Windows 7 Features, Benefits and Testing

On Thursday, October 22, Windows 7 was released to consumers. Windows 7 was designed from inception to be an upgrade to the Windows line of operating systems while at the same time remaining compatible with the hardware and applications Windows Vista was compatible with.

The new Windows 7 interface is more intuitive and user friendly than its predecessors. The design of Windows 7 is clean and sleek, and its taskbars and windows look somewhat similar to those of a Mac. One key feature of Windows 7 is the built-in multi-touch mapping application, which allows users to interact with graphical applications with a touch of a finger. A primary benefit of the Windows 7 operating system is performance improvement over its predecessor Windows Vista. Microsoft has even created a "Starter" version of Windows 7 that is compatible with netbooks - mobile computers with limited hardware performance and capabilities.

Technologies Benefiting from Windows 7

Graphics chips, such as those from ATI and NVIDIA, benefit greatly from Windows 7. DirectX 11, a software technology that provides the APIs necessary for detailed graphics and audio, will enable the next generation of graphics technology. It is the perfect technology for the detail-oriented PC gamer or game developer interested in fluid game play and more realistic worlds and characters.

The new Intel Core i7 processor can also take advantage of the Windows 7 operating system to provide unmatched speed and optimized performance to PCs. With Intel Core i7, running multiple applications and creating digital media without sacrificing computer performance are possible. Windows 7 developers focused heavily on ensuring the operating system was fully compatible with and could take advantage of the multiple cores offered on modern processors such as the Intel i7 chip.

32 bit vs. 64 bit Architecture

Windows 7 is available in both 32 bit and 64 bit versions. The 32 or 64 bit architecture refers to the memory address length that the processor can reference and impacts the amount of memory that can be used. Most likely, a PC that is more than a couple years old will only be capable of running the 32 bit version. A PC with a modern processor has the ability to run the 64 bit version.

The amount of memory that can be used for a 32 bit CPU is 4 GB. To experience the speed improvements of a 64 bit operating system, software optimized for 64 bit processing is required.

Windows 7 Versions

Consumers, IT managers and other IT decision makers will need to evaluate Windows 7 to determine which version of the software is right for them. Microsoft offers Windows 7 in a variety of packages. Each package contains features and benefits targeted at a specific group of users. This evaluation should be made carefully as the versions range in price, and not all features will be applicable to all users. The six versions of Windows 7 are outlined below.

Windows 7 Editions

Windows 7 Starter: Windows 7 Starter is the most basic edition. It does not include the Windows Aero theme, and is offered in 32-bit only.

Windows 7 Home Basic: The Home Basic edition is available in emerging markets, such as Brazil, China, India, Mexico, Pakistan and Thailand. Aero options and some other new features are not included in this edition.

Windows 7 Home Premium: Home Premium is designed for personal users and includes features such as the Windows Media Center, Windows Aero and Multi-touch. Microsoft touts the entertainment experience of using Home Premium and emphasizes the simplicity of creating a home network with Home Premium to share photos, videos and music.

Windows 7 Professional: Windows 7 Professional is designed for power users and small business users. It includes all of the Windows 7 Home Premium features and also includes the ability to participate in a Windows Server domain and operate as a remote desktop server. Additional features include location aware printing, encrypting file system, presentation mode and the ability to run many Windows XP productivity programs in Windows XP Mode.

Windows 7 Enterprise: Enterprise is designed for business PCs and includes a feature called BitLocker Drive Encryption, designed to help protect data against loss or theft and allows users to work in the language of their choice and switch between 35 languages.

Windows 7 Ultimate: Ultimate includes all the features that Enterprise offers, but is designed for individual use. Windows 7 Professional users have the option to upgrade to Windows 7 Ultimate for a fee using Windows Anytime Upgrade.

Windows 7 Testing

When creating Windows 7, Microsoft focused efforts on creating the highest performing, feature rich and bug free PC operating system to date. Accomplishing this goal in the modern PC market means that the operating system and software on the operating system, such as music, movie or photo programs, must interoperate and work with millions of devices in the consumer electronics ecosystem. To achieve this goal, Microsoft relies on testing, certification and stringent logo guidelines, all aimed to achieve the best possible experience for users of Windows 7.

For many devices, using a Windows Logo requires more than just a Windows certification. To receive a Windows logo for a Bluetooth device, the device must first achieve Bluetooth certification, and to use a Windows logo for an IEEE 1394 (FireWire) device, the product must first be certified with the 1394 Trade Association.

A new requirement asserts that manufacturers seeking Windows 7 certification for their products must first achieve USB certification from the USB Implementers Forum. USB certification helps ensure that a device will function properly with the Windows OS. This certification ensures compliance to the USB standard and interoperability between the USB host and device.

There are many tests required at various levels of the software and hardware ecosystem to provide a coherent and smooth computing experience. Consumers benefit from these requirements as they reassure that devices bearing the Windows and Bluetooth, FireWire and certified USB logos will work with PCs also bearing the respective logos.

~Ben Anton, 2009

Ben Anton is a frequent writer for Allion Test Labs.
Seeking the Windows 7 logo but need to get USB certification first? Contact Allion USA, the experts in USB testing against the USB-IF specifications.

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Benefits of Vinyl Replacement Windows

Vinyl replacement windows are a great way to increase the resale value, curb-appeal, and style of your home. Early vinyl replacement windows were not very popular, but advances in design and improved technology have made vinyl windows a desirable addition to homes everywhere. Many of today's replacement windows meet requirements that older wood-frame and metal windows couldn't possibly match.

Frames

Probably the greatest benefit of today's vinyl windows is the quality of construction. These high-quality windows are fusion-welded at the corners to form a structurally sound frame. The frames themselves are strong, watertight, and airtight.

Another great benefit of vinyl windows is that they will never need sealing or painting, as traditional wood windows do. The vinyl window frames are extremely durable and will withstand fading and discoloration much better than wood frames.

The high quality of today's vinyl windows can also offer superior security over older windows. Many vinyl replacement windows are available with a wide range of locking devices designed to give your home exceptional security.

Glass

Today's vinyl replacement windows use high-grade products and ingenuity to deliver high-performance. Most vinyl windows use double or triple-paned glass units. These units create an insulation barrier of air, which provides protection from damaging elements, higher energy-efficiency, and greater sound protection.

These airtight layers of protection are key to the high standards of energy-efficiency that today's vinyl replacement windows offer. Each manufacturer's windows are submitted to an energy-efficiency test conducted by a government-backed program. These tests are meant to determine the window's U-value, or U-factor.

The U-value is a measurement that represents the rate in which heat passes through the window. The lower the U-value assigned to the window, the lower the amount of heat allowed to pass through the window. The windows with the lowest U-value receive Energy-Star ratings, which can be claimed as a tax write-off. These windows can offer tremendous savings on monthly electric bills, by keeping in heat or cool air.

Ease of Use

The function of vinyl windows also typically last longer than wood-frame windows. This is because wood will tend to swell and retract in reaction to changes in temperature and humidity. Over time, this swelling and retraction may cause the wooden window frame to become misshapen. If this happens, the window will become more difficult to slide or close properly.

Choice of Options

Vinyl replacement windows come in a large variety of styles, sizes, and colors. All replacement windows are custom-made in order to properly match your home's existing windows, so size is no hindrance.

Replacement windows are available in many styles, including casement windows, double-hung windows, bay and bow windows, and sliders with two, three, or more sashes. At first, vinyl windows were only manufactured in white, but today most manufacturers offer many color options to match the existing features of your home. Windows can be ordered with solid colors, two-toned, or with wood-grains. You can even purchases windows with one color on the exterior, and with a wood-grain finish on the interior.

Vinyl windows offer the same style features found on other top-quality windows. Divided light grids, decorative glass, tilt-out sashes, and high-efficiency locking systems allow for many options.

Vinyl replacement windows offer many great values for your home. They are an excellent way to add value to your home, giving them a positive cost-to-benefit ratio. If you desire to add security, style, and savings to your home, vinyl replacement windows should be one of your first considerations.

Mr. Oliver is a marketing agent for Richmond Window Corporation. The Renewal by Andersen replacement window dealer provides window installation throughout the central Virginia area. For more information on their replacement windows Richmond Virginia please visit their website.

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Bathroom Glass Block Windows - 8 Benefits For a New Home Or Remodeled Bathroom

Finding the right type of bathroom window in remodeling or new construction can be tough. Here are two problems many homeowners have with their bathroom windows:

1) A remodeling bathroom window challenge - Your existing window is sitting right in the middle of a bathtub or shower area and the window frame is rotted or rusted out. You want privacy, you want the window to look good, and you don't want the constant maintenance of having to re-caulk the window or rework the wood framing around the window.

2) A new construction bathroom window challenge - You're building a new home with a soak tub or Jacuzzi in the corner of the master bathroom that has windows above the tub at eye level which are clearly visible from your neighbors property. You want a high privacy and good looking contemporary style window, but don't really want to invest in expensive blinds.

How can you solve these two problems with style while maintaining your budget? One answer - bathroom glass block or acrylic block windows. This article will explore the benefits of these types of windows for your home.

Glass Block Window Benefits for your new home or remodeled bathroom

Here are the 8 benefits you'll realize by replacing your existing bathroom windows or installing blocks in your new home bathroom window:

1. Increased privacy - With homes being built closer together as land costs continue to escalate finding a cost effective window that provides privacy in your hall bath or master bathroom window can be difficult. With block you can pick a high privacy pattern like Icescapes or Delphi from Pittsburgh Corning or Ice or Pristal from Mulia to let light in, yet maintain the privacy you need.

2. Reduce your heating and cooling costs - Most existing bathroom windows have old aluminum frames or deteriorated wood frames with a single pane window glass inside. They are inefficient windows which frequently fog up, required a lot of effort to maintain, and cause your heating and air conditioning costs to be higher. Block glass windows are 10 times more energy efficient than single pane glass and provide a combination of obscurity and style many vinyl replacement windows do not.

3. Increased Security/Ease of Gaining Entry into the Home - Existing window are flimsy, usually held in with caulk and are an easy target for break ins. New glass brick windows are mortared in for most remodeling projects, making them difficult and time consuming to attempt to break through. New construction glass block windows come with a vinyl frame and nailing fin providing excellent security.

4. Cut Maintenance takes time, money and energy - Single pane metal and wood windows need to be repainted and caulked to keep the elements out and to prevent rust and deterioration. With block bathroom windows there is no maintenance needed since the windows are either mortared in or nailed into the framed walls in the property.

5. Easy to clean - These windows can be cleaned with soap and water or window cleaning solution.

6. Windows will become easy to operate - Existing bathroom windows are sometimes rusted shut, or cannot easily be opened making a bathroom retain excessive amounts of moisture, allowing mold spores to grow. New block windows can be combined with fresh air vents or power exhaust fans to make your bathroom healthier for your family and friends.

7. Easy to open- Acrylic block windows can open completely (there is a casement window available in multiple frame and glass styles for bathrooms) and glass windows can be combined with vinyl hopper style air vents which open very simply as well.

8. Old Windows don't fit your new design style - Glass block bathroom replacement windows now are available in colors, different tints, satin finishes, decorative patterns, beveled edges, and many custom architectural designs to match a contemporary, traditional, or transitional design style.

Your master bathroom or hall bathroom window no longer needs to be an eyesore. With a new glass block bathroom window you can get an easy to clean, easy to maintain, cost-effective/ energy saving window, and add to the style and value of your home at the same time.

Mike Foti is President of Columbus Glass Block, Cleveland Glass Block and Mid America Glass Block of Cincinnati, Dayton, and Akron and Vice President Eastern Glass Block of New Jersey and New York. These companies are nationwide suppliers, glass block window manufacturers, and installation contractors of glass block windows, showers, walls, and specialty colored glass blocks. Mike can be reached at the following:

Tel. 614-252-5888 Nationwide 877-668-5888

mfotigb@aol.com

http://www.columbusglassblock.com/windows.aspx - bathroom glass block window, block glass windows, operable block window, replacement windows.

http://www.columbusglassblock.com/products-designer-and-color.aspx color and colored glass block windows and walls

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