Some Features of Windows 7

I've been seeing more popping up around the Internet regarding Windows 7. Here are some of the features and their usages that I've found so far.

Jump Lists - By right clicking an icon, you get a list of options for that application. I know, nothing mind bending here. If the application uses the system API, you will also get a list of recently used files in that application.

Libraries - Libraries will allow you to view your data in a new way. It looks like it is part of Windows Explorer. You can customize it to organize the presentation of your files to suit your needs.

Touch-Screen PCs - The mouse commands have been changed to allow you to use your PC as a touch screen. We've seen Windows Touch being used by NBC's political analysis Chuck Todd. Now that functionality is moving to the PC.

Lower system requirements - One of the big complaints about Vista was the extra power under the hood that was required. According to Microsoft, today's hardware will be able to run Windows 7.

Device Stage - This on looks interesting. Microsoft is allowing device vendors to tailor a screen that pops up when you plug in a device, the way they want it. It will include the options for that specific device, but it could also include links. These links can be for what ever the vendor sees fit. Driver update site, replace parts, additional services.

Action Center - This is where all those little nasty pop ups are going. Microsoft did good in their attention to security in Vista. The route that was taken ending producing my favorite Mac vs. PC commercial. I'm happy to say that the UAC is not long on or off. It has two steps in between to still alert you, without you having to click anything.

Microsoft has been working to adapt the PC more to how the users work. The calculator even has some functions that I used to use a spreadsheet for. They are also utilizing the Office 2007 Ribbon in more applications. The side bar is no longer around, but the gadgets that we've grown to love are still there. The release data is still not set. Like all MCTs, I'm waiting for the new load of course ware.

I'll have more on Windows 7 as more details are released.

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