Microsoft’s new operating system promises speed with ease

Windows 7, the latest version of Microsoft’s operating system was presented to newsmen yesterday ahead of the official launch in October.

At a workshop in Nicosia, organised by Microsoft Cyprus in association with Computrain Technical Institute, journalists were given a hands-on run of Windows 7.

In terms of both function and form, Windows 7 promises to be a leaner and more user-oriented operating system than its predecessor, the much-maligned Windows Vista that was plagued with hardware compatibility issues from the outset.

October 22 is the official worldwide launch date. The operating system is currently in its pre-release (or beta) version.

According to Microsoft, “Windows 7 is the easiest, fastest, and most engaging version of Windows yet.”

The new operating system affords simplified document and programme management, allowing users to “dock” a window or manipulate its size with one mouse maneuver or a simple keystroke. One of its most vaunted security features for laptops is the BitLocker To GoTM,, which allows a user to encrypt removable USB devices and external disks.

Microsoft also promises enhanced gadget connectivity with Windows 7.

Windows 7 will be available in six different editions, but only Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate will be available for retail in most countries

For people using the ageing but trusty Windows XP, Microsoft says the “migration” to Windows 7 will be easy. However, Windows 7’s architecture is based on Vista.

Windows 7 works with both 32-bit and 64-bit processors. According to Microsoft, the minimum hardware requirements for the new operating system are: a 1 GHz or faster processor; 1 GB RAM (32-bit) or 2GB RAM (64-bit); 16 GB available disk space; a DirectX9 graphics processor with 128MB of memory.

The Cyprus Mail is the only English-language daily newspaper published in Cyprus. It was established in 1945 and today, with its popular and widely-read website, the Cyprus Mail is among the most trusted news sites in Cyprus. The newspaper is not affiliated with any political parties and has always striven to maintain its independence. Over the past 70-plus years, the Cyprus Mail, with a small dedicated team, has covered momentous events in Cyprus’ modern history, chronicling the last gasps of British colonial rule, Cyprus’ truncated independence, the coup and Turkish invasion, and the decades of negotiations to stitch the divided island back together, plus a myriad of scandals, murders, and human interests stories that capture the island and its -people. Observers describe it as politically conservative.