First impressions of Windows 7 beta

MICROSOFT is giving the public a first glimpse of its new operating system Windows 7 this weekend.

Due to some member-only previews and online leaks, some users have already gained a sneak peek at the operating system's new features.

Here are the first impressions of Windows 7 from around the web, as well as some tips on trying it out.

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Installation

Once Microsoft's servers are able to handle the demand, the official test version (or beta) should be available for download later this weekend.

Installation will take about 30 minutes, according to the TechCast News website.

The Windows 7 beta can be clean installed or upgraded from Vista Service Pack 1, Wired.com reports, and users will need about 16GB of storage plus a DVD burner to install it.

The download will be available until the end of January although it will be limited to 2.5 million activation keys. These keys enable Windows 7 beta to run for more than 30 days.

First impressions – speed

Windows 7 promises to streamline everyday tasks, cut boot-up times, extend battery life and make it simple to weave "smart" devices into home networks, according to Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer.

In an initial, "unscientific" review, PCWorld noticed Windows 7 seemed slightly faster than Vista with the interface, opening windows, and launching applications.

Microsoft has trimmed the fat from Windows 7 by cutting out extra bundled programs such as Windows Messenger and Windows Mail, which users can download in a Windows Live package if they wish.

Another user noted that Windows 7 used less resources than Vista.

"I think I'll be switching back to the normal taskbar though," he told Engadget.com.

Interface design

While the new interface in Windows 7 was designed to reduce clicks and make content more accessible, some of its new features have not impressed users.

Windows 7 lets users customize a "ribbon" panel at the base of the screen with icons for programs and files they want to quickly access.

A ghost preview of what is in the application or file appears as cursors move across ribbon icons, and "jump lists" pop up offering links to exact location on the computer or online.

The new interface doesn't always work so well in the real world, according to ZDNet.com, as it "tries to do too much and as such comes across as kludgey and counter-intuitive."

"One failure is that it’s hard to tell the difference between apps that are running and shortcuts that have been pinned to the taskbar."

However the same review found the new "aero" feature quite useful, which lets the user make all windows transparent by dragging the cursor to the bottom of corner of the screen.

Easier sharing

Microsoft's new OS aims to make home networking easier for sharing music, pictures, printers or videos with the simplified "Home Group" feature.

Users can share their "Library", which is a folder customised to hold particular content.

And the "Device Stage" automatically fetches support and set-up information for mobile phones, mp3 players, digital cameras or other gadgets plugged into the computer.

Yet one glitch may interfere with music-sharing fun – the first three seconds of an mp3 file could be cut off by the bundled Windows Media Player 12, according to PCWorld.

This issue, found in an earlier version of Windows 7, has since been patched by Microsoft, which recommended users back up their music before installing the trial operating system.

Overall performance

A beta is bound to have glitches, but Windows 7 has left a good overall first impression.

It strikes users as faster and lighter than Windows Vista, and has improved on important consumer areas like home networking and media sharing.

The interface has some interesting new features but it may take a while – and perhaps some tweaking – to get used to them.