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Spreading the Love with Windows 7!
I want to take a break from the typical format of my blog and share a story of mine. Saturday night, I went over to an uncle’s house for dinner and — long story short — told him he should have installed Windows 7 instead of reinstalling Windows XP after a massive crash he had a couple of weeks ago. He said he wanted to, so I decided to use one of my unused Windows 7 keys and install Home Premium for him. Things like AERO shake, thumbnail previews, and the combination of search/run generated genuine giggles of excitement out of him… and, as a Microsoft fan and blogger, that was actually really cool for me to experience.
You see, I get so used to this stuff that I actually forget there are people out there who have only maybe heard the casual mention of Windows 7 — much less ever seen it or actually messed with it! Every time I see Microsoft’s commercials where they show people being all excited about Windows 7, there’s a portion of all of that, that I wonder how much of it is all just marketing… and if anyone would really ever get that excited about Windows 7. Well, this situation with my uncle validated for me that people DO get excited about this stuff! I’m so used to the segue between versions of Windows that I have completely forgotten what it’s like to try a completely NEW OS for the first time and be excited about all the features it offers.
Something kind of random he said at one point was, “why is it that Macs don’t have any crashes or problems at all?”
Yikes.
My response to that was actually even-handed, in that I said they both have their ups and downs but the notion that Windows 7 is “just another Vista” like the Apple commercials try to peddle… that’s just all marketing, as I explained. So, out of the evening came the realization that actually seeing someone go from XP to Windows 7 can be more than just an upgrade, but an enjoyable experience! Unfortunately, I also learned that Apple’s embellished dishonesty for marketing gets through to people. At least he was never inclined to actually buy a Mac, he was just curious as to everything he’d heard. And honestly, with how much better of an OS Windows 7 is than its predecessors, for Apple to compare them and say it’s no better than the rest… well, let’s just say I wouldn’t feel bad comparing the latest OSX to the problematic issues of the past, even knowing the difference these days.
It’s just awesome to know that Windows 7 sealed the deal in the face of OSX-curious inquiry. =) Not that I have anything against OSX or those who use it — just Apple’s intellectually dishonest marketing of it vs. Windows 7.
-Stephen
http://www.msftkitchen.com
Apple understands that perception can be more important than reality. Also, that MSDN install is for his temporary use right?
Yeah. Its always kewl to get people onto the newer software. I love it when people ask me to fix their computer. Not only do I clean out the inside hardware and reapply Artic Silver to heatsinks and vacuum the fans, I do a complete programs upgrade. When necessary I migrate their OS to whatever their system can handle (mostly XP Black Edition cause getting genuine keys for Win7 means they have to pay for a key) and recommend hardware upgrades with price estimates. But I love to gloat about Win7
I am sure that you do know that you, as the license holder, are the only person permitted to use your MSDN software and even then only for non-production use.
Mark and mgm: MSDN? What’re you guys talking about? *cough, cough* (refresh this page) *cough, cough*
netsendjoe: Yeah man, definitely. Windows 7 is a solid product! I mean, XP was great… it’s still a good OS, but it’s amazing how dated it looks and feels now that I’ve been on Vista and 7 for so long.
-Stephen
ha! funny, that very i recently had the same experience installing Win7 on my brothers laptop, after his mobo was recalled by HP, hes heard a lot about 7 and seen it a few times when he was at my place, he was very happy with it and drooled over things like aeroshake and the jumplists, and its odd that a lot of people havent really seen or heard much about it even with all the marketing MS has done.
peas
cityboy
Yikes.
Sad but true.
All those viruses on macs that no one wishes to recognise; with insecurity of unix, it is a wonder that anyone wants to use this 1980′s based operating system.
Go figure.
Hey look at Little Neddie… nice little troll… remember, don’t feed the trolls.
GTRoberts: Hey, now is that any way to treat an Apple fanboy who comes over here and makes a sarcastic comment like that?
…yes. Yes, that’s exactly the way to treat them! hahaha.
-Stephen
Hi Stephen – nice story! Even though we’re “used to this stuff,” I still get excited with new products or upgrades, and it’s always fun to spread the love. Has your uncle seen a noticeable improvement using Windows 7? I hope this new Microsoft advertising campaign takes off the way Apple’s advertising has done.
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Hello Stephen,
Glad you are enjoying WIndows 7!
I will tell you from first hand experience, all of my systems have been converted to Windows 7. I am not just saying it to say because I am affiliated with Microsoft. I can truly stand behind this product and tell you straight away it works very reliably, fast and extremely stable. The 64bit version is a real powerhouse as well.
Anyways, what to say about Windows 7?
There are several new features that are available with Windows 7 that will assist you with deployment and management of a large number of workstations. Enterprise IT infrastructures are increasingly complex to manage. The Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP) is a dynamic desktop solution that is available as a subscription for Software Assurance customers. The solution suite enhances application deployment and compatibility, increases IT responsiveness and end user uptime, and helps reduce total cost of ownership (TCO) of your desktop software and IT management. To learn more about this package, please go here: bit.ly/KzkwM
Also now available is MDT 2010 (Microsoft Deployment Tool) which will help you create images and automate the OS and application installations, data migration, and desktop configuration process. To learn more, please go here: bit.ly/GZnEY
Microsoft does have an official Windows 7 Support Forum specifically for IT Pros located here http://tinyurl.com/7jq7ps . It is supported by product specialists as well as engineers and support teams. You may want to also check the threads available there for additional assistance and feedback.
Also, if you would like to read what other users have said about their positive experience with Windows 7, you may want to check out the following sites: http://tinyurl.com/5tfr8 and http://tinyurl.com/nsm3s
John M
Microsoft Windows Client Team