Windows 7 latest beta test experience notes

Microsoft released the first beta version of Windows 7 (Build 7000) to a small number of testers during the Christmas weekend, and will begin a larger test next month. In addition to the large number of screenshots we have just seen, the SuperSite for Windows website has also posted a trial feel for this version of Windows 7 Beta. First of all, Windows 7 Beta Build 6.1.7000.0.081212-1400 did not add important new features, but was improved on the basis of the previous Milestone 3 Build 6801 and the problem was corrected. If you've used Windows 7 M3 before and opened several hidden features in crack mode, you won't see too many new features in this beta.

However, the maturity of this beta version is quite high, far exceeding the first Beta version of any previous Windows operating system. Regardless of the integrity of the function, the stability of use and the compatibility of hardware and software, it is close to the level of the RC release candidate. If Microsoft does not add other new features since then, the version can be officially released with minor modifications. Therefore, some media said that this will be the only Beta test version of Windows 7, and the official release date of Windows 7 may be earlier than everyone thinks.

Windows 7 Beta Installation

The Windows 7 Beta installation has not changed much from the Milestone version, but it greatly simplifies the process if compared to Vista. For example, when installing Vista completely, users need to fill out various information on 8 pages before starting the installation. Windows 7 only needs 5 pages. After the installation is complete, Vista's configuration phase requires six pages, plus a time-consuming and experiential experience score test. In Windows 7, the configuration requires 7 pages because of the addition of the homegroup setting option.

Installation Interface

In terms of speed, the installation of Windows 7 beta is much faster than Vista. The difference between installing in a virtual machine is quite obvious, and the normal installation time in a real PC is less than 20 minutes.

homegroup configuration page

Windows 7 Beta uses

As mentioned above, Windows 7 Beta uses several Milestones from the previous and previous versions. The version is almost no big difference. The following mainly talk about several aspects of improvement since M3:

Desktop Enhancements

The biggest difference is of course the new desktop features. Microsoft demonstrated these features at the PDC conference, but they were blocked in M3 and can only be used by disguising as Microsoft employees. Among these features, the most eye-catching is the new taskbar.

The new taskbar only displays program icons and does not display text descriptions. But to be clear, the Quick Launch bar in the taskbar still exists, which makes the running program and the running program shortcuts look like no difference, which is somewhat similar to the Mac OS X Dock design. Although many people are full of expectations for this "super taskbar". However, Paul Thurrott, the author of the trial article, expressed concern about its introduction. The running of the program icon and the quick launch icon are too similar, which may cause confusion for the user.

Quick Launch Bar Icons and Running Program Icons Can you distinguish?

The Jump List pop-up menu for the icon in the Quick Launch bar allows for many related functions, making it easier for users to mistake the program for running. However, the Jump List is quite useful in the common software column on the left side of the Start menu. For example, when you point to the Word program with your mouse, the recently opened Word document will be displayed on the right. When you point to IE, the recently opened page will be displayed. Pointing to Windows Live Messenger will display a series of related applications.

Start Menu Jump List

In addition to the new taskbar, the Aero Peek feature is officially launched in Windows 7 Beta. Just place the mouse on a small area on the right side of the time in the lower right corner of the desktop. All windows will be transparent and only display the border, which will display the function of the desktop in disguise. In addition, if you want to display only one window, other windows will achieve similar transparency. Just move your mouse to the taskbar icon of the program. When the program preview window like Vista appears, move the cursor to the preview. window.

Aero Peek Effects

In addition, the Shutdown button in the Start menu replaces Vista to know the two puzzling buttons in Windows 7 M3. Directly press to shut down, and the right arrow to select other options such as restart standby.

Action Center replaces the previous Windows Security Center, and the Beta version adds a blue flag icon to the Action Center compared to M3.

Action Center

New personalization options are more intuitive and easy to use. Users can choose from a variety of preset desktop themes, including wallpaper, theme colors, sounds and screensavers, and desktop slideshows can change wallpapers regularly. Of course, everything can be defined by the user.

Personalization Options

Windows Explorer

In the Beta File Management window, “Downloads” downloads are no longer available as a Library Dynamic Directory Exist, change to a standard folder. In other respects, there is not much change compared to M3.

The new Content View content view replaces the previous "details" mode for high-resolution screens that are becoming more mainstream.

Network

The network function of Win 7 Beta has not changed much compared to M3. The network and sharing center and the homegroup configuration interface have been finalized.

Network and Homegroup Interfaces

Additional Programs

Let's look at these additional programs built into Windows 7. Need to remind everyone again that many of Windows' built-in programs, including Windows Mail, Messenger, Movie Maker, Photo Gallery, etc., are no longer available as built-in components of Windows 7, but are included in the Windows Live package for free download. This is largely a response from Microsoft to antitrust issues, but it has also caused some strange situations. For example, Windows 7 includes the DVD authoring program Windows DVD Maker, but the video editing program Movie Maker is gone.

Windows Media Player has a comprehensive improvement. However, it should be noted that users cannot set the media library folder in WMP because Microsoft wants users to use the Library library function in Explorer instead. For example, when a user puts a song into the My Music library, Windows Media Player can automatically find it for playback (the Homegroup function can also help you find the contents of multiple PC libraries in the home LAN).

Windows Media Player

The Media Center has undergone a major upgrade in M3, but the Beta version has not improved much. In addition, the programs such as the tablet and the brush have not changed.

Media Center

Interface similar to Zune PC software

IE is not a small version in Beta The upgrade includes many features that improve compatibility in the upcoming release of IE8 RC, and the phenomenon of abnormal web page display is greatly reduced.

IE8

Hardware Management

The new Devices and Printers interface may replace the previous Device Manager in the future and can solve many Questions about hardware, drivers, etc.