Microsoft tries to make Windows 7 easier to open
Microsoft is trying to make Windows 7 easier than Windows Vista on many levels--right down to the box it comes in.
Microsoft aims to make Windows 7 easier to use, even when it comes to getting the disc out of the box.
(Credit: Microsoft)One of the many criticisms of Windows Vista was the incredibly complex packaging that Microsoft used for both Vista and Office 2007. In an effort to prevent theft and piracy, Microsoft created boxes that required their own set of instructions to open.
In a blog posting on Wednesday, Microsoft said it will use a package that is shaped similarly to the Vista one. However, the box will open more like a standard DVD case.
The case, which will be recyclable, will contain just the disc and a getting started guide. Overall, Microsoft said it reduced the packaging weight by 37 percent.
Microsoft plans to start selling Windows 7 on October 22, although pre-sales of the product as well as a free upgrade program for new PC buyers are expected to both kick off on Friday.
During her years at CNET News, Ina Fried has changed beats several times, changed genders once, and covered both of the Pirates of Silicon Valley. These days, most of her attention is focused on Microsoft. E-mail Ina. 
I am still stuck with Windows XP Pro until ReactOS is finished being developed. http://www.reactos.org for more info. ReactOS is an open source alternative to Windows that runs Windows code. Why won't CNet cover it?
Windows 7.0 Pro and above claim to have a downloadable Windows XP virtual machine, that might help, but it won't run 100% of the Windows legacy software.
Its probably using code from old Windows OS's that have went public domain. Windows 95/98
Because if its using technologies from XP and up they can expect lawsuits. O-o
Cnet probably doesn't cover it because no one knows about it and its pretty bad eyesore no offense.
Why won't CNet cover ReactOS you ask?
Well, it's a terribly flawed idea. Their goals are to create an OS based on the design of Windows XP/2003 and maintain binary compatibility with these OSes.
That goal itself is flawed. They're targeting a design that was released 6 years ago now (very long ago, in the software world). They are still in the alpha stage (v0.3.9). By the time they have anything even close to usable, we will probably be using Windows 8 or later (or maybe OS-X or Linux might have achieved world domination or at the very least made the OS race a 2 or 3 horse race). The world is not standing still waiting for ReactOS to recreate a release that's 6-years old and counting.
How again is this news?
But its perfectly okay that Apple does it right?
Look at OS X, 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6. Those are all updates, not upgrades. In fact, OS X users have been paying for fixes from versions 10.1 to 10.3. You have to admit, OS X didn't get stable until 10.4.
As for Linux, thats a kernel, and every distro based on it is just using a minor update to the kernel. Are there any major differences between Ubuntu 8.04 using kernel 2.26 to Ubuntu 9.04 using kernel 2.27? Are there any major differences that justify upgrading from even 8.04 to 9.04?
You should download the Windows 7 RC before jumping to a conclusion about product you obviously have not used. Features such as Jump List, Improvements to the Start Menu, Aero Snaps, Aero Shake, Aero Peek, Windows Touch, interactive Thumbnail previews, Improved Search features such as Input, Search Federation, AppLocker, BitLocker To Go, Direct Connect, Network Backup, Remote App, Firewall Profiles, Location Awareness, HomeGroups, Media Streaming, Play To, Internet TV, Sticky Notes with Ink support, Biometrics. Along with that, improved user experience in areas such as Personalization, Windows Update, performance - On demand loading of devices and services, efficient utilization of resources such as spinning up a DVD or a NIC, Battery performance allowing efficient use based environment lighting, improved multi-monitor support, DirectX 11, improved Windows applications such as Paint, WordPad...just the tip of the iceberg. Oh, lets not forget about freebies such as Windows Virtual XP.
Yeah, Windows 7 is just Vista with some problems fixed. Don't make yourself look this stupid next time.
I was thinking dbargen meant "not many decisions on buying Vista were based on the packaging. For example, no one bought Vista, then decided not to buy it again because the packaging was so bad."
Regardless, I am someone who bought Vista Ultimate (although at a sharp discount through a resource) and I was disappointed. I even upgraded my Video Card, and it was still just meh. I've since upgraded to the Windows 7 Beta (need to install RC before 6/30...) and really love it (esp compared to Vista).
Looking forward to the Windows 7 release, and think that the fact that the packaging won't require a chain-saw is not just news, it's good news!!
+1
Really clever to save this comment and paste it everytime someone posts the " 7 is another Vista" remark. You should probably write a script and pre-emptivily post it in any article with the word "Windows" is in the title.
+1 for an insightful comment. If I had a nickel for every dumb "another Vista" comment, I'd be able to retire by now.
"You have to admit, OS X didn't get stable until 10.4."
I have to disagree with that statement. I will admit that OS X was wonky up to 10.2, in fact I usually booted into OS 9 due to some lousy peripherals support. But with 10.3 Panther they got their act together. I'm still running it on one of my Macs and it performs just fine. I'll eventually replace it with 10.4 Tiger, but there's no hurry.
Report on absolutely everything from total code reworks to a one day delay on a ship date.
If nothing is there to report start a opinion topic on Apple vs Microsoft topic to get flamewars and hits started.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Features_new_to_Windows_7
A whopping 7 most of which that will offer no benefit to normal consumers you should be proud.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mac_OS_X_v10.6
Man...cut me a check Microsoft! I just saved you tons of money on distribution costs!
I remember wondering how on earth could they've made packaging so complex. This was a week after I bought a MacBook, which, needless to say, even an imbecile can open in a second without any instruction.
Maybe they should add a manual to Vista packaging - "How to Open Vista Packaging Without Smashing It Against the Wall".
So far Apple is more than happy to trade form over function. Too bad. Here at least MS learned.
ROFLMAO!!!!!!!
- by vamman June 25, 2009 7:16 AM PDT
- Look at all these Mac PhanBoys.
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