Posts Tagged ‘windows 7’
Mac Snow Leopard vs Windows 7: The real show begins
The latest version of Mac OS X Snow Leopard version 10.6.1 had released on August 28, 2009. In its latest version Apple had not added new features but introduced enhancements in the interface like better file and folder viewing in stacks, restructures QuickTime X for cleaner interface and recording tools. Further, it has much-anticipated Exchange support across Mail, the Address Book and iCal.
On October 22nd, Microsoft had launched its much anticipated operating system, Windows 7. The new operating system is a more focused and augmented upgrade in the company’s Windows line unlike its predecessor Vista, which introduced a large number of new features, but received critics for its hardware requirements and slow speed. The new Windows 7 features a virtual “XP mode” for running legacy programs and runs faster than its predecessor. It has various tools and shortcuts that assist users to work efficiently.
Now, the question is which OS is superior and will lure the customers globally?
General Applications
The new Mac OS based on 64-bit technology supports the multi-core processors. For everyday tasks including e-mail, instant messaging, Web surfing, blogging, creating and editing Office documents, Web page creation, and audio, video, and photo editing; it surely enjoys an edge over other operating systems. However, Windows 7 is not that bad, but Mac OS still offers the best overall user experience, analysts said.
Exploration of Files and Folders
It is reported that both operating systems work on the same basic script for allowing users to find files. However, Windows 7 features options at the top of its window, while Snow Leopard places its options under buttons. But, the library functions included in Windows 7 will help users to work on virtual folders and even collect files from different disks; a major improvement that helps it to enjoy the edge.
Task Bar
The new Mac OS has not made any significant changes to the dock, whereas Windows 7 has brought updates in its Windows task bar. However, analysts suggest that Windows 7 improves the task bar on the Mac model by permitting you to pin folders to the task bar, as well.
Managing Desktop
The new Windows 7 features Aero Shake, Aero Peek and Snap that provide the “glass” view of the desktop and make the open windows translucent to check the desktop. The similar application from Mac OS comes when user click and hold the dock icon that represents a running application. Further, Snow Leopard permits its users to view all of the running applications in small, side-by-side windows, so that they can easily pick the required application.
Search options
The Mac OS’s Spotlight provides a powerful way to begin a new search string for getting desired results list. Windows 7 also brings desired results for programs, control panel items, documents, and media files, which is similar to Spotlight approach.
Conclusion
At the concluding point, Windows 7 is pitched in as the best ever operating system by Microsoft that can surely give Snow leopard a run. The competition between the two operating systems is very close and various features like usability, security, and speed are very similar.
Should I Migrate to Windows 7?
Windows 7 OS is scheduled to be available to the public market in just over a month. There are many doubts and apprehensions about the capability of this OS as its earlier version Vista is a failure. It seems Microsoft has given enough weight this time to what the Windows users really wanted – a simpler and friendly OS. Windows 7 has some novel features while improving the older ones. Moreover, some flop features in Vista are removed from Windows 7 to improve the performance.
There are some advantages along with disadvantages of opting to Windows 7. The following information may help you in deciding whether you really need to upgrade to Windows 7-
Reasons to switch to Windows 7
1. Application compatibility can be achieved by “Windows XP mode” by running virtual windows XP machine.
2. Windows live essentials: It is a free software that make possible to do more things like instant messaging, e-mail, photo editing, and blogging.
3. Improved search operation performance, as results will come instantly as categorized in groups. Moreover, key words are highlighted enabling easy file identification.
4. Supports 64-bit PC that can handle huge amounts of information than a 32-bit system.
5. Power management can be efficiently done by new features such as, running less number of background activities, automatic screen dimming, unused ports are not run and life indicator to battery.
6. Multi touch technology allows to use more than one finger while operating the touch screen either at application level or system level.
7. Protect files with features such as “Use Bit Locker” and “Bit Locker To Go”
8. Continuous access to corporate resources with a broadband connection. No need to get a VPN (Virtual Private Network) connection.
9. The feature “Domain Join” allows to connect multiple PCs, with or without a server.
10. Supports 35 languages. So, you can easily switch among them by logging off, again logging on. Moreover, it supports handwriting recognition.
11. System startup, shutdown and resumes are faster.
12. Appearance of the desktop has improved by including fresh wallpapers, retooled task bar and improved gadgets
13. Easy data sharing between two or more PCs by using “Share with” option.
14. Windows 7 can read larger than 131 GB hard drive (unfragmented).
15. Upgrading Vista to Windows7 will get 223% better performance while running IE8.
16. In Action Center you can find information you need regarding system maintenance, trouble shooting, security issues etc.
Reasons to avoid Windows7
1. Older PCs doesn’t have hardware compatibility to achieve ‘Windows XP mode’.
2. Windows7 provides less battery life to the notebooks than Windows XP.
3. Need to do clean install if you want to upgrade from XP to Windows7.
4. If you’re an XP user you need to learn a new user interface.
5. Runs the browser 11.5% slower than Windows XP.
6. Requires high configuration like Vista.
7. Very expensive to buy.
The above mentioned details will help you in learning ins and outs of Windows 7. Windows 7 has fixes to the drawbacks in Vista and it is desirable to move to the new OS. For the XP users, you may need to think twice before moving to Windows 7. Ultimately it is you to decide based on your computer usage and requirements.
AeroSnap auch unter Windows Vista und Windows XP nutzen
In Windows 7 hat Microsoft eine neue Funktion namens „AeroSnap“ eingeführt, die man bereits nach kurzer Nutzung nicht mehr missen möchte:
Fenster lassen sich einfach und bequem auf die halbe Fenstergröße bringen, indem man sie einfach an den linken bzw. rechten Bildschirmrand zieht. Dadurch lassen sich beispielsweise zwei Word-Dokumente binnen weniger Sekunden und mit nur wenigen Mausklicks nebeneinander platzieren. Das ewige Rumgeschiebe mit der Maus gehört also endgültig der Vergangenheit an.
Für Nutzer von Windows Vista und Windows XP ist AeroSnap jedoch kein Grund, um neidisch auf Windows 7 zu schauen – denn AeroSnap steht auch als kostenloses Tool für diese beiden Betriebssysteme zur Verfügung. Rund 670.000 Mal wurde AeroSnap für Vista und XP inzwischen bereits heruntergeladen, sodass anscheinend ein echter Bedarf vorhanden ist.
AeroSnap unterstützt auch mehrere Monitore, da sich bei immer mehr Anwendern inzwischen zwei Bildschirme auf dem Schreibtisch tummeln. Sinnvoll ist es, in den Optionen von AeroSnap die Option „Autostart AeroSnap“ zu aktivieren. Die Optionen von AeroSnap rufen Sie auf, indem Sie mit der rechten Maustaste auf das AeroSnap-Icon im Informationsbereich klicken (links neben der Systemuhr in der unteren rechten Bildschirmecke).
Download von AeroSnap für Windows Vista und Windows XP: www.aerosnap.de