Rotating Knives

When I installed the Windows 7 beta on my machine, I was filled with trepidation.  This was beta software after all.  Was I risking the stability and functionality of my system just to have the latest stuff?  And what about my precious data?  Sure, I backed it up as recommended, but restoring data is a pain.  Well, I took the plunge, and as those of you who also tried the beta already know, I was pleasantly surprised.  This was the first Windows operating system upgrade I had ever experienced that improved my system’s performance and stability.  It also subtly enhanced the taskbar to provide more efficient access to programs and documents while not changing it so much that it would cause an uproar like the Office Ribbon Rebellion.  And it wasn’t even finished baking yet.

Now the Windows 7 RC1 is available for download and the news for PC owners is good.  It improves in almost every area.  In addition to making the user interface even more efficient and friendly at the same time (quite a feat!), it brings the benefits of virtualization to consumers through XP mode.     The first thing installers will notice is an option to check compatibility online.  This takes you to a download page for Microsoft’s Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor beta.  The Advisor goes through your system and connected devices and warns you about incompatibilities and actions you can take to deal with them.

I am installing the RC today.  Look for a post on how it went tomorrow.