June 1, 2009

Windows 7 release candidate is now out for download, so as a follow up to my beta testing of Windows 7, I have downloaded the software and am testing it.  Release candidate software is supposed to be closer to the final version than the regular beta software, but with Windows 7, I don't see much difference.  Personally, I still like Vista better, particularly since Windows 7 has done away with the sidebar.  I still like to have the clock, calendar, etc. on the side, particularly with a wider monitor.

There is a little more functionality in the taskbar which has a new feature so that when you hover over the icons of the running programs, they will display on the desktop.  Another cutesy feature, but again, not impressive enough to make me want to buy it.  The icons for running applications take up less space since they eliminated the text explaining what the program is.  A simple registry tweak will give the same result in Vista.

As far as performance, there is no noticeable difference to make it worth noting.  There may be differences if you measure it with a stopwatch, but again, nothing to make me run out to buy it.

Considering the pricing will probably mirror that of Vista, the expense of upgrading still isn't worth the investment as far as I'm concerned.  On a new computer purchase, it will be pre-installed, but I don't feel it is going to be worth $150.00 to upgrade from another version, particularly if your computer has Vista on it now.