Systray Improvements

Previously the systray was the haunt of all manner of annoying and noisy applications — not any more. In Windows 7, only applications that the user wants will appear in the systray. By default applications wanting to make use of the systray are stored in an overflow area shown above; only if the user so chooses, are applications then shown in the systray.

(Credit: Chris Duckett/Builder AU)

The desktop -- gadgets emancipated

This is the standard look for the Windows 7 desktop. The first thing you may notice is that the gadgets are not restrained to the sidebar as they were in Windows Vista. At the lower part of the desktop is the enhanced taskbar and new systray which we shall see later in this gallery.

(Credit: Microsoft)

Device Stage

When a device is connected, the user is able to manipulate and use the device in an area dubbed "Device Stage". The top half of Device Stage is able to be customised by the device vendor, while the lower half is dedicated to tasks involving the device. Tasks will launch the vendor software that came packaged with the device, although the user is able to change which software is launched for what task. For example, the user can select which software syncs photos with a camera.

(Credit: Microsoft)

Icons represent devices

One major improvement to Windows 7 is how it handles devices. Devices are shown in Windows Explorer will a photo realistic icon rather than the stylised icons that have been used previously.

(Credit: Microsoft)

Federated Search

The search functionality within Windows has also received a facelift and been federated. Federated search allows the same search query to be carried out independently throughout a network on the networked computers or even on a Sharepoint site.

(Credit: Microsoft)

Shutdown

The shutdown screen that Vista uses would be familiar; the only change is the Windows version label at the bottom.

(Credit: Chris Duckett/Builder AU)

Destination Menu

The menu formally known as the Start menu is now called the Destination menu. In this menu jump lists are also available. This picture shows jump lists available for Paint (which has received a facelift), IE, Word and Windows Explorer.

(Credit: Microsoft)

Libraries

Windows Explorer has received a number of cosmetic updates. Users of Places in OS X will recognise Libraries as an analogue. Libraries shows all Documents, Music, Pictures or Videos available on the system regardless of their place in the filesystem. Individual folders are able to be optionally added or removed from Libraries.

(Credit: Microsoft)

Paint and Ribbon

Paint has become the recipient of the infamous Office ribbon. As well as the new look, Paint now defaults to saving images in PNG format rather than BMP as in previous versions.

(Credit: Chris Duckett/Builder AU)

Desktop Peek -- After

One thing that you may not have noticed is the clear rectangle on the far right of the taskbar. This provides the ability to show the desktop temporary while the mouse is hovering over it. Clicking on the clear rectangle will perform the same action as "Show Desktop" in previous Windows versions.

This is the desktop when peeking at it. Note the outline of the open windows.

(Credit: Microsoft)

Desktop Peek -- Before

This is the desktop prior to peeking, note how where the windows are compared to the previous image.

(Credit: Microsoft)

A new slogan for a new marketing campaign?

(Credit: Microsoft)

Booting Windows

The new progress bar that is displayed when booting Windows 7.

(Credit: Microsoft)

Customisable Notifications

Once applications are moved by the user into the systray, they can still be noisy and annoying. Consequently Windows 7 allows users to adjust the amount of notification received. A similar system exists with UAC in Windows 7.

(Credit: Microsoft)

Themes

Windows 7 allows for users to more easily create and personalise themes than previously. The Aero Glass colour is one of the key elements to be customised within Windows 7.

(Credit: Microsoft)

(Credit: Microsoft)