Windows 7 for Design? Our Review

Since the end of spring, ACG has utilized the new Windows 7 Release Candidate as a platform for most of its operations. We had to switch most of our essential functions like version control over to the new operating system, but so far the OS has been promising for design operations.

So, overall, how do we like it? Windows 7 has been a gift from the Microsoft gods and addresses some annoying issues with networking and user experience. Its backwards compatibility is great with most programs, and its 64-bit performance makes us jump for joy.

Our favorite features with Windows 7 include its new taskbar. Every program is represented by an icon, and previewing between Windows takes a simple mouse hover. Window behavior is now “pin-able”: drag two windows to the left and right side of the screen and Windows automatically formats side-by-side viewing.

The issues we experienced on Windows 7 are not completely Microsoft’s fault: the Adobe CS4 suite is massively complex and often yields strange behavior. However, 64-bit Windows is much more CS4-friendly.

Overall, we are happy with the features that Windows brings to ACG. The platform networks well, meeting our technological needs of bridging complex programming with simple design. Our only hope is that Microsoft decides to shift gears and begin improving the internals of the OS, maximizing CPU and GPU power.