The successor to Windows Vista. Expected in 2009, Windows 7 was designed to be more user friendly by focusing on how a user works on the computer. For example, multitouch capability is featured, which is similar to Microsoft's Surface computer and Apple's iPhone (see multitouch). However, Windows 7-compatible touch screens are required to take advantage of this.
Enhancements to the User Interface
Windows 7 changes the Vista user interface; most notably a new taskbar, called the "Superbar," is similar to the Dock in the Macintosh. The Superbar serves to show open applications as well as launch new ones, and icons can be rearranged by the user, where they were always fixed in previous Windows versions.
Programmers can add "jump lists" to their applications, which display commonly used functions when their Superbar icon is right clicked. Another improvement is quick window placement. Application windows snap to the top and sides of the screen by just moving them to the edges.
As with all major upgrades of dominant software, changes are made before the final release date. For example, the server version of Windows 7 is expected to be 64 bits only, and applications are expected to run in a sandbox that restricts access to files and external resources for greater security. See sandbox and Windows Vista.
Enhancements to the User Interface
Windows 7 changes the Vista user interface; most notably a new taskbar, called the "Superbar," is similar to the Dock in the Macintosh. The Superbar serves to show open applications as well as launch new ones, and icons can be rearranged by the user, where they were always fixed in previous Windows versions.
Programmers can add "jump lists" to their applications, which display commonly used functions when their Superbar icon is right clicked. Another improvement is quick window placement. Application windows snap to the top and sides of the screen by just moving them to the edges.
As with all major upgrades of dominant software, changes are made before the final release date. For example, the server version of Windows 7 is expected to be 64 bits only, and applications are expected to run in a sandbox that restricts access to files and external resources for greater security. See sandbox and Windows Vista.
 | Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Copyright (c) 1981-2009 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved. |
Additional Resources
- Seven perfectly legal ways to get Windows 7 cheap (or even free)
- Only suckers pay retail. You don't have to pay full price for Windows 7. Most people have much better options available, if you just know where to look. I've researched deals in three separate categories: upgrade offers available to anyone, special deals just for students, and subscriptions intended for technical...
- Blog posts 2009-11-06
- News to know: Windows 7; Google Dashboard; Driving while texting; Steve Jobs; Droid
- Here are today's notable headlines. You can get News To Know via email alert and RSS daily. For continuous updates see BNET's around-the-Web tech coverage.: Sam Diaz: Ballmer: So far, Windows 7 sales are "fantastic" Dana Blankenhorn: What the Google Privacy Dashboard can...
- Blog posts 2009-11-06
- What Windows 7 means for IT pros
- More and more companies are looking at Windows 7 with an eye toward migrating from XP or Vista -- and IT pros in all capacities are likely to be affected to some degree. This collection of job-specific articles will help you get ready for the impact Windows 7 will have...
- Download resources 2009-11-06
- Lotto Pro 2009 7.53 (Windows)
- Works with all lottery games; Pick-3, Pick-4, Pick 5, Pick-6 and Pick-7 and Keno. Up-to-date drawing files for all United States and Canadian lotteries. Drawing files are also included for Australia, Brazil, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, Turkey...
- Software downloads 2009-11-06
- MSN Recorder Max 4.1.7.2 (Windows)
- MSN Recorder Max enables you to record your favorite MSN chatmate's webcam video or capture the whole MSN conversation easily and instantly. It supports all versions of MSN and Windows Live Messenger. All the videos can be captured in real time while chatting on MSN video call. Needless to select...
- Software downloads 2009-11-06
- Patch Tuesday heads-up: Critical MS Office patches coming
- Office for Mac also affected...So where are the rants from Windows zealots who scream blue murder every time there's a patch for possible exploits of iTunes on Windows?Oh, that's right, faulty Microsoft software on OS X must be Apple's fault. Forgot that.Critical bulletins for Vista and Windows 7Vista/Server2008: 1 bulletinWindows...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-05
- Windows 7's default UAC bypassed by 8 out of 10 malware samples
- RE: Windows 7's default UAC bypassed by 8 out of 10 malware samplesyawnWho can I trust *now*....Even Ed Bott said '7' was more secure!The Windows Infect Season is not over yet.. Nothing's changed.... That people even USE Windows these days is quite remarkable.... It must be the power of habit...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-05
- Windows 7's default UAC bypassed by 8 out of 10 malware samples
- 8 out of 10 malware samples tested on Windows 7 with default UAC user access control settings don't trigger a warning. by Dancho Danchev
- Blog posts 2009-11-05
- Ballmer: So far, Windows 7 sales are "fantastic"
- RE: Ballmer: So far, Windows 7 sales are One report has at 4% market share the weekend of launch so im sure its past that already.Has Windows 7 marketshare eclipsed total OS X marketshare yet?Just wondering. :)MSFT: 1/2000 = $56. Today, $28.40Win 7 may not be the catastrophe the last...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-05
- Which antivirus is best at removing malware?
- Run a Linux distro or a MacIt is funny, when you 'weld' a web_browserinto an operating system and viruses/worms/malware/trojans and spyware come in from outside sources it is amazing how insecureit makes an Operating System.Say what you will, Linux distro's power theInternet with Bind dns, dhcp, routers/switchesand they do not...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-05
- Ballmer: So far, Windows 7 sales are "fantastic"
- At a news conference in Tokyo, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer declares early sales of Windows 7 to be "fantastic," outpacing early sales of any previous Windows OS release. by Sam Diaz
- Blog posts 2009-11-05
- Browser rivals to register official complaints about Microsoft's ballot screen proposal
- Opera"Browser rivals to register official complaints about Microsoft's ballot screen proposal". . . and by "browser rivals" you really mean Opera, who has been whimpering and whining the whole time. A browser that barely appears on anybody's charts, but still retains a cult following.I think Microsoft is improving with IE7...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-05
- Another advance in energy-efficient monitors from NEC
- NEC Display cuts another 42 percent in power consumption with latest Windows 7-ready, 17-inch MultiSync model. by Heather Clancy
- Blog posts 2009-11-05
- 7 Taskbar Tweaker (Windows)
- This programs enables you to tweak your Windows 7 taskbar. Some of the features let users: display the standard window menu on right click instead of jump list; close or focus a window on middle click instead of running a new instance; dDisable grouping of windows by file path or...
- Software downloads 2009-11-05
- 7 Taskbar Tweaker (64-bit) (Windows)
- This programs enables you to tweak your Windows 7 taskbar. Some of the features let users: display the standard window menu on right click instead of jump list; close or focus a window on middle click instead of running a new instance; dDisable grouping of windows by file path or...
- Software downloads 2009-11-05
- SMSCaster E-Marketer Enterprise 3.7 build 1396 (Windows)
- SMS marketing software: Send bulk SMS with multiple mobile phones from PC at once. It differs from other SMS software by sending SMS with mobile phone, GSM modem or cellular terminal. 2 way SMS with no limit on number of SMS sent and received. No SMS gateway is required. No...
- Software downloads 2009-11-05
- SMSCaster E-Marketer GSM Standard 3.7 (Windows)
- SMSCaster E-Marketer is powerful SMS message broadcasting software for e-marketing. It allows you to send bulk SMS messages to your customers and receive reply from them with mobile phone connected to the computer. If differs from other software which rely on an SMS gateway on the Internet. Mobile phone can...
- Software downloads 2009-11-05
- 123 Flash Chat Server 7.4 (Windows)
- 123 Flash Chat Server Software can add a chat room to your website in minutes and turn visitors to loyal members. 123 Flash Chat Server Software allows you to organize chat events for social network or dating sites with a admin panel. It has text chat and video chat options....
- Software downloads 2009-11-05
- Max File Shredder 2.3 (Windows)
- Max File Shredder is privacy protection software that protects your privacy by completely shredding the files you specify, beyond recovery. It destroys files and folders, frees hard drive space and shreds your recycle bin contents instead of only deleting them. We use 7 pass destruction scheme as per DOD std...
- Software downloads 2009-11-05
- Dock-It 2.7.2 (Mac)
- Dock-It is a multifunctional dock and Finder enhancer for the Mac OS X operating system. We decided to take a different path in regards to Dock-Its feature set. Many of our competitors clutter their offerings. Dock-It is simple and to the point. It has everything one would look for in...
- Software downloads 2009-11-05
Neighboring Terms
Premier Vendor Content Whitepapers, webcasts & resources from our Power Center Sponsors
SmartPlanet
- Thought-provoking progressive ideas on diverse topics that intersect with technology, business, and life, and matter to the world at large. Visit SmartPlanet
- More from IBM
-
- How to Drive Better Business Outcomes with Exceptional Web Experiences Download the eBook
- Driving Business Agility through SOA Connectivity & Integration Read the White Paper from IBM
- Linking Decisions and Information for Organizational Performance Read the Tom Davenport study
