Simplicity, ease of use are calling cards of Windows 7

Windows Vista promised performance, security and reliability, but left many users of the operating system frustrated - not least because the hardware requirements for Vista were high. These problems have now been solved - with Windows 7.

In developing Windows 7, Microsoft listened closely to customer feedback. The company strengthened fundamentals around performance, reliability, and security.

Microsoft also made it easy to use, with improved navigation, better wireless networking, and easier access to media and entertainment. “Windows 7 was designed to simplify the things you do every day; make your PC faster, safer, and more reliable; and make new things easier to do,” says Zelda Emmerick, Product Manager: Microsoft at Axiz.

“Microsoft knows that compatibility and performance were concerns with Windows Vista. The company listened to its partners and customers in building Windows 7, and has delivered an operating system that focuses on the fundamentals of compatibility and performance. Microsoft also understood the feedback regarding application, device, and hardware compatibility with Windows Vista and has resolved these issues and created the best possible operating experience with Windows 7.”

Windows 7 will be released in five versions: Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional and Enterprise/Ultimate.

Simple and easy to use, Windows 7 Starter is ideal for small notebook PCs. It combines the familiarity and compatibility of Windows with the latest in PC reliability and responsiveness. Windows 7 Home Basic makes everyday tasks faster and easier, and is a good choice for users who don't have advanced multimedia, entertainment, or networking needs. Windows 7 Home Premium, on the other hand, makes it easy to create a home network and share photos, videos, and music.

Windows 7 Professional is recommended for small businesses and the user who works at or from home. Professional has all the business features needed for work and all the entertainment features of Home Premium. Windows 7 Ultimate provides everything Home Premium and Professional offers, along with added security features and the flexibility to work in multiple languages.

“Whichever version is right for your needs, Windows 7 is simple to use and easy to manage,” says Emmerick. “Instant Search, Jump Lists, and a larger, customisable taskbar with popup previews make navigation easy; PCs running Windows 7 automatically identify and connect with each other, making it easy to share printers, photos, videos, music, and other files; and less memory needed to open windows and execute makes your PC more responsive to your commands.”

According to Emmerick, the process of developing Windows 7 Professional included substantial input and involvement from small and midsize businesses, so Windows 7 Professional was built with the right features for that environment. “Windows 7 also extends the life of older Windows XP productivity applications by running them in a virtual Windows XP environment,” she says. “In addition, a strong security foundation together with comprehensive security features offer greater protection from Internet threats, spyware, and other forms of malicious software.”