Windows 7

[Vince]

MS has closed the window on their newest beta anti-virus, but independent tests had it as one of the very best ones on the market.

[Vince]

Here's the latest on Windows 7:

People who are still using the beta will start getting warnings today, as the beta prepares to shut down. They need to upgrade to the RC.

Amazon.com reports that pre-orders for 7 at half-price are outselling anything else they have.

MS is facing a grim problem with the XP factor. Only one in 12 businesses plan to switch from XP to 7 before 2011. They have no problem with 7, but despite MS's claims, XP works fine and will continue to work fine. Most businesses see no need to upgrade.

Only about 7% of all new computers are expected to use 7's new Touch Screen technology, but I disagree. A Touch Screen will only cost $100 more than a regular screen, and I predict that the price difference will decrease over time. Stay tuned.

A survey of over 10,000 executives showed that 43% will never leave XP if they can avoid it. Another 45% said that they will eventually switch to 7. Surprisingly, 5% plan to switch to Vista, 5% to Linux, and 1% to Mac.

[Vince]

Rumors are flying that MS will complete the "Gold Version" of 7 on July 10 and will ship it to manufacturers on July 13. However, you cannot buy a computer loaded with 7 until October 22.

Should manufacturers find bugs, MS will try to have patches ready befofre Octogber 22, and manufacturers can manually install the patches on their computers before selling them.

[ZaLiTH]

Originally Posted by Vince

Rumors are flying that MS will complete the "Gold Version" of 7 on July 10 and will ship it to manufacturers on July 13...

What's in the 'Gold Version' then? Sounds interesting...

[Vince]

The Gold Version is the code name for the final version. Since this post, insiders have confirmed at least two changes from the Release Candidate to the Gold Version.

[Vince]

From the latest tech sites:

MS has licensed 51 million computers to run Windows 7. The problem is that many of these are with companies that have contracts with MS, and most of them don't plan to upgrade.

Google Chrome is scaring MS with its announced free, open-source operating system that is designed specifically for netbooks. Steve Balmer panned the new system at a recent meeting, but research groups are reporting that there is a LOT of interest in the new OS, which will be available for free sometime next year.

It's pretty solid: most businesses will not upgrade to WIndows 7. Although MS warns that XP systems will not be able to funcion in a world of modern software, free software that is compatible with XP, Vista, and 7 is appearing all over the web.

[Vince]

PSWorld reports web-wide outrage, but I can't find any of it. But here's the story:

If you upgrade from XP to 7, you will have to install your old copy of XP first, to prove that you really have one. Fair enough. After all, you're getting a reduced price because it's an upgrade, not a new installation.

The problem: according to one MS source, 7 will then void your XP's license, making a permanent installation of your old XP on another computer impossible. Later, if you ever need to re-install 7, you will need to call Customer Support, because you no longer possess a valid copy of XP.

It has been noted that MS did not announce this until after their big pre-order sale was over.

Another MS source says that it is not true, so PCWorld called MS for an official answer. MS has not yet replied.

[The Rock-man]

If that true Vince then MS will have to refund tons of money and have mega fines from the watchdogs due to miss selling etc. So somehow I doubt it is true.

[Vince]

On Wednesday, July 22, 2009, MS released the final version of WIndows 7 to manufacturers. If any more flaws turn up now, MS will post patrches on their site. Windows 7 is still officially slated to have its launch on October 22.

So what does this mean for PC gamers. Well, Microsoft updated its Games for Windows web site with a list of seven reasons why gamers should upgrade to Windows 7. Some of the reasons given are a little on the odd side (we don't think many games will support multi-touch screens for example) but perhaps the biggest reason to upgrade to Windows 7 isn't listed; namely, it's not that crappy Windows Vista.

[Vince]

And here it is, direct from the MS Games website! After all, if you can't believe everything that MS tells you, who can you believe?

Top 7 Reasons for a PC Gamer to Get Windows 7

1 - Performance
To quote a coworker: 'Across same hardware, Crysis runs awesome on Win7! Even better than XP!'. Code for the OS has been optimized for better all around performance for games. Whatever you're playing now should be a better experience in Windows 7.

2 - Compatibility
The top third-party games, services, and international versions of games have been tested in Windows 7, so you should not worry about Windows 7 breaking your games. Feel free to move to Windows 7 because whatever you're playing now should work fabulously in Windows 7.

3 - Discoverability
You can use Start -> Search to find any game you just downloaded or installed. No need to launch a separate application. Likewise, you won't need to launch a game to get more info about it: The Windows 7 Games Explorer can show you in-game statistics within a preview pane plus delivers up-to-date info about your favorite game publishers and gives you the opportunity to try new games.

4 - Easy updates
The new Games Explorer will notify you whenever updates are available for your games so you don't have to go searching for them yourself or have to launch the game to see if there's an update waiting.

5 - DirectX 11 support
DirectX 11 means better games, pure and simple, with more advanced features for games to use.

6 - Multitouch support
An increasing number of gamers are using mutltouch devices. Windows 7 supports multitouch-capable machines, so you can buy the latest and greatest multitouch laptop or desktop confident it's going to work in Windows 7.

7 - Classics
Here's a bonus reason for you: Windows 7 is going to bring back Internet Backgammon, Internet Spades, and Internet Checkers because you can't spend all your time hardcore.