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Windows 7: Finally, an End to Vista Misery

'New' Microsoft OS is major improvement, say critics

By Jason Farago, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 22, 2009 9:53 AM CST

(Newser) – Microsoft is rolling out a successor to Vista, its universally reviled operating system, with Windows 7 now available in a relatively bug-free beta download. Early users report that the new edition is a marked improvement. David Pogue, in the New York Times, says Windows 7 ends “a big part of the Vista misery,” and Walt Mossberg, in the Wall Street Journal, claims it “leaves Vista in the dust.”

The new OS retains Vista’s streamlined look, but runs far faster and does away with many of the pesky nag screens that infuriated users. Windows 7 also includes a Mac-style application dock, and even supports touch-screen navigation with a compatible monitor. Pogue calls Windows 7 “Vista with whole heck of a lot of refinement,” while Mossberg goes further: “It’s a serious competitor, in features and ease of use, for Apple’s current Leopard operating system.”

[Images (3)]

[Videos (1)]

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer talks about Windows 7 as he delivers the keynote address at the International Consumer Electronics Show on Jan. 7, 2009, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo)

A screenshot of the beta edition of Windows 7, Microsoft's successor to Vista. (©Justin Brockie)

A screenshot of the beta edition of Windows 7, Microsoft's successor to Vista. (©Senpa)

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 4 comments

AClotfelter

Jun 25, 2009 12:10 AM CDT

Vista is great, and just to prove it, everyone is loving Windows 7, which is just a slight upgrade to Vista. I should know, unlike most people who bitch about Vista, I have actually been using it (for 3 years) and support 50 users who run it as well. I also have been running Windows 7 for a few months, and the changes are cosmetic.

riffran

Jan 23, 2009 5:40 AM CST

What ....no more dos 6.22?...dang it now I gotta upgrade to actually having a hard drive, instead of a 5in floppywill 7 fit on a 500meg hard drive?........he he....just kidding.....with a few exceptions Vista was buggy

Mad

Jan 22, 2009 9:05 PM CST

Gramm's statement showed just how out of touch republicans are. M$ must've also felt Vista was lacking, or why change? Stay with your slow bloatware, the rest of the world will stay current

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Windows 7: Finally, an End to Vista Misery