by Artemis

Created on: July 21, 2010   Last Updated: July 23, 2010

There's a huge difference between Windows XP and Windows 7. The main reason is because of the 9 years span between them, and a 9-year interval is huge in the computing world.

Windows XP's Luna interface was phenomenal at the time of its release, and now, we will like the new Aero interface.

Differences that I noted:

1. New Start Menu. We can just type the program's name, and it'll show up fast. In Windows XP, we have to browse through layers of folders in the start menu, if we know the exact place. Most frequently used programs are listed at the left-hand side. Similarly, in Windows 7, each program has its own "Recent documents". So, there's no more "Recent Documents" at the right-hand side.

2. Enhanced search. In Windows XP, we used to open up Start Menu, then click Find. Or, press Win+F. We then type the search parameter and wait patiently until the results show up at the right. In Windows 7, every Windows Explorer window has a Search box at the top right. Just type part of the file name we want, and the results will show up at the main pane. This time, with Windows index, search is much faster.

3. Remember the hot key Alt+Tab to switch between applications? Now, there's another one: Win+Tab. Same purpose, but this time it comes in 3D. Beautiful, for the same purpose.

4. Switching display between laptop screen and projector may be different across brands of laptops. Mine is Fn+F5, while some others may use Fn+F3, Fn+F7, Fn+F9. Now it's all the same: Win+P.

5. Windows XP came in several editions: most of us see only Home and Professional editions, while others will see more: Media Center edition and Tablet editions. Windows 7 has Starter (only in some countries), Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate. Compared to Windows XP Media Center and Tablet editions, they are now integrated into Home Premium edition and above. Windows 7 also comes in 2 choices: 32-bit and 64-bit (supporting 4 GB RAM and more).

6. Wordpad, Paint and Calculator are now upgraded, after seeing the same things since Windows 95. So, don't be surprised to see WordPad and Paint now come with Ribbon interface like MS Office 2007.

7. A big difference is the speed. Since I upgraded to Windows 7, my laptop starts much faster, and loads applications much faster too. It all happens on exactly the same hardware!

8. No more Quick Launch on task bar. Just pin applications we like to the task bar. The icons will also serve as buttons, and a progress bar is integrated in each button. So, no more peeking to see how far the copy or download progress has gone.

9. My Documents folder is now "Documents", located inside a Library. The Document folder can be a combination across several folders in one, although I personally prefer it as is.

10. I often need Asian language support, and it has to be installed separately in Windows XP from its installation CD. In Windows 7, it's already inside. We just need to look up the input method we choose and activate it. So, there's no more risk of not installing it (for me, it's important).

The name "XP" in Windows XP, refers to the word "Experience", bringing a whole new experience in 2001 when people transitioned from earlier versions of Windows (Windows Me, Windows 98 and before). Now, it happens again, for the better, inside a simpler character: "7", with much deeper meaning.

With such a giant leap forward, upgrading to Windows 7 will make you jump to the advanced world of computing comfort.

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