Alright, I admit it. I am a big fan of Microsoft Windows. Why? Because since the original release of Windows 95, this Operating System (OS) has provided me with countless work opportunities as both a Technical Writer and Software Trainer. There are so many vendors that enthusiastically create products for the Microsoft Windows OS. There are probably as many vendors on this list as there are in the English Language Thesaurus (just kidding).

But truthfully, I am excited about the release of Windows 7. I downloaded the RC version recently onto a backup laptop at home, so if something went wrong, then I would not compromise any data or programs. However, there are have been absolutely no problems with the RC (which stands for Release Candidate). What I have learned from this experience is that Windows 7 is essentially an EXPANDED version of Windows Vista. So, don’t think that you are venturing into completely unknown territory when you download the RC version. No, that is not true! You will see for yourself that Windows 7 carries on most of the format and form of Windows Vista, with extra features and as a good programmer colleague of mine told me, the engineering, system design, and actual programming of Windows 7 is much improved, and so that is the real reason why it is going to be another Microsoft bestseller.

You can check out Windows 7 directly at the Microsoft website. At least for the past several days, Windows 7 has been featured right on the front page, right at the top, with a link showing you the different versions that are available for pre-order. Right now I am following the Microsoft blogs about Windows 7 and expect to get my own copy soon (sometime this month, most likely).

I know there are many people who have switched over to Linux and who are open-source 100% and dislike Microsoft. But know this: through the Microsoft Windows Operating System, countless awesome programs, supported and open-source, have been created to enhance your computing experience. This means your career, your personal life, your academic life, and otherwise. I love open-source, just like I stated in a previous post. However, I am still giving Microsoft the green light on Windows. Because of Windows, we have an operating system that will serve us an help us toward a positive software experience.

My very first computer was an Apple MacIntosh, however when I moved to Brazil (1992-1996), there were no Apple computers there. Personal Computers (then with DOS) were everywhere. So, I made my conversion and have never looked back. From my beginnings in MS-DOS and then transition into Windows 95 and all the way into Windows Vista, Microsoft has enabled me to prosper as a Technical Writer and Software Trainer because of the scope and nature of its Operating System. There are more programs that have been written for Microsoft Windows than any other OS.

Do not fear Windows 7 in any way. It is a continuation of Windows Vista. I installed the RC (release candidate) on a second (Acer) laptop a month ago and have explored it pretty thoroughly. Essentially, Windows 7 is a greater and more enhanced version of Vista, and according to a good friend of mine, the programming (at Microsoft) for Windows 7 is greatly improved as well. So, while there may not be all that many new visual features, from the internal aspect it is a better OS. Therefore, it will provide your Windows applications with a better foundation for their running and optimization.

I expect to get my own licensed copy of Windows 7 sometime this summer, hopefully in this month of July. I am following the Windows Vista and Windows 7 blogs on the web and when I feel that any major bugs they are facing are completely eradicated, I will take the plunge and upgrade my HP Pavilion (my primary and day-to-day laptop I use for the web and all things).

http://www.microsoft.com/

All The Best,

Keith