Since 2002 when Microsoft introduced Windows XP, its signature operating system has proved to have more stamina than anybody would have originally thought. Despite missteps in Vista, that OS still managed to introduce useful new features, and set the stage for
Windows 7.
This chart provides a rundown of some of the major features introduced in each Windows iteration, as well as a quick look at the minimum hardware requirements for XP, Vista, and 7. Keep in mind that Windows 7 is still in its testing phase, though it's not expected that other major features will debut before it's released during the coming holiday season. You can download the Windows 7 release candidate from CNET Download.com.
Comparing Windows: XP vs. Vista vs. 7
|
Windows XP |
Windows Vista |
Windows 7 |
| Minimum hardware |
- Processor: 300MHz
- RAM: 128MB
- Super VGA graphics device
- HD: 4.2 GB (for SP3)
|
- Processor: 1GHz
- RAM: 1 GB (32-bit), 2 GB (64-bit)
- Support for DirectX 9 graphics device with 128MB of memory
- HD: 20 GB (32-bit), 40 GB (64-bit)
|
- Processor: 1 GHz
- RAM: 1 GB (32-bit), 2 GB (64-bit)
- Support for DirectX 9 graphics device with 128MB of memory
- HD: 16 GB (32-bit), 20 GB (64-bit)
|
| Interface |
- Luna theme
- Introduces task-based windows options
- Skinning possible but difficult
- Desktop Cleanup Wizard automates removing old icons
|
- Aero theme
- Introduces transparent panes, window animations, live thumbnails of running programs
- New desktop sidebar supports gadgets
- Supports touch screens
|
- Aero theme
- Supports slideshow backgrounds, RSS and theme packs
- Introduces Aero Shake and Aero Snap
- Desktop gadgets can be placed anywhere
- Supports multitouch on touchscreens
|
| Explorer |
- Replaces tree navigation by default with task pane
- Improves image handling
- Offers thumbnail previews and group views
- Supports some metadata
|
- Task pane integrated into toolbar
- New breadcrumb navigation
- New metadata display
- Improved icon resolution
- Some documents can be edited from the preview pane
|
- Support for federated searches and libraries
- Virtual folders aggregate content from local and networked drives
|
| Start menu |
- New layout
- Devices and some Control Panel options appear in menu
|
- Added search box
- All Programs folder changed to a nested format
- Configurable power button
- User profile picture
|
- Taskbar jumps appear in the Start menu and replace the right column when viewed
- Documents, Pictures, Music buttons now link to their libraries
- Control Panel options have been integrated into search results
|
| Taskbar |
- New look
- Hideable icons in System Tray
|
- Refreshed look
- ALT-Tab hot key now shows preview thumbnail of program
|
- Interactive mouse-over preview panes
- Replacement of the Quick Launch bar with pinned programs
- Program-specific jump lists based on pinned programs
- Aero Peek for mouse-over desktop viewing
- Revamped System Tray
|
| Devices |
- Introduces Universal Plug-n-Play
- New driver library allows for downgrading drivers when necessary
|
- Debuts portable device API, designed to communicate with cell phones, PDAs, and portable media players
- Introduces Sync Center for managing data synchronizations
|
- New Device Stage provides a centralized, unified window for managing all aspects of printers and portable devices
|
| Misc. |
- Introduces context-menu CD and DVD burning from Windows Explorer
- Supports multiple versions of a single DLL to prevent programs from overwriting each other
- Introduces Hibernate and Sleep modes
- Remote Desktop for accessing a computer from another location
- Fast user account switching
|
- Built-in drive partitioning
- More powerful screen-capturing tool
- Hybrid Sleep and better configuration options for more nuanced power management
- User-based file-type associations
- Previous Version automatically backs up changes to individual files
|
- Expands Windows Explorer disc burning to include ISOs
- Introduces XP Mode
- Expanded options for disabling components
- Can search text in scanned TIFF
- Additional power-saving features for laptops
|
As others have noted, Windows 7 does one thing similar to Windows XP: It doesn't require a major hardware upgrade. In fact, it can run on less powerful machines than Vista. By making 7 as accessible as possible for existing computers, Microsoft looks to be angling to regain lost market share and confidence by giving users a operating system they don't have to struggle with. Until Windows 7 makes its public debut, though, this is little more than informed speculation.
Seth peers into the deep, dark corners of software so that you don't have to. He has yet to suffer a single nightmare about OS/2. You can follow him on Twitter. 
You got it backwards.
Windows: Linux: Mac:
Crap Crappier Crappiest
OK, thanks for the comparison. Enjoy IBM DOS.
Not born out be the chart.
We already seen it run on netbooks extremely well.
They know it will run on lower they are just making sure they keep the reqs at a decent level so Joe Blow won't be able to complain about it running like crap on his 700mhz P3 with 256mb of SDRAM machine.
I might also mention I downclock the processor to 1000mhz when it's on battery, and it still runs fine. Today I was studying for a midterm, and I had 10 open office docs open, plus 3 internet explorer windows, and another two windows explorer documents open, and there was no noticable slow. Multitasking has obviously been much improved.
"People will read this column as well, in search of insight or truth. Here's your insight: I call it The Microsoft New OS 12-Step Boogie.
Step 1: Public realization that the previous OS is a piece of crap burdened by too many patches. It has deteriorated?and everyone knows it.
Step 2: A code word appears in the press. It refers to a new OS from Microsoft. A buzz begins.
Step 3: Microsoft confirms that it is developing an all-new OS that will be the greatest thing ever.
Step 4: Microsoft announces a laundry list of features for the new OS citing improvements over the old OS.
Step 5: Discrepant information hits the media. The OS is ahead of schedule. The OS is behind schedule. Coding has not even started. The OS is almost done already.
Step 6: Some slick beta code is released; the Microsoft boosters get hold of it, and they fall all over themselves proclaiming how great it is. Nobody actually files any bug reports, and if they do nobody knows where they go.
Step 7: Various features that were "impossible to implement" are dropped from the product.
Step 8: A release candidate ships, and everyone goes bonkers over how great it is. (This is the phase Windows 7 is in.) "It's the best OS ever!"
Step 9: Some minor glitches are discovered, but nobody pays much attention to them since Microsoft says they'll be fixed when the final product ships. Not to worry.
Step 10: Sales of the previous OS start to fall, and Microsoft offers a free upgrade to buyers of computers with the old system.
Step 11: A true ship date is announced, and buyers line up the night before to get the first copies.
Step 12: Patch Tuesday begins immediately, as Redmond corrects a just-discovered security flaw. Endless patches ensue, and over time the OS bogs down under the weight of its own spaghetti code. Go to Step 1.
This system served Microsoft well until the Vista debacle, when Step 6 (the beta stage) was botched, creating a negative buzz that the company couldn't suppress. Microsoft was also taken in by the hybrid hard disk fiasco in which the OS had special hooks to optimize performance?hooks that consumers were never able to take advantage of.
This time around the company has gone back to basics, and Windows 7 should be a commercial hit with few complaints?at first. Hopefully the product will ship sooner rather than later to help revive the economy.
But if any of the lunatics out there don't think this OS will be patched to death and suffer the same fate as everything else Microsoft has done, then tell me: What mysterious transformation has the company undergone to make things different? Hello, patches! We're waiting for you! "
As usual, he hits the nail on the head. This version of windows will degrade just like the previous ones after several patches.
But I like new toys, be it OS or anything.
Attention (or interest) span is getting shorter.
Oh and they charge you every 1-2 years for the new OS when its really just a service pack.
Sorry but the only thing that's degraded are users following fluff propaganda, pretending to have jobs, and pretending to be rebels with a baby-like OS thats limited in ability, is locked down, and costs more to purchase.
Thanks for making the distinctive crowds so clear!
He doesn't speak the truth and should be canned for writing a article in such a trollish fashion.
People are already judging the OS before its out of beta and even while its been in beta it's been fine. This is the same crap that tech sites have been spewing for years with no grounds to prove it this garbage is so bad it could easily be deemed as defamation.
Its just interesting coming on to these sites and watch how these writers manipulate every article differently for the basis of hit whoring its just interesting. When something somewhat truthful comes out from a MS article without being overly exaggerated I will call them out but over the years every single and I mean every single article about something MS did wrong is completely and utterly exaggerated to the point that its unbearable to read.
But if Apple were to release a update to brick Hackintoshes but ended up bricking millions of there own Mac's as well the article would be written in such a light to make them look as good as possible. And im damn sure people can agree with me.
What is annoying is with every patch, there is no improvement on performance, and it is getting heavier and heavier on resources. want an example, look at windows defender, with updates upon updates, we still have to depend on third party's ware.
I can safely say at best Windows 7 is the completed product of Vista, after 2 miserable year.
BTW, how can I get your job? If knowing such common information isn't required I imagine I could easily be an editor for CNET.
But when Haiku O/S is released from M.I.T. all things will change. I cant wait for Haiku!
Haiku
Intro, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBq56Ovx38I&feature=related
other examples: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAc-NDR35Sk&feature=related
:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOtbfvicYZ8&feature=rela
Haiku Homepage: http://www.haiku-os.org/
NOBODY uses a computer to just run the operating system.
But who will break the news to MS that they might as well pack it in, now that their master plan has been revealed by John?
Somone - I'm thinking you, they'll listen to someone on the same intelligence level like you - should head to the dark overlords at Redmond immediately and relate this knowledge - that should stop them! You could say something like "Hey! Stop cheating everyone, you're making to many billion$ of dollars, and you guys suck!" That should do it, you'll be a hero to all the dumb masses!
Or better yet, you could just continue to bring this message direct to the people (Good start here, I was thinking Cnet was a good place to begin for this audience), and tell them how foolish and blind they are for continually supporting or using anything Windows while you type smugly away under the cloak of your secret screen name (nice cover!).
re: PC Magazine's John Dvorak:
Mac Fanboys: "Windows 7 is not a threat to OSX!"
Maybe they haven't got the memo but usually feeling the need to attack another product or spread lies about it especially before it's released is a sign of fear.
But of course me and anyone who says anything to somewhat defend the OS will be disregarded as the trolsl even though the Mac fanboys will continue to spread FUD.
Isn't that right AppleRocks and Kcotham.
Pig and Lipstick.
and here comes a Linux guy to shoot down another mac fanboy.
windows 7 may be a pig in lipstick but at least its not a glorified Linux disto, removed of all redeeming factors, and then force fed to you by a lunatic who thinks he's god? But hey what do i know, i have to use mac's and pc's all the time! Keep spouting your crap, and use your beloved Linux for retards.
then apparently the lipstick is magical and makes the pig the best pig out there
at least give Win7 a try, I normally use Linux/Windows dual boot, I use Win7 near full time
It can even run on previous windows apps
I can search much better than in vista!!!
But its too slow on my 2GB of RAM and doesnt support my wireless printers!!!
"Desktop gadgets can be placed anywhere"
this is not just for Win 7, you can place gadgets anywhere on Vista too and then just right click on the side bar to close it: gadgets stays on desktop wherever you want and the sidebar disappears!
Were there as many programs for Apple, I would NEVER use a code "windows based anything operating system" that is OLDER THAN ME.
If you are trying to represent a competing OS to Windows then Microsoft doesn't have much to worry about.
thx for describing the reaction of 99% of the people on the internet to your post
Windows 7 is Mac like in the interface, which unfortunately means that a lot of new users that never upgraded to vista will have some confusion.
It is also just as fast as xp, and makes vista look like Windows ME. I have had basically zero problems with either the 32 or 64 bit versions. Even drivers have not been a problem.
I even loaded it up on an "old" dell 300m with 1.1 ghz proc and only 628 of ram and it worked absolutely great. Running 6 windows of chrome and Microsoft Word, it never went above using around 400 megs of ram.
As a windows fan I enjoy the competition that Apple gives ... I would actually prefer a better company than apple to take a swing at Windows (someone that can offer options for people like me to make a switch)
competition is required for the industry to move forward
sorry pal, but that only applies to Firefox vs. IE
At least the Beta testers have generally confirmed it is better, but better than? These really are still only conceptional views until commercially released, used, and blogged, and blogged some more.
We all may find fault in every O/S. Nothing is perfect. It is an individuals concept what is best and suitable. I just won't be forking out the dollars for Win7 until the majority that have bought it convince me with a high percentage of good reports, unlike the majority of negativity Vista received and is still receiving.
Awaiting Commercial Release Reviews. If rated low, maybe it's time to get a Mac or go back to W98SE, W2k or just keep XP.
Until then, please line up to get it on its' release date. I need a good giggle.
- by TyDiz May 13, 2009 3:32 AM PDT
- Microsofts downfall recently has been befalling me more and more over the past 6 years. Yeah, I've had my struggle with virus, worms, and yadda yadda, but its slowly becoming more and more rare(actually I think the last "true" security threat I have had was about 6 years ago).
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- by Renegade Knight May 13, 2009 7:26 AM PDT
- Good post.
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- by scoutkidz May 13, 2009 10:03 AM PDT
- well said, through reading I was like "Hell yeah, this is what I experienced as well" instead of many bugger posts up there.
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- by Vepar_S May 14, 2009 8:37 AM PDT
- Yes I agree with you. am running Ubuntu 9.04, Windows 7, and Vista (SP2). I like Windows 7, followed by Linux. Mac is too overrated IMO. I see alot of commercials with Mac bashing Windows even here on the forums, with all due respect to Mac and it's fanbase I think it is fear among the Mac camp. Rather then bashing why not find a way to make OSX better?? Bashing another is an attempt to cover your own flaws and Mac has them, but the Mac boys here will jump to say " We don't have virus!" yes you do, and Macs lockup and slow down at times. With any OS, a maintenance is required and security is always vulnerable to an attack.
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Showing 1 of 2 pages (100 Comments)I transitioned to vista last year when I bought this laptop and have had no problems and actually felt like I made a much needed upgrade from the "eh-so-so" Window's XP. I've always felt that it is a lot more intuitive then the old system and makes a little more then mediocre use of the nasty waste of resources, which isn't much different then the nasty waste of resources XP would waste for no real apparent reason(I really don't miss XP at all).
At the beginning of this year I moved over to Window's 7 Beta (which is almost a god-send compared to Vista) and I have had an extremely pleasant experience up until the Release Candidate came out. and am having a hard time grasping where everyone is basing these "Its going to be another Vista" prophecies? Why exactly is everyone expecting a perfect operating system to come around from any one when nobody has even come close in the first place?
I would like to point out that vista has done a great thing to the market because of the hardware sells it was forced to make. People keep looking at this as if it were a bad thing but anyone reading this has probably got 2+ gigs of ram and a dual-core/quad-core processor, which prior to vista were NOT mainstream and probably still wouldn't be otherwise.
Currently I am running Vista SP1(I haven't updated to SP2 yet), Ubuntu 9.04, and Windows 7 on 1 machine and all 3 play pretty nicely with each other, with some exceptions. I also deal with 2.4" iMac's daily and hate them with a passion(I'm sorry fanboys, but any operating system that can crash, as many times as it has, for simple copy and paste operations just needs to be tossed in the trash) . I will honestly say Window's 7(I hate the name btw) is the better of the 4 by far.
Anyway, sorry bout the length :S
peace and cheers.
As for Linux, show some life. I know not everybody wants a polished OS...but wow, put me to sleep. XP? No point of going over 1 GB, it barely reads past 2.9 GB and unless you run games, you will not notice a difference with anything.
128 MB on a windows XP based PC?? WOW you must have stripped it naked in order for it to run smooth. XP needs 512 or better and it has been proven. In the end everyone has their choice, not all of us like Vanilla right???
Peace out and take care guys....and girls.
~Edgardo