Windows 7 Beta Review Part 2

Yes, I know there has been some time between this post and the last one about Windows 7, but it has been a little busy for me with exams any everything. So, lets just move on to the juicy stuff that is Windows 7 Beta.

Windows 7 takes devices like printers and cameras to a whole new simplified platform of its own. Certain printers and cameras and even other devices. Microsoft is calling this the ‘Device Stage’ and it really does look promising.

From a first glance it doesn’t look like anything special but one you select a device here (if your device is supported for Device Stage) then a you’ll get a must more user friendly set of options. In my case, the Canon PowerShot SX100 IS is not compatible with Device Stage, but my HP Photosmart C5280 is compatible.

Upon looking at this screen, all of your basic options are grouped together for easy access. In my case, printer and scanner options are grouped into their own categories. I can even buy ink through HP (which I wouldn’t to begin with) and if I wanted to I could even buy a warranty through HP right through HP’s link in their Device Stage.

Now every device will vary of course, but after seeing what Device Stage can do things do look very promising. If more devices adapted this feature of Windows 7, then installed addition programs from the manufacturer will no longer be needed which is always nice since you won’t have to use valuable system resources.

Between these 2 posts are only 3 major things that caught my attention right off the bat. There are other features though that I’m sure that others will enjoy. Microsoft has added some mouse gestures that allow you to manipulate other windows on the screen (try shake a window at the top with other windows open to minimize all the windows). Also with Windows 7, I’ve noticed on my HP Pavilion DV5220us, that Windows 7 boots much faster than what Windows Vista Ultimate did on this system and this system is no slouch (Intel Core Duo 1.6GHZ, 2GB of DDR2 667, 250GB Seagate HD…). If Microsoft can make push this out to retailers in this condition (working out the bugs before hand though), then I would like to believe that Microsoft will be right on track again and we won’t have to see any more of those Mac commercials. 

Windows 7 Beta (Build 7000) Part 1

I’ve stated this countless times already, but it is finally time for my thoughts on the current beta of Windows 7 Build 7000.

The first major thing that you’ll see when you start Windows 7 for the 1st time is the new taskbar.

http://calucabana.com/windows7/taskbar.png

As you can see, the taskbar is a mix of Windows Vista (the Start Orb) and a mix of OSX (the dockbar). The default Windows 7 install puts IE 8, Windows Explorer, and WMP as the 1st 3 icons. This new taskbar is a blend of the old Windows taskbar and the Quick Launch that was introduced with IE 4. All related windows are grouped with that application. So multiple Firefox windows will show up as one Firefox icon on the taskbar.

One major change is when one right clicks on an item in the taskbar. Gone is the basic context menu, and is replace with a new feature called the Jumplist.

http://calucabana.com/windows7/jumplist.png

The Jumplist will give your history from IE 8 right at your fingertips and give you common commands for an application if it supports the Jumplist feature.

This is just a little taste of the changes in Windows 7. Stay tuned for the next part of my Windows 7 breakdown.

Motivation Of The Day

Also my thoughts on Windows 7 will be posted later today!

College Students and The Brain

When someone enters college you usually expect them to be somewhat intelligent since they actually made it to college. Well, yesterday that myth was finally busted. No, I’m not talking about something alcohol related. I’m talking about a false fire alarm at 4 a.m. Usually when people hear a fire alarm, they will usually flee to the nearest exited and escaped from any potential harm. Well, when it comes to California University of Pennsylvania students that really isn’t the case.

Take into account my roommate (Tom); it took him about 5 minutes just to find a pair of pants to use since it was about 7 degrees outside. Me on the other hand just heard the alarm go off after it was mentioned to me and went back to bed with the cover thrown over my head.

So it seems that depending where you go, fire alarms mean different things. Or it just might be the fact that no one gives a damn when the alarm goes off at 4 in the damn morning!

Fail of The Day

Today’s fail from Failblog.org

Current Conclusions

I’m not a racist or a bastard, at least I would like to think so. I’ve noticed so far this semester that two of my courses are going to be very fun. These 2 professors speak with heavy accents.

I would just like to state that I would like to at least understand the classes that I’m paying for. Oh well, I guess. There really isn’t much that can be done about it except to tough it out.

On a higher note: I probably will post my thoughts on the beta of Windows 7!

The Last Round Begins

This Sunday begins the final portion of my 4 year journey @ California University of Pennsylvania. It has been a long road but it will pay for itself come May 2nd. Although the ‘Cabana’ will be become separated, the time together will never be forgotten. The random Mario Kart races where one goes from 1st to 4th on the last leg of Rainbow Road will always live on (especially since I have a picture of that victim!). After this semester, I will have to move into this so call ‘real world’ and try to survive. Well, lets just see how this semester pans out 1st!