Well Windows 7 RC1 is available for download, so in true geek fashion I was off to the Windows 7 download page on Microsoft's website.
RC1 is the full blown Windows 7 Ultimate. This version will stop working on March 1 2010. So we get plenty of time to test and try it out.
When you click on the download link, you will have to use your Live ID and tick a few boxes on a form. The download manager will download and you will be given a product code key for your Windows 7.
The download is a 2.3gb "ISO" file (disc image) so make sure you have plenty of free hard disk space and a blank DVD!
After burning the DVD image to disc, I proceeded to install on my old laptop (Turion- 1gb Ram, 100gb HDD, Radeon Mobility x700 PCIE graphics). The install screen was pleasing to the eye and I had virtualy nothing to enter on screen to get it running.I did have to wait for 50mins for the install but was totally surprised at the results - Windows 7 found virtually every driver - except the Radeon Video driver.
The graphics were impressive even with out the proper drivers.
I proceeded with the ATI Catalyst drivers for Windows 7 from their website - several versions- to no avail. Amazingly I then tried the Windows Driver update feature....which instantly found and installed the correct drivers.
After a restart.......up come the smart new desktop. I really was expecting the OS to run very slowly on my old Turion but it just worked, fast and great response to clicks, key presses etc. I was VERY impressed. The new taskbar features, window shaking, see through windows etc...all perfect!
Driven by an immediate thought of "perhaps Microsoft have redeemed themselves and made a DECENT OS", I started adding msn, Skype, Office 2003, AVG Antivirus and Nero Ultra 7.
AVG 8.5 immediately caused the system to run like syrup, so I uninstalled and installed Avast Home Edition. This worked perfect with minimum effect on system speed.
Again, no problems on install, with everything running smoothly.
I opened IE8 and opened several tabs and windows, everything ran perfect. I proceeded to download a few Vista utilities from the Acer website - again all installed perfect.
I opened IE8 and opened several tabs and windows, everything ran perfect. I proceeded to download a few Vista utilities from the Acer website - again all installed perfect.
This all seemed to good to be true so I downloaded Vista drivers for mywebcam, a Playstation Eye Toy (Ver 003). Surely if anything will break this....it will?
Well sure enough I tried to install and successfully BLUE SCREENED Windows 7!
Well sure enough I tried to install and successfully BLUE SCREENED Windows 7!
Undeterred, I rebooted and this time I let windows discover the extracted drivers and voila! The PS Eyetoy was now working perfect!
To date, I have been using Windows 7 for all sorts of activity online and have been more than impressed. I have even run a Vista Ultimate Laptop side by side with the Acer laptop (4yrs old) and the Acer has been quicker and more responsive than the HP Vista Laptop when it comes to opening windows and programs.
All in all I would say that this OS is running amazingly well for such an old laptop. Even Windows Media centre runs smoothly. Well done MS, you have impressed me so far......now the real test begins.....how long will I have this stabilty, what programs will break it? I will post my findings in Part 3.
All in all I would say that this OS is running amazingly well for such an old laptop. Even Windows Media centre runs smoothly. Well done MS, you have impressed me so far......now the real test begins.....how long will I have this stabilty, what programs will break it? I will post my findings in Part 3.
In part 2, I will be covering some of the new features such as Libraries, Snipping Tool, Control panel features etc.
Mikm
