Windows 7 RC build 7048: it's all about personalization, baby!
Apart from implementing some of the previously announced changes in post-beta Windows 7 builds, Microsoft has clearly set their sites on providing a desktop environment that users can customize six ways from Sunday.
Don't take the title too literally: build 7048 has definitely received plenty of attention under the hood. In my normal computing tasks, build 7048 feels more stable even more usable as an everyday OS. However, most of the updates aren't very obvious. Subtle changes appear here and there, for example:
Don't take the title too literally: build 7048 has definitely received plenty of attention under the hood. In my normal computing tasks, build 7048 feels more stable even more usable as an everyday OS. However, most of the updates aren't very obvious. Subtle changes appear here and there, for example:
- the glow on your taskbar button staying put when you mouse onto a taskbar thumbnail
- the increased number of items you can pin to your taskbar
- the start orb is slightly clearer and its glow is brighter
- Send Feedback links no longer appear in window title bars
- a slightly cleaned up Control Panel
Of course, new wallpaper and new sound schemes mean new pre-built themes. There are two new choices - Architecture and Characters. True to its name, Architecture features images of houses and other structures, but Characters isn't quite as accurately named. Its wallpapers are fairly abstract, with the exception of a pile of pink teddy bears. As with previous themes, both feature six wallpapers and default to displaying them as a slideshow.
And let's not overlook all the features that can be turned off, as Brad mentioned in hist post last week. Couple that with the increased number of interface options that have appeared, and it's obvious that Microsoft wants to ensure that Windows 7 will provide a comfortable and highly customizable desktop environment for its users.
Comments
30
Subscribe to commentsMatt YankelovichMar 9th 2009 2:07PM
So, do these post beta builds require you to re-install the OS on a freshly-formatted partition? (In other words, start from scratch)? Or can you just upgrade over the last Windows 7 release?
Lee MathewsMar 9th 2009 2:23PM
You can upgrade from the Windows desktop, though the process is almost painfully slow. Still, it does mean not having to reinstall apps and backing up data.
PatMar 9th 2009 5:51PM
How would you go about doing that?
PatMar 9th 2009 2:07PM
So how do you get this if you were in on the original beta?
Rohit KapurMar 9th 2009 2:37PM
Torrents.
It's not an official release; it's a leak. :)
But I recommend you get it, if you *have* installed the beta build (7000). It's a good upgrade.
r3loadedMar 9th 2009 3:01PM
You don't. At least, not officially, if you get my drift. ;)
MalteserrMar 9th 2009 3:07PM
I suggest you wait till mid April though (according to some rumors) when Microsoft releases the RC like it did with the beta, and gives us all legit download links to the software.
KineticMar 9th 2009 3:28PM
the wallpaper count is up to 31 from 14??
I think i'll wait for the official release before downloading another iso, but im very tempted. Win7 has been my main OS since the beta release
KineticOnlineMar 9th 2009 3:31PM
Never mind I've seen my mistake, read it 4 times as from 31 to 14 lol
10nisman94Mar 9th 2009 4:41PM
so is this the rc1 or not?
Lee MathewsMar 9th 2009 4:49PM
No official "RC1" yet...All builds at this point are part of the release candidate branch, though, since they're post-beta.
kay.oneMar 10th 2009 12:04AM
there is not RC1, there is going to be a single RC.
Brent SchmidtMar 9th 2009 5:58PM
The one thing I don't like about it is the icon change of the Library shortcut on the taskbar. It looks... wrong. I liked it better as a folder like it was in 7000.
But thanks for the tip about putting the Downloads shortcut in the Start Menu.
Ramas (tikra.info)Mar 9th 2009 7:45PM
Using Win7 7022 now. Tried to upgrade to 7048 - it just stops at 87% when collecting programs setting data (second step)...
aMar 9th 2009 10:32PM
does it support Chrome yet?
QuikboyMar 9th 2009 11:16PM
A better question is: When will Chrome support Windows 7?
JamesNorman93Mar 14th 2009 12:43AM
Google Chrome works fine for me in Build 7000... :| ?
psycrosMar 10th 2009 3:14AM
Harder to use in every way, completely non-intuitive, doesn't play most games. In short, still not a single reason to upgrade from XP or Vista..especially from Vista. Microsoft better not be banking on sales of Windows 7 to get them through the depression.
Brent SchmidtMar 10th 2009 2:43PM
Uhhhhhh, there's this lil feature called "Compatibility Mode" where you can make the program think it's running in a previous version of Windows. I couldn't get RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 working in Vista, but works like a pro in 7 (running it as if it's on XP).
Victor V.Mar 10th 2009 6:30PM
What? Did you smoke kid as a shit? Every single game I tried to run worked. And every single app, too.