Windows 7 Beta: What to Expect

Windows 7 Public Beta: A Detailed Overview

The Windows 7 Public Beta is now available for download via the Microsoft website. Registration is open until January 24th, granting access to a temporary license key for Beta 1. This article will provide a comprehensive look at the features and what users can anticipate.

Having utilized the beta for several weeks, and recently gaining access to the official Beta 1 release, it's demonstrably stable for regular use, despite its expiration date of August 1st, 2009, after which functionality will cease.

A Refined Operating System

To summarize Windows 7 concisely: it represents Windows Vista with enhancements, and the majority of its previous issues and bugs resolved, coupled with a visually appealing interface. The improvements are significant, and a detailed examination is warranted.

Exploring the Interface: A Screenshot Tour

The default desktop environment in Windows 7 is characterized by its simplicity and clean design, a feature consistently impressive throughout the release.

The Redesigned Taskbar

The most immediately noticeable change is the new taskbar, employing larger icons in place of traditional taskbar buttons, and integrating Quick Launch functionality. Observe that the Windows Media Player icon is not currently highlighted, as no instance is running; however, it remains pinned to the taskbar.

The preview thumbnails have been improved to display multiple windows simultaneously, a substantial upgrade over the Vista implementation, particularly as Windows 7 consolidates windows by default. Even with only two windows open, they will be combined into a single taskbar button.

Hovering over a preview automatically switches focus to that window, providing a larger view for identification. This is particularly beneficial when working with Word documents.

Enhanced Right-Click Menu

The taskbar buttons now feature an updated right-click menu, granting access to special folders and recent documents. A new API allows applications to extend this list, promising future expansion and utility.

Taskbar Customization

Users can revert to the Windows Vista taskbar style through Taskbar and Start Menu Properties (accessed via a right-click). The "Taskbar buttons" setting allows disabling the single icon mode, and selecting "Use small icons" will revert to smaller icons.

Gadgets and the Start Menu

The traditional "Sidebar" for Gadgets has been removed. Gadgets are now accessed by right-clicking on the desktop and selecting "Gadgets," allowing them to be positioned anywhere on the screen. Resolution settings are also readily accessible from this menu.

Dragging gadgets to the side of the screen will dock them, replicating the functionality of the previous Sidebar.

The Start Menu remains largely consistent with previous versions, although the Shut Down button is simplified and configurable within the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties.

An arrow next to "Getting Started" reveals a list of tasks on the right-hand side, presented with a smooth "slide out" animation.

The overall smoothness and responsiveness of the user interface are best experienced firsthand; screenshots cannot fully capture the enhanced fluidity.

Search and Window Management

The search functionality has been significantly improved. The taskbar transforms into a full-size search screen, offering enhanced results, although still not entirely flawless.

A new feature allows maximizing or tiling windows by dragging them to the edges of the screen. Dragging to the left, for example, creates a "glass" effect.

Releasing the mouse button then divides the screen equally, facilitating efficient window tiling.

Dragging a window corner to an edge fills the entire screen space.

System Tray and Action Center

An unused area next to the clock on the taskbar houses the new "Show Desktop" icon. Hovering over it renders all open windows transparent, revealing the desktop beneath.

The system tray has been reorganized, with less frequently used icons hidden behind an arrow. The taskbar now displays the current date due to its increased height.

The Action Center icon consolidates all Windows Security notifications into a single location.

Users can customize which notifications are displayed, a significant improvement over Vista.

The Action Center allows granular control over security messages.

User Account Control (UAC)

Clicking on the User Account Control settings reveals a new slider, allowing users to adjust the frequency of UAC notifications. By default, UAC is nearly disabled for administrative users, only prompting during new application installations.

Control Panel and System Information

The Control Panel features a new panel for customizing desktop themes, providing centralized access to relevant settings.

Many settings previously accessed through separate dialogs are now integrated directly into the Control Panel.

The Windows Experience score maximum has increased to 7.9 from Vista’s 5.9.

Libraries and Home Groups

The user folder now includes "Libraries," which are essentially search folders grouping pictures, documents, and music. This feature requires some acclimation but offers convenience.

A new "Homegroup" feature simplifies network sharing, offering a more intuitive interface.

Additional Features

Windows 7 includes numerous other features, including:

A redesigned Calculator.
Integrated Internet Explorer 8.
Integrated XPS Viewer.
Updated Paint and Wordpad with the "Ribbon" interface.
Revamped Windows Backup.
New "Home Groups" for file and folder sharing.
An easier wireless connections tray icon.
An updated Media Center.
Faster bootup and installation times.

Windows Mail, Calendar, Photo Gallery, Movie Maker, and Contacts have been removed and are now available as part of the downloadable Windows Live Essentials.

Installation Process

The installation process is familiar. The startup screen is similar to previous versions.

Should You Install?

If the expiration date is not a concern, Windows 7 beta 1 is stable and usable.

Licensing and Drivers

Windows 7 functions similarly to Vista, offering a 30-day trial period. Downloading and installing the ISO image requires a tool like ImgBurn.

Windows 7 utilizes the same drivers as Vista, and driver compatibility is generally good.

Installation Recommendations

A clean installation into a separate partition is recommended. Dual-booting is preferable to upgrading, especially given potential issues with the upgrade feature (which only supports Vista SP1).

After installation, you will be prompted for a computer name and user name.

You will be asked to configure default homegroup settings. Remember to note the homegroup password.

Known Issue and Future Coverage

A known bug may corrupt some MP3 files when loaded into Windows Media Player. Installing the patch or enabling automatic updates is recommended. Further information is available on ArsTechnica.

What aspects of Windows 7 would you like to see covered in future articles? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Windows 7 Beta: What to Expect - A First Look