Microsoft's new platform delivers

The latest version of Microsoft's Windows operating system, Windows 7, is being hailed as the best version yet by a Hamilton software tester.

Colin Hopper, who has tested various pre-release versions of the software as part of Microsoft's early adopter program, said the commercial version, which he has been testing for two months, delivered on the promise of the earlier Beta version.

Windows 7, which is released worldwide on October 22, will replace XP and Vista versions.

As well as a sleek new-look user interface, Windows 7 includes improved search functions for finding lost files, the ability to switch through all open windows on the taskbar and automatic jump lists to help users get to frequently used software faster than the traditional start menu.

"It's faster, more compatible, with a lot of the maintenance features in one place," Mr Hopper said.

Windows runs on 95 per cent of the world's personal computers and Linux is its only other significant competitor. Apple has its own operating system to run on its Macintosh computers.

"Windows 7 is what Vista should have been – it's like a super-refined version of Vista," Mr Hopper said.

Ben Green, Microsoft's Windows business group leader, said Microsoft had made early versions of Windows 7 available to consumers via download and 50,000 New Zealanders had registered their copies. The latest version, released a few months ago, expires in May.

It was the first time, Mr Green said, that the company had made Beta versions of an operating system generally available to the public and feedback from the trials had gone into developing later versions.

A new feature in Vista, which drove most users batty, were pop ups which asked the user if he or she really wanted to perform a certain action. The pop ups have been removed from Windows 7, as well as obsolete software drivers.

Because of anti-competitive laws, in the US, Windows 7 does not come with the Outlook Express email or digital photograph manipulation programs but both can be downloaded.

Mr Green said because Windows 7 took less disk space than Vista it could run on older machines. The 32 bit version takes 16 GB (32-bit Vista needs 20GB) of hard drive space and requires a 1 Ghz processor and 1 GB of RAM while the 64 bit version needs 20 GB (64-bit Vista needs 40GB) of hard drive space and requires a 1 Ghz processor and 2GB of RAM.

Mr Hopper said anyone buying a new machine, with Vista installed, should either wait until Windows 7 hits the streets and ensure it is pre-installed or make sure their new machine comes with a free upgrade to Windows 7.

Computer users who want to install Windows 7 on their old computer can download the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor at www.microsoft.com to make sure their old machine is compatible. Upgrades from XP are simple with Easy Transfer, also available at the Microsoft website.

Mr Green said more than 50 per cent of the world's computer's were not running antivirus software. The best way to stop infections, Mr Green said, was installing an anti-virus software (Microsoft has just launched a free Security Essentials program which is also downloadable), keep Windows Update switched on and use the latest internet browser, such as Microsoft's's Internet Explore 8 (again available for download for free).

The recommended retail price for Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade is $249 while the Windows 7 Professional Upgrade, which includes XP Mode to run older software, is $499.

- © Fairfax NZ News