(Para leer la versión española ir a Noticias Relacionadas)
Washington, D.C.- This October 22, the latest Microsoft operating system will be available in the market: Windows 7. The manufacturer has presented a clear promise: “a simpler and easier to use program. It is designed to sleep, resume and reconnect to your wireless network more quickly,” says the Microsoft company website.
However, although the process of migration to another program always generates expectations among users, in some cases it is better to allow for a prudent waiting time and analyze the quality of the program, says Roberto Flores, a Microsoft-certified engineer at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) .
“I do not see many improvements over the previous version. Maybe it is a little more stable than Windows Vista. Very few persons who work with corporate systems migrate immediately to a new system, since you have to wait for it to stabilize,” he said.
He recommends taking between 12 and 18 months to examine the performance of Windows 7 before making a final decision on the need to migrate. “Often the applications launched by Microsoft are unstable and incompatible with certain other applications. That is why it is better to wait.”
However, Microsoft is looking to present a productive tool for work and entertainment. One of the most attractive functions of Windows 7 is that the screen activates with a Double Touch application, so it is not necessary to use the keyboard with some computers. Instead, you use your fingers. Additionally, it is possible to expand and reduce the size of images with a simple hand movement, like on some iPhones.
In one of the tutorials presented by the company, Aaron Margosis, a senior consultant with Microsoft Services, points out that new features include desktop functions.
“This increases the capacity of the application and predicts what is best for the user, thus creating a database. This allows it to perform better.” In other words, the program gets used to the behavior of the user in order to understand and make his tasks easier.
In general, all computers operating with Windows Vista may work with the new version without any problems. Those who bought their laptop or desktop after last June 26 can even talk with their provider to obtain this software for free. It has three versions: Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade, Professional Upgrade and Ultimate Upgrade. The price ranges from $119 to $219.
Likewise, there is an online tool to examine in detail the qualities of the computer and determine whether it is suitable for Windows 7. The computer’s information is sent to Microsoft, who then replies with the evaluation results. You can find the tool here.
“We have to keep in mind that Intel operating systems are very demanding. We need to have a good plan and know whether the equipment is suitable for migration to the next operating system,” stresses Flores, considering that when Windows Vista arrived, it was difficult at first to make it compatible with all the programs downloaded from the Internet.
One of the latest reports from IDC Consulting says that the arrival of Windows 7 is good news for the IT sector, since it will provide new job opportunities. This will also benefit hardware manufacturers, software developers, computer service providers and everyone who benefits from the distribution channels.
IDC says Windows 7 “will not generate a significant increase in IT (Information Technology) expenditure, which will grow only 2 percent, to $525.5 billion dollars in the United States. On the other hand, it seems that it will create up to 25,000 jobs in the country.”
