So I recently purchased a new computer, and since I get a free copy of Windows 7 legally, I figured I might as well use it.
My old computer:
AMD AthlonXP 64 3500+
Geforce 7600GT
Asus A8N-E
2GB RAM
Windows XP 32-bit
Understandably, it was just a bit too slow for my liking. My new computer is:
Intel Core2 Quad Q9550 @ 2.83GHz
ATI Radeon 4850 w/ 512MB
Asus P5QL Pro
4GB RAM
Windows 7 64-bit
Thoughts:
I like how I didn't need to install ANY drivers at all. The driver CD even told me it didn't support Windows 7. While nice, this made me a bit paranoid that something was using default drivers and not ones specifically written for my hardware. Windows Update resolved that bit showing me it had various driver updates for things such as video, network, and my monitor.
The default taskbar is lame. I tried to get used to it, but grouping all my windows is a pain in the ass, and I hate how it overwrites the quicklaunch buttons. Example: I add a quicklaunch button for explorer, because I like to browse many different things quickly. As soon as I open one, it replaces the quicklaunch button with the window itself! Now I can't open a second one easily. I even went into taskbar options, told it "Never combine", but it still hides used quicklaunch buttons. Consequently, I had to struggle a bit to get Windows to look and act how I want.
I like how it can slideshow your desktop wallpaper, and I set it to show me pretty pictures of nature in Canada. It worked for a while, but after returning the computer from sleep mode, it just shows me a completely black desktop. I still see all my icons, but there is no wallpaper visible. Changing wallpaper sets does nothing. VERY lame.
I like desktop widgets. I hate how they seem to arbitarily decide whether to appear above or under firefox. Now they're stuck RIGHT IN MY FACE and I'll have to close them to hide them.
I like how it installed updates and didn't have to restart. I'll hold off for some larger updates before I see if this is an actual feature or if I lucked out.
What I like most is how perfectly all my favourite 32-bit programs work seamlessly. This was a major concern of mine moving to 64-bit, and I'm glad it is not a restriction.
I'm sure more stuff will come up as I use it, but so far Windows 7 is just Vista with a new taskbar, better default driver support, and a bunch of new bugs. I hate how I had to struggle with various interface things to make them as I like, and I hate how Microsoft is a piece of shit company. Discuss.