I can’t tell you how often I’m asked the big question: “Should I upgrade to Windows 7?” As an evangelism content developer I’ve been working with Windows 7 since just before its initial beta release and I’m sold on it already. It looks nice, it runs well, and it’s shiny new.
The big question to ask should really be: “How will Windows 7 help me get my work done better?” This is really the key. If you plan on keeping your existing machine, you run two applications all the time, have no plans to buy any new accessories (scanner, camera, printer), there probably isn’t much point in upgrading. Your new applications might run a touch faster – it’s certainly possible they won’t. So why spend the money?
I have several reasons why I consider it worthwhile to upgrade to Windows 7:
Improved Taskbar
Why does this matter? For one thing, I can fit more applications without wrapping to multiple rows. I can launch new instances or restore running instances by the same action: clicking the taskbar button. Less thinking means more work! Tabbed previews mean that I can see all documents open in a multi-document/tabbed interface (if supported, of course). I can launch applications using the Start key plus the position of the icon:
In this image, I can launch/switch to Sticky Notes with Start+1, Windows Messenger with Start+2, and so on. Much better than alt-tabbing or grabbing for that mouse.
I love the JumpList available by right-clicking taskbar icons:
Instead of restoring the application and looking for a specific command, I can perform actions in a simple text list. This isn’t always the best interface, but I have the choice between the full UI and the JumpList. Many JumpList commands are even accessible when an application is closed.
I love the thumbnail toolbar. This allows you to show toolbar commands (simple buttons) right in the preview window:
Applications like Windows Media Player or ZScreen (for screenshots) use this for easy access to commands. Unlike the JumpList, these are available only when the application is running. From a programmer’s point of view, these act like buttons, while the JumpList commands are actually shell shortcuts.
These taskbar features make it easier to launch and manage applications. Since launching and managing applications is a big part of using the system, making this easier can make a difference.
Enhanced Start menu
I love how the JumpLists are also shown in the Start menu. Even if you don’t pin the application to the taskbar, you can get access to the JumpList items without leaving the Start menu. The arrow pointing right can be hovered over to show Recent, Frequent, or other JumpLists. It’s handy and more targeted than using the Recents link.
Finding recent documents is something you do on almost every session. For less-experienced users, this is the difference between “Where did I save that” and just starting it up.
Windows key functions
The Windows key has provided some nice shortcuts for some time. Win+D minimizes/restores all windows. Win+L locks the desktop. Win+R opens up the Run command. Win+Tab brings up Aero Flip task switching (starting with Vista). Now with Windows Vista, there are a few nice additional shortcuts. Pressing the Windows key with arrow keys causes the current window to jump to the left or right of the screen, or even to the screen to the left or right. Press the Windows key with the up arrow maximizes the window.
The coolest one though, especially for presentations, is Win+Plus. This brings up Windows Magnifier and makes it easy to zoom in and out (plus or minus).
Reaching for the mouse is a big no-no for me. The more time I can stay focused on the keyboard, the more productive I can be. Being able to even maximize an app without touching the mouse is a surprisingly big deal.
Aero Peek
If you hover over taskbar previews, the window shows on top even if it was behind. Any other windows show as an outline. If you hover over the bottom-right corner of the screen you can see the desktop background with outlines for all of the windows. This requires the mouse, but it’s still pretty handy to look something going on with a gadget (weather, headline, etc.).
Summary
None of these features makes Windows 7 a must-upgrade, but all together they create an easier way to get things done. Using the mouse less, having faster access to common actions, and better organization really makes a difference. When people ask me if they should upgrade, it really comes down to understanding their needs. If you spend a lot of time on the computer and need to be able to manage your applications and files smoothly, then it’s a good upgrade. If you don’t use it often, or things have been the same for ages anyway, then an upgrade might be more trouble than it’s worth. If you get it bundled with a new system, get used to it. As more application are enhanced for Windows 7, you’ll be glad you’re ready.
Posted Friday, November 6th, 2009 at 1:44 pm by Arian Kulp
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