Vista vs Windows 7

7th Heaven after the Vista experience

Windows 7Windows Vista was supposed to revolutionise the world of IT. But, it was not what people expected it to be, and critics, along as users were not satisfied. This prompted the need for a newer version, which appeared in less than three years after the release of Vista. All those who were not satisfied with Vista are now quite eager to use the new version and see if the waiting and dissatisfaction can be compensated, while those (few) happy with it should be prepared to test something even better


By ROXANA CIUPARIU (roxana.ciupariu@wavemagazine.net)
from Bucharest, ROMANIA


Windows Vista operating system (OS) was released 5 years after its predecessor, Windows XP (the programme which is the most loved and used so far), at the end of January 2007. This OS was supposed to make things easier for viewing, by bringing many changes and new features, such as Windows DVD Maker, redesigned networking, and a new view on how to see the icons and the information inside each folder, as well as the improvement of the state of security in Windows programmes. According to Information Week, Bill Gates, the mogul of Windows, declared in front of a huge audience of cyber-security experts at a 2006 conference that the biggest investment at the moment, for Microsoft, is represented by the computer security measures.

Among the new things presented by Windows Vista were the instant search (faster and deeper than the previous versions of search available), Internet Explorer 7, with improved features, Windows Media Player 11, Backup and Restore Centre, Windows Photo Gallery and DVD Maker, as well as a change in the Windows Update, which was now perceived as being simpler. The changes are many more, some minor, some bigger, according to users, especially since many found themselves lost in the way the programme is designed and had no idea how to use it.

But, although many new elements appeared and others were changed, some programmes such as MSN Explorer and Windows Messenger were removed, which created a certain disappointment among users. Also, a couple of the themes so famous and used in previous editions were also removed or reduced to mere details.

Windows 7Dissatisfaction arose when it was announced that all computers will use Windows Vista, which meant that upgrade was required for most of them in order to use the Aero interface feature, as well as other improvements of the kind. According to the British newspapers, The Times, the new Windows was deemed "too advanced" for many UK computer owners, and this, almost 7 months prior its full release. The critics started even before the official full launch on the market.

Upgrade was a lot harder, because it required the user to do the same installation twice. The price was also a reason of criticism, as INWIRE presented in August 2006; Canadian users were outraged by the prices as compared to the prices they were expecting and the ones in American Dollars.

Basically, Windows Vista was not the success Microsoft wanted it to be, so many user stuck to or returned to the previous, and much adored, Windows XP.

Windows 7: the perfect combination between XP and Vista

Less than three years after the launch of Windows Vista, on 22nd October 2009, Microsoft launched Windows 7, which is supposed to be the perfect combination between the huge success features of Windows XP and the improved, but not so well produced, features of Windows Vista. Indeed, according to the official Microsoft Page of Windows 7, among the 10 reasons why people should choose the new version are quick access to all of your stuff, by using the Pin and Jump options, managing windows more easily, quickly find what you are looking for, and managing devices easier than before. Options included previously such as Windows Calendar, Movie Maker and Photo Gallery and no longer available, but can still be obtained separately, in the package Windows Live Essentials. Also, unlike its predecessor which requires upgrade, Windows 7 is compatible with Vista-using computers, as well as with XP ones, which makes it user-friendly.

Windows 7Windows 7 does include new features, such as an improved version of Windows Media Centre, redesigned Calculator, an improved Control Panel, while Windows Security Centre got renamed as Windows Action Centre.

Fundamentally, Windows 7 is suppose to organize things as they were left by Windows XP and made chaotic by Vista, in a way to simplify your life, which is also the motto of the OS.

Critics on ZDnet present the UAC (User Account Controls), optioned introduced with Windows Vista as more flexible for users, which makes it easier to make mistakes, while some, such as writer Ed Bott, consider that, if one loves Vista, he or she will hate Windows 7, because some many features are introduced and instead of things being simplified, they are more complicated.

Now, we are all left to see how the PC and laptop user are reacting to the new Microsoft programme. PC World interviewed around 5000 XP users in August this year, nearly three months before the release of Windows 7, asking them what they would choose to update to, Vista or 7. Surprisingly or not, more than 70% seemed favourable to Windows 7, of which some already saw how it was going to be like, while most didn't, while the majority of them still disliked Vista. The basic point would be that users are still not ready to change OS, but, in case they will do so, more are open to Windows 7, than Vista, which means Microsoft is finally washing its sins with this release.


(Published: 11.11.2009.)