Windows 7 Hits Milestone 3; Feels Like Vista
Recently the "in progress" operating system hit Milestone 3 (Build 6780) and has a street date of June 3, 2009. But many web sites that posted videos showcasing cool features discovered in the latest build have up and vanished since early this morning. While there are plenty of screenshots to go around, watching Milestone 3 in action seems out of the question.
“I received an email from a person who claimed to be an Internet Investigator of/for Microsoft and is ‘authorized to act on behalf of Microsoft in this matter,’” claims a blogger over on ThinkNext. “He asked, if not ordered, me to take down those materials (you know what he means). He lists my 2 posts URLs and the images URLs. Duteous man I commit.”
Despite the crackdown by Bill and the Gang, other sources report that Microsoft has implemented the Ribbon user interface - currently found in Office 2007 - into Paint (image) and WordPad (image). Additionally, the feature originally called "Castle" in Windows Codename Longhorn - now renamed as “Home Groups” - makes a return to the Windows platform in Milestone 3, a DNS system of sorts that does not need a dedicated server to distribute identities across the local network. Milestone 3 also sports graphical version of PowerShell Version 2 that allows remote access. For gamers, this screenshot over on Shacknews reveals that Windows 7 will include an automatic game update check, alerting end-users to updates of PC games installed on the system.
Other reports claim that Microsoft has also visually improved the Calculator tool along with adding new features such as date-to-date measurements, unit conversion, Programmer and Statistics modes and even complete history lists. Other hands-on reports claim that the Start Menu button sports more animation than the Vista version while the menu itself is now simplified. "Libraries" has also taken the place of the infamous "My Documents," and Windows Media Player is a lot less bulky as seen in this image here. Additionally, there’s also a program called "Sticky Notes," however that video was removed at the request of Microsoft as well.
With many additions, this latest build also sees the departure of many applications that appeared in early versions of Windows. The ever-useful Calendar, Movie Maker, and Photo Gallery are no longer part of the platform as well as Contacts, Mail and Meeting Space. Apparently, these applications will still be available separately as downloads through Windows Live. But on a positive note, there are reports that Windows 7 will install in ten minutes, a huge leap from the 30 to 60 minute installs of previous versions of Windows.
According to this blog over on ZDNet, Windows 7 does not “look or feel like a major departure from Windows Vista.” Users who initially dreaded the Vista operating system may find this a disappointment, especially for Windows users who refuse to give up the sacred XP. Microsoft plans to release the official Windows 7 beta this December, while shooting to distribute the retail version sometime by the end of 2009 / early 2010.
It’s highly possible that more information surrounding Milestone 3 will re-appear within the next few days. Websites such as ThinkNext hosting material not approved by Microsoft only ask for trouble. Still, readers want to know more about what’s in store for the next Windows platform, and media providers will virtually risk anything to get the news to valued readers. After all, everyone loves a good dose of drama, and there is always some kind of drama surround Windows and its many stages of development. Stay tuned as more slippery Milestone 3 information leaks out!
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Kevin Parrish has over a decade of experience as a writer, editor, and product tester. His work focused on computer hardware, networking equipment, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom's Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others.
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Vikingex I do understand the disappointment in Vista to begin with, yes it had terrible issues with file compression, generally moving data around and it was a disk-thrashing hog thanks to Defender and Indexing.Reply
However, most of this was either fixed by SP1 or manually by ourselves. Didn't we tweak XP also? Wasn't that also a memory hog to begin with?
I love the look and feel of Vista, so I don't see why Microsoft should move away from it. People simply enjoy jumping on the Vista bandwagon without giving it a chance : -
jj463rd I see nothing sacred about Windows XP.Reply
Windows 2000 Pro is XP without the activation.
I did hear from my brother who used to work at Microsoft,was in the inner circle with Bill in the past and has his own corporation now that over 300 companies are in on the development of the next version of Windows. -
enriquein Well I for one was forced to use it at work, on my development machine (Vista), and my experience even after SP1 wasn't very positive. I will admit that SP1 improved most of the annoyances, but I still feel that XP is far more effective for both my job and my personal stuff. $0.02Reply
I honestly don't care if they release the next 20 versions of Windows based off Vista, as long as they don't force me off XP. -
blackened144 I dont know, i hate Vista.. I just tried out that new Windows Mojave though and its pretty bad ass..Reply -
dimaf1985 Honestly, who cares if it doesn't FEEL any different from Vista. As long as it's not a resource whore, and doesn't come with all the bloat, i'll switch form XP. So far, it seems theyre going in the right direction. The "ever-useful" calendar, movie maker and photo gallery? I dont think so. Anyone worth their salt with with an inclination to edit photos, make movies, or organize their day can find a whole slew of WAY better and comprehensive third-party programs for these tasks. As far as im concerned Vista is Windows 7 Beta, just like ME was XP Beta, and 95 was 98 Beta. Thats been the pattern: Every other release has been buggy and served to pave the way for much more popular successor. Cant wait for Win 7.Reply -
gamerk316 We want XP because its cheap, and it works. Theres a reason why you need 4GB+ to run Vista well.Reply -
SirCrono blackened144I dont know, i hate Vista.. I just tried out that new Windows Mojave though and its pretty bad ass.. LOL, made me laugh.Reply
On the topic, I still remember when I first installed xp on a 400 MHz celeron with 128 Megs of RAM, we were all "resource hog this, 98 SE is better that"
I guess history do tends to repeat itself. -
itadakimasu :) me too.Reply
I think its insane that they would be pushing a new OS when they have put so much into vista...
I really think there is something not legal about the apple commercials either, isn't that libel/slander ? especially when so many people who know nothing about computers and have never used vista hate vista.
Thats really how it is. You have people telling other people about all these ''problems'' with vista and then those people in turn are telling other people even though they don't even know what they're talking about.
and here we are now with lame apple commercials saying they have cures to vista ailments... lol, the only one i found slightly funny was one of the first with the different versions of vista. but again, marketing to the average computer user they will not be buying vista business or enterprise. -
3Ball Just the thought of Justin Long and those ridiculous lying Mac commercials infuriates me beyond belief! I personally love vista (after sp1, driver updates and tweaking). It took me longer to switch to XP than it did for me to move to vista tbh.Reply
Best,
3Ball -
eccentric909 ReplyThe "ever-useful" calendar, movie maker and photo gallery? I dont think so.
I personally love the built-in calendar in Vista. It's is very useful, especially since I use Outlook at work and it's basically a less bloated version of Outlook's calendar.