Brief Overview of Windows 7
With the recent movement of beta builds of Microsoft’s newest operating system, Windows 7 to the soon to be released versions of Release Candidates (RCs), Salvagers.Net Tech Blogger takes a closer look at the user interface and functionality of Windows 7.

At first look, Windows 7 looks strikingly similar to Windows Vista, however, the taskbar bears a resemblence to the Mac OS X dock and of course, there have been changes in icons as well. However, unlike Windows XP and Vista, Windows 7 is intended as an incremental upgrade to the Windows line, more specifically from Windows Vista. As such, many have felt that Windows Vista was the actually beta testing of Windows 7 and that Windows Vista was nothing more that an operating system released for further testing for the up and coming Windows 7.

Senior Vice President of Microsoft has said that Windows Vista users migrating to Windows 7 would not see the kinds of device incompatibility issues that was largely the sore thumb for the previous Windows XP users migrating to Windows Vista.

Performance-wise, ZDNet has found that the Windows 7 has beaten both Windows XP and Vista in terms of boot and shut down time, working with files and loading documents. However, in other areas such as typical office activities and video-editing, the performance remains indentical to Windows Vista and slower that Windows XP.

For now, mark your calendars as Windows 7 RC1 is reportedly schedule to be released on May 5th, 2009.

New Features of Windows 7
A number of new features have been scheduled and planned to release in Windows 7 such as improvements in touch, speech and handwriting recognition, support for virtual hard disks, improved performance on multi-core processors. Windows 7 will add support for systems using multiple heterogeneous graphics cards from different vendors, include a new version of Windows Media Center and an accompanying gadget, the XML Paper Specifications (XPS) Essentials Pack with Windows PowerShell included and a resigned Calculator.

Many new items have been added to the Control Panel, including ClearType Text Tuner, Display Color Calibration Wizard, Gadgets, Recovery, Troubleshooting, Workspaces Center, Location and Other Sensors, Credential Manager, Biometric Devices, System Icons, and Display. Windows Security Center has been renamed to Windows Action Center (Windows Health Center and Windows Solution Center in earlier builds) which encompasses both security and maintenance of the computer.

The taskbar has seen the biggest visual changes, where the Quick Launch toolbar has been replaced with pinning applications to the taskbar. Buttons for pinned applications are integrated with the task buttons. These buttons also enable the Jump Lists feature to allow easy access to common tasks. The revamped taskbar also allows the reordering of taskbar buttons.

Adjacent to the system clock is a small rectangular button for the new feature named Peek. Hovering over this button makes all visible windows transparent for a quick look at the desktop. In touch-enabled displays such as touch screens, tablet PCs etc, this button is slightly wider to accommodate being pressed with a finger. Clicking this button minimizes all windows.

Additionally, when a user drags a window to the edge of the screen, it will snap in place on that half of the screen. This allows users to snap documents or files on either side of the screen to compare them. There will also be a feature where when you pull a window to the top of the screen, it will automatically maximize. When you try to move windows that are maximized, the system will restore them automatically.

This functionality is also accomplished with keyboard shortcuts. Holding down the Windows key and pressing the up arrow will maximize; pressing down the down arrow will minimize; pressing the left or right arrows will snap the windows to the sides of the screen. Repeating the keyboard shortcuts restores the window's previous size.
The 'middle-click' or scroll button on the mouse will be in more use as the middle click will be able to close applications and tabs.

Unlike Windows Vista, window borders, and the taskbar do not turn opaque when a window is maximized with Windows Aero applied. Instead they remain transparent.

Security News of the Week - Mac Botnet Detected
Unfortunately for Mac users, malware researchers have discovered what appears to be the first Mac OSX botnet, aka MacBot or iBotnet and its receiving a substantial amount of industry and media interest. Early estimates suggest that thousands of people have unknowingly downloaded the infected files which are usually pirated copies of Adobe's Creative Suite 4 and Apple's iWork 09 productivity suite.

Mac Tip of the Week - Preventing a wake from sleep issue on a Mac
Some users have reported issues with sleeping - on a Mac. Either the Mac refuses to sleep, or refuses to wake from sleep. Here's how to prevent such problems.
Before the machine is put to sleep mode, unplug anything connected and disconnect them safely. Use the Sleep command in the Apple Menu to put the Mac to sleep and wait for the screen to go blank before closing the lid.

Windows Tip of the Week - IE's Security Setting Tip
If you’re annoyed by Internet Explorer’s incessant barking that you’ve lowered your Security settings (like, if you’re a non-paranoid expert), launch “gpedit.msc” from either the Run command or Start Search field, navigate through Local Computer Policy / Computer Configuration / Administrative Templates / Windows Components / Internet Explorer. In the rightmost pane, double-click “Turn off the Security Settings Check feature” and set it to Enabled.

How-To of the Week - Time Machine your Windows PC
Rather than try to become a PC mechanic overnight, there's an easier way to fix your computer and get back to work. One of the easiest tools to use and can save you time and a little frustration is the tool called System Restore.

Visit Microsoft's Windows Help and How-to page for the full description on how you can use and configure System Restore!