More Makeovers for Windows 7

Even before its official release, Microsoft’s Windows 7 operating system continues to receive upgrades and “makeovers” designed to improve both its appearance and performance. Last month, Microsoft released nearly 40 bug fixes and updates for the new OS. Some of these fixes were purely cosmetic, for example affecting the way that opened windows and programs reacted to one another. But other improvements were much more serious, affecting the underlying structure of the operating system.


As the number of people who are beta testing Windows 7 continues to grow, Microsoft is gathering a huge quantity of information about performance issues and user preferences for the new operating system. One change that has come as a result of the beta testing is a new close button for icons in the taskbar’s list pane. This allows users to view or close already open applications from one central starting point.

Another update attempts to eliminate the problem of unsaved Windows taskbar settings when the computer is not turned off properly — anyone who has ever encountered the dreaded “blue screen of death” error message will be familiar with the process of forcing the computer off manually, rather than going through the usual Windows procedure.

But a fix has been devised so that even if Windows isn’t exited properly, taskbar settings can still be saved, so that the user avoids surprises and disappearing or relocating Task bars when they began their next session.

Other improvements are aimed toward making Windows 7 compatible with touch-screen applications and multi- touch zooming. Windows 7 will support multi-touch within the Windows Explorer, and through the navigation of all files and folders. In addition, the Windows Explorer has been improved for easier navigation, and to avoid unnecessarily hogging screen real estate.

On a deeper level, Windows 7 will include so-called Device Stage functionality, which allows third-party developers to customize the Windows startup procedure, and determine how information will be presented to users as Windows loads.

Perhaps because Microsoft Vista received such poor critical response when first launched, the company is going to great pains to ensure that Windows 7 is “ready for prime time” when it finally debuts for public consumption.

Judging from the increasing amount of fixes and updates already available for Windows seven, it would seem that Microsoft is testing the beta version more thoroughly than any of its previously released operating systems. And considering the public relations fiasco that ensued after the release of Windows Vista, this can only be a good thing.