out the EPG and merge channels together from the various sources but it's been working a treat for two weeks now - not a single problem.

Can take 5 seconds or so to switch channels when you're hopping from one tuner to another but it just works! Also nice to have BBC-HD - whilst not much on there I'm looking forward to using it for things like Wimbledon.

Haly

14-05-2009, 11:05

Kainz

15-05-2009, 06:56

I didn't have a problem installing or running itunes :) And no problems with anything iphone related either.

In fact, touch wood, the only problem I've had is lack of middle click on my laptop, but otherwise everything's worked perfectly.
Boo :(
Well I uninstalled iTunes 64 last night - a process that took 15mins for some reason. Got the feeling it was taking long because it had to shut down one of its many services.

See, I had a brilliant idea to install the bloated pos onto the XP virtual machine. All was going well until iTunes 32 (on XP) wouldn't transfer the apps from my phone to my library as well as downloading album artwork.

Had to go back and install the bugger on w7 after that lol. Apple's bloat is the only bit of software to give me any hassle on the OS so far.

Dymetrie

15-05-2009, 07:32

15 minute install from booting the disc to being at the desktop :D

Really liking it so far, love the taskbar! It's very similar to the apple dock...

iTunes installed fine but due to me screwing up and not understanding the difference between the iTunes folder and the iTunes folder (:s) I managed to lose all the apps on my iPhone! Managed to fix it though and have stopped swearing at apple :p

More playing today, including games and utility programs :D

Blighter

15-05-2009, 22:34

Well at least you guys seem to remember putting iTunes on there.. mine just seemed to appear :S ;D

Richard Slater

16-05-2009, 12:14

Not even bothering with iTunes now I have Spotify and 7Digital integration, then again I don't have an iPhone/iPod so I have the choice. Bought a G15 from the other place now they have dropped in price a bit, took a bit of cajoling to install the driver under windows 7 but now it is there it works great.

The main problem I seem to have is I can't get 4oD to work at all, it just tells me that WMP needs updating launches the Windows Media 11 home page. Sky Anytime for PC only fairs slightly better in the sense that you can stream programmes but downloading them just sticks at 0%... least I get to watch Fringe.

I get a strange message pop up when I connect my PDA, "There is no email program associated to perform the requested action. Please install an email program or, if one is already installed, create and association in the Default Programs control panel." - Thunderbird has the relevant associations, so I don't really know what the fix is for that, perhaps just the lack of a Windows Mail compliant application.

I don't have the Abit uGuru device drivers installed, but that is no great loss.

Software and hardware I have working so far:
- NOD32 Home x64 v4
- Evernote
- EVEMon
- Juice (iPodder)
- KeePass v1
- Logitech G15 (Key Profiler/LCD Manager)
- Visual Studio 2008
- Miranda IM
- Firefox
- Thunderbird
- Notepad++
- Spotify
- Sysinternals tools
- Acer n310 PDA
- D-Link DBT-122 Bluetooth Adapter
- Logitech QuickCam Express
- GeForce 8800 GTS

Kainz

16-05-2009, 20:25

I don't have the Abit uGuru device drivers installed, but that is no great loss.
If you want, I can upload the uGuru driverset for you that has the Abit drivers. I've kept them on an external HD and the vista ones work nicely in W7.

Richard Slater

16-05-2009, 21:48

That would be good actually, don't think I have every really used uGuru but there is always the possibility.

Kainz

17-05-2009, 11:55

http://kainzy.org/uguru

The Vista drivers are located in the Driver_Vista folder. I just point the OS (vista and w7) to the whole uguru folder and it automatically finds them anyway :)

Mark

17-05-2009, 12:43

Does anyone know what the absolute minimum system requirements are for Windows 7? I'm thinking of trying this on an old laptop - runs XP well enough but I wouldn't like to put it anywhere near Vista.

Richard Slater

17-05-2009, 13:38

Thanks Kainz.

divine

17-05-2009, 13:59

Does anyone know what the absolute minimum system requirements are for Windows 7? I'm thinking of trying this on an old laptop - runs XP well enough but I wouldn't like to put it anywhere near Vista.

Well it runs on netbooks fine, so make of that what you will...

Blighter

17-05-2009, 15:13

I agree... Windows 7's arse is 100x smaller than Vistas...

Zico

17-05-2009, 18:13

I'm tempted to install this on my HP ML110 server (bought for Windows Home Server but never setup as it isn't worth my time backing up age old XP installs full of rubbish yet).

LeperousDust

29-05-2009, 15:02

My first impressions couldn't be anymore wrong, stick with it, a few little bumps and windows 7 totally rocks, without shadow of a doubt :)

Bluetooth, integrated webcam, and onboard sound were hassle, but only because of lack of dell's 64bit support and having to really just dig deep. Windows tried to help but i can't blame it at all.

Micrsoft are definitely on to a winner here in my eyes, and as more and more apps get coding with the new taskbar extra right click thingy in mind the better.

Tonnes of shortcuts that always should have been there but weren't, little tweaks here and there, its fast (as vista) and so far totally reliable.

Best yet, and i am humbly sorry with my first opinion :p :)

Burble

29-05-2009, 15:19

Damnit, I really should install this and try it for myself!

Streeteh

29-05-2009, 17:04

I can safely say this is the best release OS Microsoft have ever managed, and it's still in beta! I would say its more stable and less bug ridden than both vista and XP were when they were released. Tbh its more stable now than vista ever was for me (i'm not saying vista is particularly unstable might i add, just that i got the odd BSOD on vista but haven't with this yet).

I approve.

Dymetrie

31-05-2009, 09:07

Well I have my first little grumble...

Despite making sure all my windows update settings required user authorisation, this week Windows decided to install updates and restart all on its own...

Admittedly, I had nothing vital running at the time, but that could have been annoying if I had been :/

Will keep an eye on it for now, but it doing that hasn't taken the shine off the lovely new OS that I'm playing with :D

In fact, I'm seriously impressed with the way it runs Nero 7. Vista had horrible hanging issues when building a DVD Video, Windows 7 breezes through it and even let me update Nero 7 so I have loads of dodgy menu images to play with (Mrs Dym was amused by the camping cartoon I used for Out of Africa and the Halloween theme I used for Supernatural :p) :D

Zico

14-06-2009, 12:36

Has anybody here tried out the latest build (anything newer than the RC)?

Admiral Huddy

18-06-2009, 09:00

Streeteh

18-06-2009, 10:43

Anyone know how reliable the geforce and soundblaster drivers are? I have W7 loaded on a workshop pc with a basic adapter. I'm so impressed with this OS that I'm tempted to install it on my main machine. The lack of the intrusive UAC makes a big difference.

Nvidia geforce 8800 drivers are flawless. Haven't got a soundblaster card any more (chucked it in the bin in a fit of rage due to the lack of support in vista for well over a year) so i can't comment there i'm afraid.

Briggykins

18-06-2009, 11:00

I had no problem with the soundblaster drivers (using an X-fi), except that in Trackmania the front and rear speakers were reversed. However, this happens in Vista and XP as well so it's not a W7 problem.

Rich_L

20-06-2009, 17:29

Had it on my Advent 4211 netbook for a couple weeks now, it's brilliant! Quicker to boot and snappier than XP and Vista, all the drivers worked straight out of the box (USB boot drive anyway).

Custom settings for the system tray is great, plus given that I often have multiple Word docs, Internet explorer, Excel things open, the new taskbar is a godsend, so much better. Office 2003 works a treat, uTorrent, GrabIt etc. I tried IE8 for a bit but gone back to Google Chrome, it just works so well with the smaller desktop res and so snappy to boot.

Think it's great tbh, absolutely nothing to complain about at all (so far) - especially having a legit OS for the princely sum of £0 (although that could change next year, lol).

Dymetrie

20-06-2009, 17:56

Replaced my mobo today and finally managed to put in my extra 2gig of RAM (now at 4gig).

Windows 7 installed everything for the new mobo (except sound drivers) straight away, then windows update popped up saying it had found my soundcard drivers..

Was dead impressed until I got a few BSoDs around GFX drivers, but then I wiggled the card and Windows did something and now it all works again :D

Richard Slater

21-06-2009, 14:42

Nice and technical that "wiggle the card"... can't fault it though!

Feek

30-06-2009, 22:18

I wanted to have a blast on Test Drive Unlimited so I installed Windows 7 again this evening. I have to say that installation was a breeze and once I'd installed and patched the Boot Camp driver package, everything worked surprisingly well.

I noticed that the Performance Index thing has been tweaked with a new higher limit of 7.9, I wonder what sort of figures people are getting? This is mine:
http://ocukroguesgallery.com/feek/temp/perf-20090630-221403.png

My graphics card is a bit dated which is why the graphics figures aren't the best but I'm happy with the rest.

divine

30-06-2009, 22:34

What is the spec Feek?

Jhadur

30-06-2009, 22:37

My pc must be really old now as my base score was 4.8 :(

Processor: 4.9
Memory: 4.9
Graphics: 5.9
Gaming Graphics: 5.8
Primary HDD: 4.8

Think I need to rebuild the PC some time :)

Feek

30-06-2009, 22:38

That's on my Mac Pro, eight Xeon cores @ 2.80GHz with 10Gb RAM and a 512Mb 8800GT graphics card.

Haly

30-06-2009, 22:40

Mine's only 3.5 overall but it's the graphics card that lets it down as it's only a Geforce8400m.
Quite happy with the rest all scoring 5.0 or 5.1 especially as the laptop's over a year old now.

Still nothing to complain about Windows 7, everything's working really well. Touch wood :D

Jhadur

30-06-2009, 22:43

OK I don't feel so bad now :)

I'm currently running an AMD X2 4400+ @ 2.21 GHz
With 4Gb memory installed but only 3Gb working
Graphics from a 256Mb 8800GTS

Mark

12-07-2009, 21:14

Just installed Windows 7 on a second-hand N410c (same source as the one I got for Kitten/Leo). Only major problem was the network. There's no Intel PRO/100 drivers in Win7 (or Vista), but I eventually found the Vista driver package and cracked it open to get at the driver files, which Windows 7 was happy to accept (after a big red 'unsigned drivers' warning). It's nice to be able to install a recent version of Windows in a 25GB partition and have over 15GB free.

PS - also plonked Ubuntu 9.04 Netbook Remix on there. The install experience for Netbook Remix in Jaunty is a lot cleaner than it was in Ibex.

LeperousDust

12-07-2009, 21:53

For me the drivers are still a bit of a chore in win7 it could be so good but manufactures are useless. My graphics card was running insanely hot all the time, webcam refused to work on and off and a few other little niggles. But that doesn't matter right now cause the hard drive exploded last night so that laptop has more serious problems right now :D

Blighter

12-07-2009, 22:09

The only issue I've had is for my old Dell printer, but that is because of Dell.. not W7

Mark

12-07-2009, 22:25

Exploded?! Well that's one way to make sure no-one ever recovers your hard disk. :eek: :p

I spoke too soon. Graphics is my next problem. ATI Mobility Radeon (a.k.a. Radeon 9000). Looks like I'll have to resort to XDDM (and live with the various bugs that causes).

Edit - graphics sorted. Got an XDDM driver from a Japanese (or possibly Chinese) website, which works for all but the experience index (which I don't care about - can't run Aero anyway). I managed to guess the right buttons to press to get at the download file.

Kreeeee

15-07-2009, 13:12

Haly

15-07-2009, 14:04

Strange. Ah well, it's only numbers :D

Mark

15-07-2009, 14:11

Mine's 1.0, but it still runs absolutely fine, with the obvious exception of Aero (which I'll admit I'm missing because I've got used to it in Vista, but it's still just a minor inconvenience).

Kreeeee

15-07-2009, 14:16

Strange. Ah well, it's only numbers :D

Yeah, the whole experience index is a complete waste of time.

You running th latest NVidia drivers? I only mentioned mine is higher in case you have something wrong with your system.

Haly

15-07-2009, 14:23

No, probably older drivers. I don't game hugely on the PC much anymore so doesn't really affect me much. :) Fallout 3 worked with no problems recently though, which will do me fine.

divine

15-07-2009, 14:31

Drivers can make huge differences (ie. nVidia claim something like up to 25% increase in frames per second for their latest set for Fallout 3 on certain cards), more so in 'fixed' cases like the experience index. Tailor a few things to suit and bang - windows index score increases by 0.5.

They used to do it a lot with 3D Mark et al., pretty much write a whole section of drivers just for a benchmark so they looked better in reviews.

Haly

15-07-2009, 14:36

I know :p I used to be a big PC gamer once upon a time, as well as used to overclock a lot etc.
It just doesn't affect me much anymore so doesn't seem worth the hassle when everything works fine for me. :)

AboveTheSalt

04-08-2009, 12:48

I've been using Windows 7 for a while now and think it is a HUGE improvement over Vista.

However RC1 does seem to crash remarkably frequently. Firefox is virtually unusable and even MSIE & Windows Explorer seem to crash regularly. Avira, AVG & MalwareBytes have never worked properly when checking a medium size HDD (300GB). EAC seems OK but MP3tag falls over from time to time.

I know that Windows 7 has reached the RTM stage but I haven't seen many patches available for RC1; it sounds as if as ever, it would be wise to wait for SP1 . . . or stick to XP ;)

divine

04-08-2009, 12:53

Can't say i've experienced that with the RC or heard of anyone else who has - probably worth a bit of investigating, try a reinstall maybe?

Mark

04-08-2009, 15:38

Me neither. However, it really does not like syncing with my WM phone. Plug my phone in and I get a pretty green logo and that's it. Sometimes it'll crash on it's own and sometimes the logo will stay there until I make it crash.

Other than that, it's been fine.

Blighter

04-08-2009, 23:09

I haven't had any crashes since I installed it mooonths ago :)

AboveTheSalt

07-08-2009, 08:50

Can't say I've experienced that with the RC or heard of anyone else who has - probably worth a bit of investigating, try a reinstall maybe?Me neither ... it's been fine.I haven't had any crashes since I installed it mooonths ago :)As a matter of interest, are you using the 32bit or 64bit version of Windows 7?

Personally I have been using the 64bit version and this may be the root of my problems since drivers and applications may be more tested and/or thorough :confused:

I am working with hardware that is about four or five years old; K8N Neo4 Platinum motherboard, AMD Athlon64 3700+ single-core CPU, 4Gb RAM, 7800GT graphics card, etc.

I will try a complete re-install of the 32bit version :)

Blighter

07-08-2009, 09:44

32 here

Mark

07-08-2009, 10:27

Same. My PC wasn't even 64-bit capable.

divine

07-08-2009, 10:57

As a matter of interest, are you using the 32bit or 64bit version of Windows 7? I've used both on different machines

I am working with hardware that is about four or five years old; K8N Neo4 Platinum motherboard, AMD Athlon64 3700+ single-core CPU, 4Gb RAM, 7800GT graphics card, etc.

That PC isn't even 64-bit capable.

I thought that sort of machine is 64bit capable (it is an Athlon 64 after all, it has 64 bit extensions). Anyway, I have 7-32 running perfectly on a similar system (AN8, 3500+, 2GB RAM, X800XL), only reason I went with 32 is it only has 2GB RAM and so there wasn't much point to 64.

AboveTheSalt

07-08-2009, 12:35

Thanks for the updates guys :)

As I was reloading Windows 7 Ultimate RC (32bit), I happened to run 'winver' and was amused to notice that it reports the version as Version 6.1 (Build 7100) - it is almost as though v7 is the copy of Vista that Microsoft should have waited to release ;)

Incidentally, according to Microsoft, the maximum RAM supported on the 32-bit versions of Windows Vista Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, Enterprise, and Ultimate is 4GB.

The MSI K8N Neo4 Platinum with an AMD Athlon64 3700+ single-core CPU and 4GB RAM certainly seems to be 64bit OS capable; it runs 64bit SuSE & Red Hat Linux as well as XP, Vista & Windows 7. I would admit that I have never been able to find any particular advantage in any 64bit OS and there do seem to be down-sides.

divine

07-08-2009, 12:48

The main advantage to 64bit is addressing more than 4GB RAM, with 32bit expect to have about 3.25GB or so usable.

Windows 7 is a relatively small change from Vista though, much like XP was from 2000 (5.1 vs 5.0)

Mark

07-08-2009, 13:51

I thought that sort of machine is 64bit capable

My post fixed. :o

Richard Slater

08-08-2009, 11:47

I have Windows 7 installed on 3 PCs now (Work, Home and Laptop) and it has been stable on all of them. Slow on the laptop because it has 1GB of RAM, but usable.

Blighter

08-08-2009, 12:20

I've turned off Aero and set it to Windows Classic and it improved general usability speed by about 30% :)

AboveTheSalt

08-08-2009, 18:37

I have Windows 7 installed on 3 PCs now (Work, Home and Laptop) and it has been stable on all of them. Slow on the laptop because it has 1GB of RAM, but usable.32bit or 64bit?

Richard Slater

09-08-2009, 08:15

32bit or 64bit?

All 3 64-bit. Didn't have a 32-bit ISO handy. IIRC Windows 7 release will be 7.0, 6.1 is being used in Beta and RC to avoid version check bugs in commonly used software.

divine

09-08-2009, 08:52

All 3 64-bit. Didn't have a 32-bit ISO handy. IIRC Windows 7 release will be 7.0, 6.1 is being used in Beta and RC to avoid version check bugs in commonly used software.

It won't be, it will be released as 6.1 as that is what it is. That version number is a follow on from the NT kernel number

NT3.1, NT3.5, NT3.51, NT4.0, 2000 (5.0), XP (5.1), Vista (6.0), 7 (6.1).

Where I believe the 7 comes from is that it is the seventh 'home' version of Windows.

3.1, 95, 98, ME, XP, Vista, 7.

Richard Slater

09-08-2009, 19:24

Seems you are right (http://www.mydigitallife.info/2009/07/23/windows-7-and-windows-server-2008-r2-officially-rtm-at-build-version-6-1-7600-16385/).

Mark

09-08-2009, 20:51

Yes - 6.1 - and we've already got the ISO files in the office. :)

Dazzy_G

09-08-2009, 20:55

Well i downloaded the rtm today, the little install guide says i should be able to install it straight over my Vista install, not sure if i will or not though, pros i won't have to re-install all my games and stuff... cons... i erm.. dunno :S

Mark

09-08-2009, 21:01

Cons - any software (including device drivers) that is incompatible with Win7 is likely to do naughty things. Backup your system, obtain any important Win7 drivers, and uninstall any antivirus software before attempting an in-place upgrade.

Streeteh

10-08-2009, 11:36

I always format before installing a new OS, don't know why, guess i'm just stuck in my old ways. The advantage of doing it that way is you know there's nothing that could be incompatible or cause issues, i also like the 'fresh start' feel.

dirtydog

12-08-2009, 09:50

After trying Windows 7 some more I decided I really don't like it so I cancelled my (cheap) pre-order.

Kreeeee

12-08-2009, 11:54

I've turned off Aero and set it to Windows Classic and it improved general usability speed by about 30% :)

That's strange as turning off aero has zero effect on performance in vista. Literally all it does is use the GPU for some fancy processing, and puts no extra load on the CPU or hard drives which results in no extra processing time to do anything.

Jhadur

12-08-2009, 14:04

Found a handy feature I didn't know about. If you click and hold the title bar on an open program then wiggle it side to side all other open windows will minimise so you can see the desktop. Do it again and they all come back. :)

divine

12-08-2009, 16:45

Called Aero Shake. Part of the 'group' of things like Aero Peek and Aero Snap

divine

12-08-2009, 23:36

Ouch

Just installed 7-64 on my main PC, locked up within a minute of first boot and upon restart had destroyed itself so much it would only load the classic windows 2000 style theme and nothing would work, explorer etc. was ****ed.

Trying 32 to see if that's any different tbh, though i'm not sure. Wondering if it was something to do with my overclock.

edit - 32 seems ok, 64 froze up during joining a homegroup, i suspect maybe down to my Wifi drivers

AboveTheSalt

14-08-2009, 09:12

I installed the 32-bit version a couple of days ago. It seems MUCH more reliable; I am hugely impressed.

If you have tried and hated Vista, download (by August 20th) and give Windows 7 RC (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/download.aspx) a go; it is free and will work until March 1st next year (six months free trial).

You may also be able to get the RTM build off a Torrent if you aren't a TechNet or MSDN subscriber?

divine

15-08-2009, 11:56

I installed 64 again with different wifi drivers (off the Australian D-Link site I think, ended up all over the place so i'm not sure) and it's been fine.

divine

15-08-2009, 15:45

I noticed that the Performance Index thing has been tweaked with a new higher limit of 7.9, I wonder what sort of figures people are getting? This is mine:
http://ocukroguesgallery.com/feek/temp/perf-20090630-221403.png

My graphics card is a bit dated which is why the graphics figures aren't the best but I'm happy with the rest.

I get 7.4 for CPU and RAM with a 3.4GHz Q9550 and 4GB DDR2 PC2-6400 RAM.

Glaucus

15-08-2009, 17:20

used 32 and 64 on 3 different systems

e6300/4GB/7800
amd x2/2gb/3650
amd single core/512mb/9800

Apart from no drivers for the 9800, I've had no problems and no crashes.
If it crashes or plays up, take your overclocks of. This will solve many peoples problems.

I just can't see how people are not liking it, it is brilliant, fast and easy to use and looks great.

Richard Slater

15-08-2009, 20:49

http://www.richard-slater.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/Windows7-7200-ExpIndex.JPG

Same as I got under XP IIRC, there is a blog about the new WEI scale on the e7 Blog (http://blogs.msdn.com/e7/archive/2009/01/19/engineering-the-windows-7-windows-experience-index.aspx).

Wryel

18-08-2009, 17:54

Just checked and Home Premium is on sale for £65! Can't see myself needing Pro or Ultimate at home, will this be the first time I *buy* an OS?

Joe 90

19-08-2009, 20:58

things are finally going our way!

http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/19/windows-7-will-cost-half-as-much-in-the-uk-as-in-the-us/

Richard Slater

20-08-2009, 08:54

I currently have Vista Ultimate it only cost me £100. I am not sure I can justify £170 for Windows 7 Ultimate when Home Premium (which is a better deal than Vista Home Premium) is now a full £110 cheaper.

What do you think, will Pro and Ultimate get cheaper? will Home Premium get more expensive? will the Windows 7 Family pack be available in the UK before the end of the year?

[nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition]

Mark

20-08-2009, 10:23

Is there something in Ultimate you want? If not, you just answered your own question. :)

The only reason I'd consider going Ultimate with Vista was due to the fact that Pro comes without some Home features (e.g. Media Center), which is no longer an issue with Windows 7. I do actually have Ultimate on one PC (MSDN license), and beyond curiosity I can't actually remember using any Ultimate-only feature.

I'm getting Windows 7 Pro for most of my systems.

Richard Slater

21-08-2009, 21:45

Boot from VHD is the one I am going to miss as I have been dual booting between Windows 7 and 2008 R2 for SharePoint testing. I ordered Windows 7 Home Premium for my main PC and the laptop, will get Pro at work in September when it is available for Volume Licensing customers.

Other than boot from VHD, I have used Remote Desktop to access my PC at home from remote locations. BitLocker has been handy transferring stuff between work at home that I'm concerned about, but I can do that with third party software or use a VPN.

If I really can't live without Ultimate - there is always Anytime Upgrade. Which I would quite like to try just to see what the end user experience is like before I recommend it to anyone who needs more than Home Premium.