Windows 7 introduces changes to the interface including an enhanced taskbar, preview windows, and new ribbon interfaces. It includes new features like libraries for organizing content across locations, improved search capabilities, and enhanced backup options. Windows 7 also includes security features like AppLocker for application control and improvements to UAC to make it less intrusive. DirectAccess allows remote management without VPN while offline and Group Policy enhancements provide more configuration options and preferences.

1. Win 7 Features

2. Introduction

3. Interface changesTaskbar changes (now called “super bar”)Preview windowsLabels turned off by defaultMore aero-like appearance and behaviorNew Docking behaviors for windowsSide and top anchorsNew Ribbon Interfaces for tools like PaintIncludes enhanced tools like Calc

4. LibrariesWork similar to search foldersAllow pivoting viewsAllow you to show content from various locations in one spotAll library content indexed not just the “MY” foldersProgrammatically applications can use library functionality to find applicable filesDynamic resizing on windows views (no bottom scroll if at all possible)If using icon or tile views

5. Search box changesPoint and click search builderNew documents search results viewSearch display relevance has changed. Title before body, words grouped together before words found separately Preview pane in search resultsNavigation pane redesigned from vista

6. AppLockerAllows an administered control over which applications can be run on end-user machines. Rules can be created based on publisher which allows easy implementation of updates without needing to recreate rules.

7. Changes to UACWindows 7’s UAC is less intrusive. The number of notifications will be reduced and users will (finally) be able to control the number of notifications that they receive Another major change is the rewriting of the prompts that come up with UAC. With more user friendly messages in Windows 7 that actually mean something.

8. New Backup CapabilitiesWindows Complete PC Backup allows users to completely restore their PC environment including the operating system, installed programs, user settings, and data files. The feature in Windows Vista was limited to backing up data on a different hard drive or DVDs. Users with network shares but only one hard drive were at a loss here. Backing up the data on 20+ DVDs was surely not the best solution.Windows 7 users will be able to backup the data on a network share.

9. Windows7 EnterpriseThe only edition of Windows 7 that is feature complete. Windows 7 Ultimate/enterprise comes with the following set of features that distinguish it from other Windows 7 editions:Bitlocker file encryptionDirect AccessBranch Cache

10. Release Information

11. DirectAccessManage remote machines more effectivelyWithout DirectAccess, IT administrators can only manage mobile computers when users connect to a VPN or physically enter the office. With DirectAccess, IT administrators can manage mobile computers by updating Group Policy settings and distributing software updates any time the mobile computer has Internet connectivity, even if the user is not logged on. This flexibility gives IT the opportunity to service remote machines on a regular basis and ensures that mobile users stay up-to-date with company policies.

12. Group Policy Management EnhancementsMore comprehensive settings including settings for AppLocker, and BitLocker to go.Group Policy PreferencesUnlike Group Policies, Preferences are not Enforced, they are the set defaults that users may change if desired.Group Policy Preferences allow control over items such as mapped network drives, power management, desktop shortcuts.

13. Branch-cacheAllows subnet caching without the need for a separate server at each remote location

14. Bit lockerEasier to setupWindows 7 automatically creates the hidden boot partition necessary to use BitLocker to protect the OS volume, eliminating the need to manually select that option during installation or to repartition the drive afterward. Best of all, BitLocker can be enabled on drives running Windows 7 with a simple right-click. BitLocker can also now encrypt thumb drives and external hard drives.

15. Summary