Windows 7 doesn’t look so appealing anymore

by Primož on Feb.17, 2009, under Experience

After the initial testing of the beta version of Windows 7, the forecasts and the first impressions were very optimistic. Although Windows 7 uses the same base core as Vista, even the beta version seemed to finally incorporate what we should already be using under Vista. Many testers and enthusiasts were very happy with what the new operating system had to offer and have already proclaimed it as the true successor to the most popular Windows of all time, the Windows XP.

With more time passing, it looks like everything is not so bright after all. Windows 7 has now started to lose his shiny title of the OS we have been dreaming about since the beginning.

In an attempt to protect the rights of the music authors, Microsoft has degraded the functionality of your sound card through his software in order to prevent you from recording any quality music. This however makes your hardware useless and directly questions you, why bother buying something that you can’t even use? Furthermore, the software denies you access to your own files, and renders them inaccessible and completely useless. And it doesn’t stop here. From now on you’re not allowed to interfere and change your installed programs any more. If you attempt to change a file that is essential for the operation of a certain program, you’re instantly sealed off from that section and unable to access your Local Settings folder anymore. You can’t even move those files and examine them somewhere else, no matter what privileges you have on that computer.

What they’re trying to achieve through such limitations bears a positive message, because they’re trying to fight piracy. However, in my opinion they’ve started at the wrong place. Limiting access to something you own is not the answer, instead they should take more care in the way they redistribute paid software and find other means to prevent people to copy it without permission. After all, who doesn’t want to have full control of something he or she paid for? With such actions I’m more and more of the impression that even after I paid the price, I’m still not the one who owns that software. And that’s not right! I’m not prepared to simply watch how my computer restricts me from my own property!

:7, credibility, functionality, piracy, shiny, windows

5 Comments for this entry

mouseclone
March 3rd, 2009 on 16:06
Wow! I have not beta tested W7 yet, mainly because I have given up on Windows. The company I work for didn’t upgrade to Vista, and I don’t see up going to route of W7 either unless we are forced by the hands of MS. Even then I could see us switching to Linux.
Primož
March 5th, 2009 on 00:30
Well, Windows 7 is not that bad after all, though this particular part is really worrisome. I do hope they’ll take care of it before they release the full version, because it certainly doesn’t add to a better image of the company.

You don’t need to completely switch to Linux. You can have a dual boot, and have both OS’s on your computer at the same time. I have both. Windows for games, image editing, writing, etc., Linux for everything else.
The O'Brien
March 6th, 2009 on 17:30
Thanks for this update; I too was looking forward to 7 having had bad experiences with Vista. Might be time to bone up on Ubuntu.
Computer Forum
March 17th, 2009 on 01:50
I don’t normally comment on blogs but your post was a call to action. Thank you for a great read, I will be sure to bookmark your site and check in now and again. Cheers, Amy xXx.
sLyc3
March 18th, 2009 on 10:20
To hell with them? So you’re saying if im listening to my favorite streaming online DJ radio its quality will be downsized? Furthermore – If I plan on burning that particular mix to a CD and listen to it in my car radio that means i wont be able to do it?

So what they’re doing is making an operating system that lets you listen to poor quality music, and limiting it to my room, and while on the road im stuck with what the radio plays? Becouse basicly I don’t see the difference if i listen to the same tracks they play every day on the online radio, and ocasionaly listening to them while im in the car. I haven’t hurt any artists and I’m sure as hell not giving Microsoft a chance to play me like some fool.