Like It Or Not, Windows 7 Is Here – Philadelphia Bulletin
This new system has entered our lives with more fanfare and expectations than its immediate predecessor Vista. Was Vista bad? From a technical outlook, yes, it was a travesty, but to those of us who made the most of what we had, it worked; and, for some, it is still working and so is Windows XP, the ‘long-of-tooth’ operating system. Are we so disenchanted with Vista that we all are ready to go full bore for Windows 7? Maybe not all of us, but millions have been chomping at the bit to get a copy in their hot hands and that anticipation was quelled on Oct. 22.
There have been literally thousands of words written about this arrival along with instructions of the proper procedures to get a copy downloaded. As expected, there were pitfalls that received a lot of ink, but not all reasons were the fault of Microsoft. Anxiety for something new is understandable, but common sense must prevail. Explicit instructions were issued by Microsoft, and if followed, would have saved a lot of people from a lot of grief. There was one important ingredient necessary for an update or clean installation, which was the condition of the software receptacle that was to be its home.
Prior to any introduction to a new system or system revisions, a full and complete system cleansing must be completed. Included in this cleansing should be formatting the drive that will house the new system. This is the assurance that no foreign coding, of any kind, will be there to hinder the operation of your new resident system. Upgrading an old system is not as laborious as that just mentioned, but think about the big picture; this is the system you want to protect your data and personal information. Isn’t it worthy of a clean and fresh start? If you will be adding data from a backup, make sure that it is clean data. Trouble comes easily enough, no sense extending an invitation.
Almost from the time of the first announcement of Windows 7, we have had to endure the naysayers and their glib, ill advised, borderline observations of what was to come. Now that Windows 7 is a full-blown reality, the dissection by the self-appointed software coroners has come to a full boil. My advice to them is, instead of carping and complaining, take a pen in hand and do better. Constructive criticism is welcome but the vitriolic emanations are not. It is much better to hear of the new innovations instead of, “Where is Windows’ ‘Live Mail’?” Or “What happened to Windows’ ‘Meeting’?” The same ones who complained about bloated software in Vista are now carping about the solution. This puts Microsoft in a no-win position before they start. Is everyone entitled to his/her opinion? Of course, but be fair and give it a chance.
In the midst of all of the furor, there enters a well-known software manufacturer that has taken to spend the time and money to come to the conclusion that Vista starts up and is ready to go 8 seconds faster that Windows 7. No doubt, these are the same ones who have hollered and screamed about Vista, but now use it to their advantage. To prove that Microsoft is aware of the people who use its software, they display “Configuring Updates - 1 of 3 – 25 percent complete Do Not Turn Off Computer!” ‘Nuff said!
Finally, someone has taken up the burden of eliminating “crapware” from new computers. Many of us who bought new computers and found several, trial programs, that the manufacturer is compensated to include in the installation package. Many of you ended up with Norton or McAfee, which take a miracle to completely uninstall, due to their bloat, along with a lot of other stuff. There is always the chance of a slip up as you go about removal, so make sure the System Disk is included with your purchase for reinstallation, if ever necessary. If a system disk was not included with your new computer, it is smart to make one before getting into any changing of the software. Or instead of making one, the company will sell you one for $14.50 USDs.
Microsoft and other online stores have taken to selling a line of computers — “Signature PCs” — that are crapware-free. This is an area Microsoft has entered to bring a halt to pre-installed crapware in new computers. Will it work? It is a start….
We have also been regaled with the problem Microsoft discovered in the RTM copy. Windows 7 may not be absolutely perfect, but a major percentage of the complaints are from Anti-Microsoft people and those who shoot from the hip, but blame Microsoft.
The problems resulting in the necessity of the 9 patches, 5 of which are critical, that must be entered immediately following installation could have happened at the time of the final assembly of the program. I recall, from having done some programming, these problems occur when the work of a group of programmers is welded together in a finished product. It is with this joining that glitches happen and can easily escape detection. In this case, it is fortunate they were caught prior to installation.
Downloading, upgrading, or any installation may appear to be a piece of cake, but don’t be fooled or careless. Take enough time to figure out just what you expect to accomplish, make your plans, then, proceed by following the instructions supplied by Microsoft — step by proven step. There are pitfalls aplenty that can be avoided by taking your time! Also, be aware this may be a new operating system, but there are those just waiting to get to it and you. As you proceed, make sure your Safety & Security System is in place, updated, and operable.
No mysteries here. All, of any notoriety in Redmond, have given Vista one last boot in the butt and immersed themselves in the ecstasy of their latest accomplishments. CEO Steve Ballmer is beside himself with praise for the Windows 7 accomplishments of his entire staff of designers, writers, coordinators, manufacturers, and distributors, as dollar signs dance in his head.
Pleasing Some Of The People Some Of The Time
It has been quite a while since this subject was brought to the fore. A lot of time is spent trying to keep this column as timely as possible in a weekly outlet. What you read here are my opinions and are also the results that have been gathered from hands-on investigations. The test results and program reviews in this column are pointed to the at-home user and not large or small businesses. As stated on many occasions, this column is not intended to be a place of joust. If you’d like to joust, go to a forum and joust to your hearts content, but don’t expect it here. Nothing I state is etched in stone. These are merely statements of information and suggestions amassed through many years of practical computing experience offered in an attempt to inform and help other users.
EasyCleaner
Here is another utility that can be worth its weight in gold. It may or may not be any good, but it’s free. There are 16 different areas you can scan in this program, but pay attention, the fourth one across the top scans for unnecessary stuff that you can choose to remove. Run it and you will gasp at the results. Yes, there is that much junk on your computer. Prior to starting either download or any scan, a System Restore Point should be set. In affecting any deletions, use logic and common sense. For any questions or problems, email IMHelpful4u@aol.com/.
In closing, we pay homage to the discipleship of XP users — bless them! They will have no truck with any new upstart operating system like Windows 7, though they are living in a Sword of Damocles environment. XP has been exhumed from the dead on several occasions and, now, is promised life until April 8, 2014. At that time they may face another decision of keeping XP or upgrading to Windows 8 or maybe even Windows 9. I wonder how long it will take to find out how lousy Windows 7 is and push Windows 8 (It is already on the boards).
Next Week
More on Windows 7 as more experience is realized through your usage. One big question on Microsoft service will be answered. Stay well and think good thoughts!
Ray Wilson was raised in Upper Darby and has lived in Chester County since 1973. He has more than 40 years of experience in computing and he has been testing virus and Spyware programs for eight years. He can be reached at IMHelpful4u@aol.com.
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