With the hype around Windows 7, PC enthusiasts are paying close attention to each new build of the operating system in-the-making.
The latest leaked build on floating around the is 7048, which incorporates many noticeable changes since the previous versions -- especially when compared to the public beta build 7000.
Build 7048 was said by some sources to be the Release Candidate build, but we now know that it’s still in beta stages. The RC is still anticipated sometime in April.
The SuperSite for Windows has documented some of the more apparent visual changes in build 7048. For one, this build drops the Betta fish and introduces a set of nature-themed desktop wallpapers. While all are beautiful photos, it won’t be long before users will use an image of their own.
In addition to new backgrounds, the new Windows 7 build also includes 13 different sound schemes if the old Windows Default beeps and blips are boring you.
Small visual updates include new icons, a slightly altered Start button orb, revised picture viewer and the removal of the “send feedback” link in the corner of windows.
Navigation shortcuts have also been tweaked. As mentioned previously, Aero Peek is now integrated into the Alt-Tab method of switching windows -- so now keyboarders can take advantage of the new “glass” effect as well.
Perhaps the most notable change of all is the ability to uninstall and exclude Windows staples such as Windows Media Player, Windows Media Center, Windows DVD Maker, Windows Search, Handwriting Recognition, Windows Gadget Platform, Fax and Scan, XPS Viewer, and yes, Internet Explorer 8. Without Internet Explorer 8 installed, users will have to install some other browser for any hopes of accessing the World Wide Web. It seems that Microsoft is letting users strip Windows 7 down more than ever. In fact, SuperSite reports that removing Windows Search kills Start Menu Search, describing it as “painful.”
Could this be the last beta leak before the Release Candidate? Things are looking closer with each new build, and we’re just as excited as you are. What do you think is the best new feature of Windows 7?
