Windows 7 Release Imminent
If you're buying a new PC or laptop make sure it come with a Windows 7 upgrade because the new OS is out any moment now and it's packed with good new gear.
Paint Improved
It was much in need of an upgrade if it was going to keep up with such excellent and free software as Paint.net, Irfan View and Picasa. Largely unchanged since Windows 98 it has been dragged into the modern era with more features and usability.
Wordpad Improved
Likewise for Wordpad. With the fantastic Open Office available it seemed Windows had to offer something better. Look forward to it being a new lightweight alternative to Word rather than a shabby also-ran.
UAC Control
User Access Control was a good idea already seen to some degree on other OS but the Vista version could be a major pain the arse at times. Try changing the date/time and see how many clicks this requires. Windows 7 now gives us levels of control over UAC instead of on/off.
Windows Media Player has iTunes Support
I've long been a fan of WMP11 and avoided iTunes wherever possible, which I regarded as a lot less user friendly. The new version of WMP promises to play our iTunes formated songs meeaning we can bring all our music into this one media player. Hooray.
Problem Step Recorder
Got problem you can't quite explain and never seem to happen when your IT tech/friend is there? Record it and send it to them as a zipped HTML page.
Touch screen
I'm sure this will find a bunch of applications (retail POS with touch screen anyone?) but I can't imagine wanting to rub my greasy paws over my screen. Before you lash out on this feature make sure you've got an LCD cleaner available.
A Reliable Computer...
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