The New Exponent

By Grayson Wattenbarger
Staff Writer

Not long ago, eager tech-savvy consumers awaited the exciting release of Windows Vista, an operating system that would beat all others. Within months, problems arose and it was easy to tell that Vista was an operating system based around design instead of performance. As Microsoft listened to the voices of their consumers, they finally understood what they wanted- something that works.

Alas, the release of Windows 7 came along. For months, the internet was filled with beta copies of the exciting new operating system and comments flooded message boards about how amazing and how exciting the new operating system was. Finally, the official release came out and sales of the new system skyrocketed. With its good looks, faster startup time, and overall better performance, Microsoft truly delivered what the people wanted. Some of the most unwanted and bulky applications on a computer are the ones consumers rarely use. This time around, Microsoft didn’t include those on every new computer. Instead, users have the option of downloading Movie Maker, Mail, Messenger, and other useless applications which are rarely used.

Computer users have rejoiced at the fact that they can finally have more space and not have to worry about such unimportant programs. Startup time is always important in a computer, especially when you’re running late for class and need your computer on immediately to print out your last-minute homework. Microsoft delivered. Windows 7 is remarkably faster than Windows Vista when starting up, but that’s not all.

Overall, Windows 7 is a streamlined operating system that starts programs faster and helps its users become more productive in a faster time. Apple computers are known around the world for their easy-to-use user interface. Computer users everywhere enjoy the dock, a row of application icons on the home screen instead of having to file through menus. As Microsoft designers were designing this new operating system, they kept that in mind. Simon Aldus, a group manager for Microsoft, explained that Windows 7 designers based the new operating system around a Mac, saying,

One of the things that people say an awful lot about the Apple Mac is that the OS is fantastic, that it’s very graphical and easy to use. What we’ve tried to do with Windows 7 – whether it’s traditional format or in a touch format – is create a Mac look and feel in terms of graphics.

Microsoft immediately sent out another statement denying the statement, but really, it’s up to the users to decide whether or not Microsoft designed their new system around a Mac.

Households across the nation are integrating their computers into a home network to share music, photos, and videos. Windows 7 designers understood that users finally needed an operating system that enabled them to do just that. With the new operating system came an easy-to-use home network setup process that provides a unique password to allow other computers in a home to connect to one another. Finally, parents can watch their children’s every move not only on their Facebooks, but on their computers, too.

Finally! A company decided to help out poor college students by giving us a great offer that can’t be refused. College students are able to get the ultimate deal on a Windows 7 upgrade. For only $29, students can upgrade to this exciting new operating system. Check out http://www.win741.com/, a website directly from Microsoft. All you need is a valid college email address.

So what is Windows 7? Some call it wonderful, some call it enticingly good, but Microsoft says that it’s a user-friendly operating system, stating, “We designed Windows 7 to simplify your everyday tasks, work the way you want, and make new things possible.” And to Microsoft, thank you for delivering what your users have been asking for; something streamlined, user-friendly, and ready for a busy day’s work.