Howettblog®

I have to say, Microsoft really did a great job here. The beta version of Windows 7 (Build 7000) is far more usable at this stage than Vista ever was. All my issues (see here and here) with Vista are not present here.

Hilights

• Wireless worked immediately; during setup, no less! (screenshot)
• All my hardware was detected and drivers automatically downloaded from Windows Update, without my intervention. (screenshot 1: All drivers installed; screenshot 2: Installing my SATA card)
• User Account Control is 100% less intrusive, and doesn’t hang while blanking the screen.
• Aero is Beautiful in this release.
• Paint got a complete overhaul (screenshot: menu) and can do something similar to Word’s AutoShapes.
• Progress bars in the taskbar. (screenshot)
• Calculator now has a “Programmer Mode.”
• It’s fast, in both setup and use.

Minor Issues

• Address bar icon in IE8 doesn’t support PNG transparency properly. (screenshot)
• Folders no longer display the size of their contents unless the contents are selected. (screenshot 1: Windows 7; screenshot 2: Windows XP)
• Paint uses the Ribbon Interface (not an issue, just hard to get used to). (screenshot)

While the beta expires in August of 2009, I foresee great things for Windows 7.

The title says it all; This combines my love of (read: veiled interest in) talking about random things online with my love of having a new toy to play with.

Plus, Howettblog® is now completely located on the HowettNET server!