Windows 7

The buzz is "They finally got it right" and "Windows 7 is what Vista should have been".

After taking a look I agree :-)

Windows 7 features a "Back to basics, lean and mean" approach. It gets Windows out of the way, and puts the spotlight back on the applications software.

I installed it on a Lenovo ThinkCentre P-IV box with 4GB RAM. A straightfoward desktop, not cutting edge.

Observations:

• It installs faster than previous Windows versions
• It starts up and shuts down faster than Vista
• Just the basic features are evident on the UI and desktop (as mentioned: lean and mean)
• UAC finally works without being so annoying :-)
• It will install and run under the free VMware server. However, the usual vmnet virtual network adapter didn't work for me, so the VM had no networking capability.

Now, will MS sell just a few editions of the OS, instead of the confusing array offered with Vista? Last I heard, the plan is to offer half a dozen different editions, so unfortunately that confusing Vista legacy will remain.