The date is June 25, 1998 and Microsoft has just released a new operating system. The name is Windows 98. It is incredible, gives you almost complete control over every setting, you can modify anything you want from the user interface to the more advanced settings... it is just perfect! Time passes and new iterations of the Windows OS appear. Windows Me, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista. However, no matter what they come up with... it just doesn't work as good as Windows 98.

And just when everyone was tired of the same revamped operating system from 11 years ago, Microsoft comes up with Windows 7, the only operating system that gave me same tingle in my stomach that I got the first time I saw Windows 98. Windows 7, even if having basically the same structure as all other Microsoft operating systems, concentrates so much on the user that after a few minutes you'll think it was built especially for your unique personality.

Before we carry on how about we check out what Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer had to say? “With Windows 7, there's never been a better time to be a PC. […] Together with our partners, we're bringing more choice, flexibility and value to the market than ever before. With Windows 7, you're sure to find a PC that fits your life.”

Not only does it allow you access to a wide variety of customization options but it is so easy and error free that every time a problem comes up you know you're the one to blame. I've been testing it for some time now and I found myself getting so used to the intuitive interface (it is extremely optimized for multitouch monitors) and variety of customization possibilities (from the visuals to the gadgets you use and the more in-depth Administrative Options) that yesterday when I came to work and booted up Ubuntu I instinctively tried to move a window to the edge of the screen in order to get it resized to fit half of my desktop.

That is how good it is! There's a new completely redesigned taskbar that helps users get rid of clutter and work smarter than before, the possibility to create a HomeGroup allows you to easily share your files with your friends and family and the Snap option that resized the windows depending on what screen border you drag your window to is simply to die for. If that doesn't tickle your fancy how about the Shake feature that minimizes all but the window you 'shook' with your mouse and restores them as soon as another shake happens?

There are so many new and exciting features and possibilities to Windows 7 that it would take me too long to explain and honestly, I am not in charge with reviewing it in order to tell you everything that there is to this new and exciting Windows operating system. I will mention something that you will definitely want to be aware of however: Windows 7 is faster than any Windows operating system you've encountered since Windows XP (and in some areas it is even faster than Windows XP).

One can safely say that Windows 7 is a huge step forward for Microsoft and will definitely bring back users' confidence that Windows is the only way to go if you want versatility, speed and an immersive experience whether you are a gamer or just a casual user! I will end the article with a quote from Steven Sinofsky, president of the Windows and Windows Live Division at Microsoft, speaking at a launch event in Tokyo:

“A project with the global customer reach of Windows can only be done as a team. […] We are grateful for the valuable contributions from customers, partners and developers around the world that helped make Windows 7 such a collaborative project.”


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