Things I like about Windows 7

So, I’ve been using the Windows 7 Beta for all of about 4 days, although I do now have it on 3 computers (64-bit desktop, 64-bit laptop, 32-bit netbook), so that’s enough experience to list a few things that I like. In the interests of balance, I’ll write a list of things I don’t like too. I’ll keep updating the lists as time goes on. Anyway, things I like about Windows 7, in no particular order…

• It’s faster than Vista on the same hardware.
• You can burn iso files to dvd without 3rd party software.
• The application previews from the taskbar are handy.
• Remote Desktop supports multiple monitors.
• When you copy a file, the Windows Explorer icon in the taskbar becomes a progress bar.
• When you download a file in IE, the IE icon in the taskbar becomes a progress bar.
• Context-sensitive menus on taskbar icons (eg. right-click IE and you get the history, Explorer lists frequently opened folders, Live Messenger provides a list of tasks).
• The same context-sensitive options are on the Start Menu (only on the first level though, not in All Programs)
• The taskbar groups multiple IE tabs and windows as though they were all separate windows, so I don’t need to remember which window a particular tab is in (Paul Thurrott doesn’t like this and he’s used it longer than me, so we’ll see if I change my mind over time).
• New shortcuts: Windows key + cursor keys maximize/restore/minimize or pin to left/right sides of screen. Windows key + Left or Right twice to move a window between multiple monitors.
• Windows Media Player has codec support for XviD files.
• Lower impact UAC (you’re still protected, but you’re less annoyed!)
• HomeGroup makes sharing resources (files/media/printers) across a home network a doddle.
• Neater interface for wireless networking, and to VPN connections over wireless.
• I initially forgot to add this to the list because I’m already used to it as my top Windows 7 feature – PowerShell v2.0 is installed and on by default, with the very nice Integrated Scripting Environment!
• Running an app from the taskbar with elevated rights by holding ctrl+shift while clicking it (this is brilliant!).

More to come (hopefully!)…

Incidentally, Tim Sneath has published a Bumper List of Windows 7 Secrets which is definitely worth reading, as is the Ars Technica In-Depth Tour that he links to.