Exploring Windows 7 – Part II

This is a continuation of my previous blog on this subject. Initially, I was not able to share folder from my host machine to my Windows 7 guest. This got resolved, when I upgraded Virtual Box to version 3.0. I still have some problem in using my removable thumb drive. This is a problem connected to VM application.

Now, let us talk about Windows 7.

• Outlook is taken away from Windows 7 and integrated with Windows Live. Outlook gone into clouds (I mean cloud computing).
• Action center is new and liked by me. It takes care of security and maintenance of the system. Security includes updates, internet security, user access control, malware protection and firewall. Maintenance includes managing all applications and system files, trouble shooting them and providing solutions. This action center automates most of the actions. Human interface is minimal even in solving the problems. Action center makes the system robust.
• Control Panel is enhanced and well organized. The components of control panel are nicely grouped together. Program compatibility wizard is new pick of this group. It helps run applications that have compatibility problems with windows 7, but work with earlier windows. This is really good for some non-standard applications.
• Media Center is a major improvement, though it did not work in my PC due to incapability of my graphics card. My graphics card has 16Mb memory as against a minimum requirement of 64Mb. Further, my card does not support 3D. Still. I was able to run sample HD video supplied by Windows 7. It was good.
• Event Viewer is another major enhancement. Event logs on hardware and software can be accessed through this application. It is organized so well that troubleshooting will become easy.
• Widgets and themes are other additions that may attract some. I would consider them as just attractions and nothing more.

Over all, I like Windows 7. Would I upgrade? I need to mull over. When cloud computing is the new mantra and lean hardware/software is the future, should I invest on an OS that costs a big sum for upgrade and consumes a lot of storage space. The decision would be based on the winner of the two – the mind and the heart.

Windows Live

Windows Live is a suite of web service applications provided by Microsoft. Many components of this suite were in existence before Microsoft started Live applications. They were hotmail, MSN messenger and Spaces (personal blogging). Once Windows Live Beta was started, other applications like Windows Live Mail were added one by one. Now, Windows Live has come out of Beta and has a number of applications in it. The following table provides the list of applications in Windows Live and their uses:

Component	Function	Features
Windows Live	Home Page	This can be personalized with gadgets like news feeds
Live Mail	Access mutliple e-mail accounts	Replaces Microsoft Outlook Express
Live Messenger	Instant Messenging application	Replaces MSN messenger
Live toolbar	Internet Explorer toolbar	Quick access to useful services and applications
Photo Gallery	Photo Management	Edit, enhance, organize and share your photos and albums
Writer	Blogging tool	Can create blogs with pictures and videos and publish directly in known blog services.
OneCare Family Safety	Safe browsing for family	Block web sites and contacts not suitable for children

I would like to discuss only two components, since others are not so new, at least to me.

Of all the applications, I love the most is "Writer". It is convenient to create my blog through "Writer" compared to my blog service site (Blogger.com). I can add a table, a video or a map without writing codes. But, I have to add codes in Blogger. Editing texts is also very easy in "Writer". Switching between "edit" mode and "preview" mode is fast. I do not have to say that I have created this blog through "Writer". A table present in this page will vouch for it.

I had difficulties with "OneCare Family Safety" initially. I configured this application for "automatic sign-in". Invariably, auto sign-in was hanging without completion. Without sign-in, I could not use either Internet Explorer or FireFox. It was frustrating. I changed the setting to "manual" and now it works. I still need to sign-in before using IE or FireFox. I need to explore this application further. Since my PC is shared by my family, this would be a very useful tool.