Playing with Windows 7 RC1

chris — Mon, 11 May 2009 14:58:58 +0000

On May 5th, 2009, Microsoft made publicly available the first RC, build 7100, of Windows 7. This RC is available in 5 languages and will expire on June 1st, 2010, with bi-hourly shutdowns starting March 1st, 2010.
I downloaded the RC1 from the Windows 7 RC1 Download page. The only pre-reqs are a Windows Live account, which you can register for free. Be prepared for a large transfer; I started mine in the early evening, and let it run at night. (+2GB) I then ripped the .iso to DVD the following morning.
I chose a DELL Latitude D630 to conduct my testing on. I installed with no issues. The installer was very intuitive. Activation can occur immediately after the OS is loaded, or you can hold off, but only for 3 days.
First Impressions

I really like the interface, it is streamlined and intuitive. I love the glass interface, the bars are semi-translucent and allow the below windows/wallpaper to show through.
The Libraries is a very nice touch, and helps organize files in a more logical manner. (In Win XP your media files, pictures and music and such were located inside My Documents, now are organized in Libraries.)
Wireless support is good, and easy to setup. The wizard had no problem locating my Wireless Access Point, and after authenticated, connected without issue.
IE 8 responds well, and is a refreshing change from IE 6 and earlier.
Seeming gone is the invasive UAC(User Access Control). I know its still there somewhere, but they have toned down the annoyingness of the previous version.
Action Center is pretty cool. It allows you to review any/all recent issues your computer is experiencing. It allows you to review and correct any of them in one space.
The clock now allows you to monitor more then 1 time zone.

Chris's Blog of Crazy Goodness! » testing

Playing with Windows 7 RC1