Manage updates with the Download AppMicrosoft Windows 7 (Home Premium)
Manufacturer: Microsoft Part number: GFC-00019
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- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Windows 7 is more than what Vista should have been, it's where Microsoft needed to go. How much damage Vista did and whether Windows 7 is enough for people to finally abandon Windows XP are questions that nobody has the answers to right now.
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CNET editors' review
Microsoft Windows 7 (Home Premium) price range: $84.99 - $228.99
- Reviewed by: Seth Rosenblatt
- Reviewed on: 07/31/2009
- Released on: 10/22/2009
The good: Strong design and Microsoft don't always go together, but they do in Windows 7. Users might take a while to get used to the new taskbar and Aero Peek, but they're a pleasure to use.
The bad: Performance is still hit-or-miss in Windows 7. At the ripe age of seven, Windows XP still performs better in some categories.
The bottom line: Windows 7 is more than what Vista should have been, it's where Microsoft needed to go. How much damage Vista did and whether Windows 7 is enough for people to finally abandon Windows XP are questions that nobody has the answers to right now.
User reviews
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Windows 7 Is Windows Vista Done Right!
by HumphreyOS on March 1, 2011
Pros: + Complex networking made simpler
+ "XP Mode"
+ Automated backup
+ "BitLocker" Hardware-level encryption
+ Native multi-language support
+ Boot time is considerably faster than Vista.
+ Microsoft Security Essential runs very well in Windows 7Cons: Windows Genuine Advantage - I get what Microsoft is trying to do which is curb piracy. However, this program has caused me considerable trouble when it fails to recognize my copy of Windows 7 as genuine.
Summary: I've been using Windows 7 since its beta release, but my laptop's been running the final version for weeks now. I really disliked Vista and preferred XP still, ...
Summary: I've been using Windows 7 since its beta release, but my laptop's been running the final version for weeks now. I really disliked Vista and preferred XP still, but Windows 7 has tipped the scales...finally. Windows 7 has been reliable and it's snappier than Vista. Windows 7 sips laptop battery power so my 1-year-old Dell XPS M1530 runs longer under Win7 than it did under Vista. But what I really like about Windows 7 are the new and improved features it offers. Here's a list of my favorites:
VIRTUAL LIBRARIES
With virtual libraries, the special folders like Documents, Pictures, Music and Videos have all become libraries. Instead of being a physical storage location, they're indexes that point to one or many locations on the computer you're using, as well as other computers you're networked with. In a home setting, where you're running Windows Home Server, you can now easily direct file stores to your server. Also in the home, housemates can easily see each others' data by including their respective folders in one another's libraries. When you search a library, you're searching your computer and any other computer that has folders you've added to your library. You determine which physical location will be the default location for saving new files to your library. This is, for me, the single best feature of Windows 7, and is an excellent reason to upgrade.
START SEARCH
The Start Search has been improved in Windows 7 so results appear instantly as soon as you click the Start button, and then either type the name of a program on your computer, or a task you'd like to perform (like, "change my display settings"). No more hunting folder hierarchies to find that elusive program, or spend time figuring out where Microsoft has placed something in the Control Panel. This is a tremendous time-saver.
AERO SNAP
The Aero user interface has three new tricks -- Shake, Peek, and Snap -- but only Aero Snap is a major leap forward. Have you ever tried comparing the contents of two windows together, side-by-side? It's painful to do because you have to fiddle with resizing the two windows. With Aero Snap, now all you do is grab the title bar of one window, sling it to the left, and Windows 7 will automatically resize the window to fill-up one-half of your screen display. Do the same with a 2nd window by slinging it to the right, and it'll fill-up the right-side of your display. You can start comparing two windows in...an Aero Snap. Aero Shake and Peek are cute, but not nearly so helpful.
TASKBAR
Gone is the Quick Launch bar that too many people didn't know existed. Now, the whole Taskbar is a quick launch bar -- drag and drop any program icon onto the bar, and you're one click away from starting the program. Also, it's so easy to move the taskbar around now. I keep it on the left vertical on my computer. Gone is the system tray, too -- Notification Area takes its place. The Action Center alerts you to anything you need to do to keep your computer working smoothly.
PROGRAM COMPATIBILITY
Any program can be run in one of many compatibility modes now. Windows 7 has a wizard that will help you pick the right, earlier version of Windows under which to run an older program -- just right-click on the program icon and choose "Troubleshoot Compatibility". Or, You can do the same thing more quickly by right-clicking on a program icon, click the Compatibility tab, enable Compatibility mode, and select the earlier version of Windows you want to run with your program.
SAVED SEARCHES
In Windows Explorer, you can create filtered searches and then save them in your Favorites for later use. This is handy to find filtered data in the future. When you re-execute the search, it creates a dynamic results set (so your search is never stale).
CONTENT VIEW & ARRANGING
Also in Windows Explorer, two new features. Now you can arrange a folder into subdivisions by date (great for your pictures folders!). You can use the Content view to combine thumbnails of files along with details that usually are found only in the Details view.
HOMEGROUP SHARING
This is the easiest way to share data with others in your (home) network. HomeGroup creates a password that is shared among computers, and that takes care of all the issues with user accounts, file permissions and "access denied" problems. This is great for unsophisticated home networks. I made this feature last because I'm not using it -- I just think it's a great idea for inexperienced users. Note: all the networked computers need to be running Windows 7 to make HomeGroup sharing work.
In short, think of Windows 7 as Windows Vista done right.
*** P.S. If you will buy this Windows 7 Home Premium I suggest you have a compare price before you decide at: www.amazon.com/gp/*************?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%****%2Foffer-listing%2FB002DHGMK0%3Fie%3DUTF8%26ref_%3Ddp_olp_new%26qid%3D1299032016%26sr%3D1-1%26condition%3Dnew&tag=***************&********=ur2&camp=1789&creative=39095716 out of 18 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Windows 7 is Totally AWESOME!!!
by Nivekv on July 31, 2009
Pros: Windows 7 is _______ than XP.
Faster
Better
Smaller
more Efficient
more Reliable
Easier
more Customizable
and much much more!Cons: There are still 3-4 very small glitches in the Release Candidate, but the RTM will be devoid of issues.
Summary: In summary, Windows 7 will be worth every penny! Anyone who decides to stay with XP or Vista is totally insane, with the one exception of people using hardware more ...
Summary: In summary, Windows 7 will be worth every penny! Anyone who decides to stay with XP or Vista is totally insane, with the one exception of people using hardware more than 10 (Yes, TEN!) years old. Anything newer will run Windows 7 faster, and better, than XP. (Trust me, I've been using Windows 7 RC as my ONLY Operating System for 3 months, and Windows 7 Beta for the 3 months prior to that and I'm using a bottom of the line, three year old laptop!)
In a phrase: "Better than Vista & XP in EVERY way!!!"9 out of 16 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Better, but not good enough for release
by severian on December 3, 2009
Pros: Specs: Inspiron 6400, Intel Core 2 Duo 1.66 GHz, 2 GB RAM
Speed: Runs rings around Vista, only marginally slower than XP.
GUI: Friendly, easy control panel interface for the typical non-IT home user.
Stability.Cons: 1) Permissions Issues
2) GUI: Some Control Panel items take many more clicks to get to - this is only tedious to me, being a seasoned IT user.Summary: Permissions Issues: Even with UAC turned all the way down, seems to have repeated permissions issues with iTunes, and just about any random folder under my username - Documents, My ...
Summary: Permissions Issues: Even with UAC turned all the way down, seems to have repeated permissions issues with iTunes, and just about any random folder under my username - Documents, My Music, My Videos. This one problem is SO niggling that I'm actually thinking of going back to XP if I can't find a workaround. I've tried the reg hack with Grant Admin Full Control, as well as Advanced Security settings. Maybe its an issue with CA Antivirus and Windows 7, but I haven't come up with any data to support than theory yet.
5 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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The Mac commercial was correct
by eriknokc on October 24, 2009
Pros: Faster boot up and shut down
Cons: Multiple restarts of the installation
Multiple crashes during the installSummary: I upgraded my mom's latptop from Vista to 7 and lets just say the Apple commerical was correct when the Microsoft guy said "Just trust me." The 1st time ...
Summary: I upgraded my mom's latptop from Vista to 7 and lets just say the Apple commerical was correct when the Microsoft guy said "Just trust me." The 1st time I tried to install I had to stop because I had to uninstall the manufacturer display program and driver. Then 7 would not install so I had to stop it and restart the computer. Then Vista wanted to do some updates and 7 would not install until the updates were complete. Of course, I had restart for this also. Each time the installation of 7 runs a compatibility checker and takes 10-15 minutes to complete. I finally got the installation to go through and went to bed, but this morning I woke up to the computer being turned off. I started it up and it appeared to be booting normally, but then the horrid recovered from a crash screen popped up as Windows 7 was personalizing the Media Player settings. It said that Windows recovered from a "blue screen error" and then the Media Player personalization froze. I had to manually power the computer off and restart it yet again. This time it started up and booted as normal. It seems Windows 7 still has plenty of the issues that Vista had and even the dreaded Blue Screen of Death, but they have just hidden it and made it appear nicer. The only thing that does seem to work better is the boot up and shut down. I'm so glad I paid $120 so the computer will boot up and shut down faster and still crash the same as Vista.
7 out of 12 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Same DRM, Same bloat, same mess
by Amwhoam on April 8, 2010
Pros: Read on and see
Cons: Well just read on and see
Summary: Windows XP was Microsoft's last operable operating system. Once Microsoft caved to combination of the demands from the RIAA and their attempts to out-do Mac somewhere in between they ...
Summary: Windows XP was Microsoft's last operable operating system. Once Microsoft caved to combination of the demands from the RIAA and their attempts to out-do Mac somewhere in between they have forgotten what an operating system is really suppose to do. It's suppose to facilitate the use of the hardware with the software installed on the system. It's suppose to work effortlessly in the background to do this. Vista and now Windows 7 has lost sight of this concept. I'll stick with XP for as long as humanly possible. BUT if you MUST get Windows 7 please be sure you have LOTS of RAM (4 GB+) AND an SEPARATE GRAPHIC PROCESS (Not integrated graphics). With this you may be able to run Windows 7 without pulling your hair out.
3 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Well 120 dollars and got problems and aggregation
by G H M on October 31, 2009
Pros: I really do not think there are any pro's
Cons: Wouldnt allow a upgrade from vista ult to windows 7 home prem.
Had to clean load and lost all programs and info.
shuts down by itself all the time!
Hate control panel, icons.
great programs not compatable
my background photo , not slide show.Summary: If I had do do it over agqin I would have stayed with Vista ult.
Will someong buy this trash off my hands.Summary: If I had do do it over agqin I would have stayed with Vista ult.
Will someong buy this trash off my hands.5 out of 9 users found this user opinion helpful.
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A Big Dissapointment
by Carpetfizz on November 23, 2009
Pros: New Aero Features are good.
Considerably faster than Vista.
Touch screen support.
Not muchCons: The speed is a lot less than I expected.
Doesn't work too well on Vista-upgrades.Upgrade took 7 hours.
Terrible installer.
Laggy application startup.Summary: I think this is a tiny 0.000000000000000005% improvement from Windows Vista.
Summary: I think this is a tiny 0.000000000000000005% improvement from Windows Vista.
3 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Punished for being a good Vista customer!
by gentrfam on November 5, 2009
Pros: I don't know if there are any pros!
Cons: Upgrade? Not really!
Summary: I have three computers. When I was thinking of Vista, I decided I wanted the top of the line experience, so I bought Windows Home Ultimate for two of them. ...
Summary: I have three computers. When I was thinking of Vista, I decided I wanted the top of the line experience, so I bought Windows Home Ultimate for two of them. The other has Vista Business. Of course, the only 3-pack Microsoft offers is for the Home Premium.
Of course, I can't do an upgrade on any of my three computers. So, my options are spend hours and hours doing a clean install on all of my computers (and losing the programs that I installed years ago and have since lost the install disk - and I haven't figured out what happens to the bells and whistles I purchased Vista Home Ultimate for - Windows Movie Maker?) or I can spend more than $600 for the convenience of upgrading Windows.
I'll be taking advantage of the money-back guarantee!3 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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disappointed
by aventuragrande on October 23, 2009
Pros: Faster than vista
Cons: connection issues, desk top icon. Not worth the aggravation.
Summary: I guess if i had wore a Hanna Montana back pack and like hung out at the mall windows 7 would be like totally cool and all. Seriously i am ...
Summary: I guess if i had wore a Hanna Montana back pack and like hung out at the mall windows 7 would be like totally cool and all. Seriously i am not impressed with the useless garbage that windows packaged as 7. So far i still can not connect my wifi and now i research it and there are many others with so many compatibility issues i am thinking of returning this and waiting another few years. I wanted to pin a "show desktop" icon in the quick launch and guess what? You have to make your own patch for something so simple. Why does Microsoft insist on screwing up the few things that worked in the past? I am not so sure about all of the positive reviews for this product. I too think they are written by promoters and not users. I think i will return to vista 32 or XP.
ALSO, windows media player 12. what happened here?? Please,,someone who loves this new windows 7 tell me where the "now playing" button went?? If someone can tall me how to remove home groups and libraries from my computer,, I will mail them a check. If not i will pay the restock fee at best buys instead. Also,, my wifi will still not connect to the net. It will some places but not other.
Updated on Oct 24, 2009
Updated on Oct 24, 2009all this and the actual speed is not faster. It does star up and shut down faster but whooopi. look at this test,,,
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=5327
Updated on Oct 25, 2009LAST UPDATE 9 I PROMISE)
Today i returned the unit.
summery;
1- windows media player 12 stinks. It constantly searches for files to add and because of my 150 gigs of music it crashes constantly. even the man at best buys was fascinated by this.
2- uninstalling WMP12 and loading WMP11 in not an option from microsoft.
3- Firefox browser(unless it is the latest version) has a 'blip/hiccup" and the screen will jump back and forth by one line.
4- the library feature is in a constant search. I plugged in an exteral drive and now WMP has doubled every file in the library. This feature monitors all the time, maybe it can switched to manual but i can not find it.
I find other issues annoying but that is to each person's individual taste.
SO, unless you find the fancier icons and a little glitter worth the headaches, 7 is a waste of time.
Updated on Aug 11, 2010Finally had to buy a new laptop and windows seven come with it. I guess i have sofened some from my first review and give it 3 stars now. After approx. twenty registry hacks i feel it is usable. I have disabled the mouse over, made a quick launch, removed home groups and many other small changes. Microsoft should make these choices anyway not force people into registry edits.
WMP12 is still a huge mistake and i have not found out how to remove it from a 64 bit system and install WMP11. Instead I partitioned the hard drive and run Vista with WMP11 for music.3 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Just plain bad
by jsbruton on March 18, 2010
Pros: The short time I had it NONE!
Cons: everything about it.
Summary: when I put win 7 on my PC everything went smooth a problem free download and only took about 2 hours from start to finish. When I went to use ...
Summary: when I put win 7 on my PC everything went smooth a problem free download and only took about 2 hours from start to finish. When I went to use it I felt like I just stepped back 15 years in technology, this program makes windows Me look good. Everything about it was terrible. It was like I no longer had control of my computer. All my programs I used with vista no longer worked, media center no longer works, video card slower, CPU slower, HD audio no longer works, TV tuner no longer works and this was my biggest PC mistake I ever made, and after one week of pure hell I went back to Vista. I paid around 150 dollars for this program...I would have paid three times that much to keep it off!!!!
laptopemergency I'm glad you like yours...that's nice. When I went with this it was just a big mistake,but luckily for me I had my Vista restore disc. I build and rebuild PCs for a living and just about everyone I've talked to in this profession has the same opinion and everyone has one!
Updated on Apr 24, 20102 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Microsoft
- Part number: GFC-00019
- Description: Windows 7 Home Premium makes it easy to create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. You can even watch, pause, rewind, and record TV. Get the best entertainment experience with Windows 7 Home Premium. Do you use your PC for work, run Windows XP programs, or require enhanced security? Consider Windows 7 Professional.
General
- Packaged Quantity 1
- Operating System Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium
- Language(s) English
- License pricing Standard
- Localization English
Operating System
- License Type Complete package
- License Qty 1 PC
- License Pricing Standard
- Media DVD-ROM
- Licensing Details 32/64-bit
- Package Type Retail
System Requirements
- Min Processor Type 1 GHz,
1 GHz - Min RAM Size 1 GB
- Min Hard Drive Space 16 GB
- Peripheral / Interface Devices DirectX 9.0 compatible graphics card
Product series
-
Microsoft Windows 7 (Home Premium)
Manufacturer: Microsoft
Specs: Software suite,
PC -
Microsoft Windows 7 (Professional)
Manufacturer: Microsoft
Specs: Software suite,
PC -
Microsoft Windows 7 (Ultimate)
Manufacturer: Microsoft
Specs: Software suite,
PC
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Microsoft products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:Microsoft
- Address:
One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052 - Phone: 1-425-882-8080
- Fax: 1-425-706-7329
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