The Advent of Microsoft Windows 7

Microsoft Corporation released Windows 7, its latest operating system software, to manufacturing on July 22, 2009, and it became available to the general public on October 22, 2009. The superiority and advantages of Windows 7 over its predecessors (XP and Vista) are easily recognizable, which will be discussed in details later on. What surprised a lot of PC enthusiasts was the affordability of Windows 7's Home Premium version: It is incredibly cheaper than the Windows Vista's version. The upgrade retail pricing for Windows 7's Home Premium version is $119.99 (Vista's version is $159.99), and the full retail version is tagged for $199.99 (Vista's version is $239.99). That's $40 of savings right off the bat!

Besides its attractive pricing, Windows 7 also boasts of many exciting features. As Microsoft remarked concerning their brand new operating system: "Engineered by us. Inspired by you." So, what are these features?

Daily Tasks Simplified
- Sharing files and printers over your home network is now a breeze with HomeGroup. This feature allows you to start sharing your music, picture, video, and document to any people in your home, so long as they are included in your network. You can even password-protect your files so they cannot be accessed or modified by anyone without first obtaining your permission.
- With a simple click of a mouse, you can find any file stored in your system's hard drive, depending on the program that is associated with your files. For example, your Windows Media Player 12 lists your commonly-played songs, while Internet Explorer 8 displays your frequently-viewed websites. This brand new feature of Windows 7 is called Jump Lists.
- If you are a multitasker, you can now easily compare two documents side by side on your screen with the use of Snap. All you need to do is drag them to the edges of your monitor screen and they get perfectly aligned for your viewing pleasure.
- How about the Windows Live Essentials? This multi-functional feature of Windows 7 includes Messenger, Photo Gallery, Mail, Writer, Movie Maker, Family Safety, and Toolbar. You can't go wrong with this wonderful add-on!
- There are also the much improved Windows Taskbar and Windows Search, which are very useful for everyday usage.

A More Personable and User-friendly Operating System
- Windows 7 support both 32 and 64-bit computers.
- You don't have to change your desktop image as often as before because it automatically changes each time Windows 7 is refreshed.
- You can now shutdown and start your PC at a very noticeable speed with Windows 7. It also makes it easier to identify your USB gadgets when you plug them in your machine.

New Possibilities Come Alive
- Through the use of your home network, you are now able to share your files to other computers without having to plug in USB or any other file transfer cables.
- Remote media streaming is also available in Windows 7 so you can enjoy your music and movie files wherever you may be. All you need is a stable Internet connection on another computer which has Windows 7 as its operating system to access your remote media.
- Windows 7 is fully compatible with touch screen technology so when you use a touch screen multimedia monitor, there is no longer a necessity for you to install a mouse driver because you simply do not need it. Now that's innovation for you!

There are many other amazing features to appreciate on Windows 7. Visit the Microsoft website for the official list and enjoy your latest Windows operating system!

Sources:

Windows 7 from Wikipedia Website
Windows 7 pricing announced: cheaper than Vista (Updated) from Ars Technica Website
Windows 7 Features from Windows Microsoft Website