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Features of Windows Operating System

Windows 7 improved speed and responsiveness compared to Vista. It has a faster start up time and feels more responsive. Windows 7 also has much better compatibility with older programs compared to Vista. The lower hardware requirements of Windows 7 make it able to run well on lower-end hardware than Vista. Windows 7 also improved the search tool and introduced libraries to help with organization. New security features in Windows 7 include login options like PINs and pictures, antivirus capabilities, and parental controls.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
2K views

Features of Windows Operating System

Windows 7 improved speed and responsiveness compared to Vista. It has a faster start up time and feels more responsive. Windows 7 also has much better compatibility with older programs compared to Vista. The lower hardware requirements of Windows 7 make it able to run well on lower-end hardware than Vista. Windows 7 also improved the search tool and introduced libraries to help with organization. New security features in Windows 7 include login options like PINs and pictures, antivirus capabilities, and parental controls.

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halem52403
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© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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1.

Speed

Even aside from incompatibilities and other issues that many people had with
Vista, one of the most straightforward was speed – it just felt too sluggish
compared to XP, even on pumped up hardware. Windows 7 brings a more
responsive and sprightly feel and Microsoft has spent a lot of time and effort
getting the Start Menu response just right.
Microsoft has also recognized the need for improved desktop responsiveness,
which gives the impression that the computer is responding to the user and
that they are in control – something that was often lacking with Vista.

You can also expect faster boot times. And the boot sequence is now not only
prettier than it was with Vista, but it’s speedier too.

2. Compatibility

In simple terms, compatibility on Windows 7 will be far better than it was with
Vista. Many programs that individuals and companies used on Windows XP
did not work immediately and required updates, but with Windows 7 almost all
applications that work on Vista should still run.

3. Lower Hardware Requirements

Vista gained a reputation for making even the beefiest hardware look rather
ordinary. Windows 7, however, will run well on lower end hardware, making
the transition from Window XP less painful.

Microsoft is even pushing Windows 7 for netbooks. This could provide a


modern replacement for Windows XP, which has found a new lease of life as
the OS of choice on netbooks, supplanting Linux. The downside is
that Windows 7 Starter Edition, as it will be called, will be limited to only three
applications running at the same time.

4. Search and Organization


One of the best things about Windows 7 is the improved search tool, which
now rivals Mac OS X’s Spotlight to be able to find what you need quickly and
easily. For example, typing ‘mouse’ will bring up the mouse option within
the control panel or typing a word will display it and split it up neatly into files,
folders and applications.
Also introduced is the concept of Libraries, which takes the ‘My Documents’
concept a stage further. The various Libraries, such as Documents and
Pictures, will watch multiple locations which you can add yourself, so you
don’t have to keep everything in one place.

5. Safety and Security

New security features in Windows include two new authentication methods


tailored towards touchscreens (PINs and picture passwords), the addition of
antivirus capabilities to Windows Defender (bringing it in parity with Microsoft
Security Essentials) Smart Screen filtering integrated into Windows, and
support for the "Secure Boot" functionality on UEFI systems to protect against
malware infecting the boot process. Family Safety offers Parental controls,
which allows parents to monitor and manage their children's activities on a
device with activity reports and safety controls. Windows 8 also provides
integrated system recovery through the new "Refresh" and "Reset" functions,
including system recovery from USB drive. Windows 8's first security patches
would be released on November 13, 2012; it would contain three fixes
deemed "critical" by the company.

6. Interface and Desktop

Windows introduces significant changes to the operating system's


user interface, many of which are aimed at improving its experience on tablet
computers and other touchscreen devices. The new user interface is based
on Microsoft's Metro design language, and uses a Start screen similar to that
of Windows Phone as the primary means of launching applications. The Start
screen displays a customizable array of tiles linking to various apps and
desktop programs, some of which can display constantly updated information
and content through "live tiles". As a form of multitasking, apps can be
snapped to the side of a screen. Alongside the traditional Control Panel, a
new simplified and touch-optimized settings app known as "PC Settings" is
used for basic configuration and user settings. It does not include many of the
advanced options still accessible from the normal Control Panel.

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