5 Features Missing in Windows 7

With the release of the Windows 7 Beta, the PC community has been abuzz with excitement for some of the new features. But, some users have been left disappointed at the failure of Microsoft to fix some nasty gaps in the Windows operating system. Here is a list of the top ten features and fixes not seen in Windows 7, as of February 23, 2009.

1. An all-inclusive, easy-to-use, organized Control Panel.

Many Windows Vista users were left unhappy when Microsoft changed the Control Panel from XP. And thus far, Microsoft has yet to prefect the Control Panel. As of now, the control panel remains messy, excessive, and confusing.

The control panel as it stands right now is so messy that if you opened all of the options windows, it’d look something like this:

A messy Windows 7 Control Panel (JCXP)

One Windows 7 user, David, explains his concept of how the Windows 7 Control Panel should look and work.

David’s proposed guidelines for the Control Panel:

1. The user should never be more than 1 (one) level deep within the Control Panel. Once a user has selected a category, there should be no further links or windows which must be opened, with the exception or file browser dialogues and setup/configuration wizards.
2. All options within a category should be tabbed or listed in the left side panel as displayed in these concept images. If the category contains only one set of options, the side panel should be collapsed, showing nothing more than the Help icon and the Control Panel Home icon.
3. There should be no mention of related items or tasks. For example, the Screen Saver properties should NOT display a reference link to the system power options. This is one of the largest reasons users get lost in the Control Panel.
4. Any settings that when changed may cause adverse affects to the system’s performance, security and overall well being should be labeled as “Advanced” and hidden from the default view of the Control Panel. If a user wishes to see these advanced options, the user may check a selection box to display them at their own will.
5. All third party control panel items, such as the NVIDIA Control Panel, should be segregated in an “Additional Settings” category and should be marked as “Advanced”.
6. The “Help” link should always remain in the exact same position throughout the entire Control Panel. The user shouldn’t need help finding help.

Control Panel Concept - Home (JCXP)

Control Panel Concept - Personalization (JCXP)

2. Fix the move, copy, delete functions.

One of the most ridiculous Windows problems out there is the copying, moving, and deleting problem in Windows Explorer. If a bug or error occurs, your file transfer may be cancelled and completely reverted. This is extremely annoying for big file transfers. In addition, the transfer process is unneccesarily lengthy and slow.

If you want a fix for this problem, you might want to grab a download of TeraCopy.

3. Replace the Windows Basic theme.

When a user doesn’t have aero enabled, they are stuck with one of the worst theme designs ever from Microsoft: Windows Basic. The Windows team should update the Windows Basic theme… possible suggestions for theme styles include the new theme for non-Aero Windows Live products. (Image Credit: hami1car)

4. Update all of the old Windows icons, menus, and screens.

Although Microsoft changed there style to reflect the updated times, there are still hidden, outdated icons, menus, and screens within Windows 7. These need to be updated to reflect the current style.

Legacy Style Icons, Menus, and Screens in Windows 7

5. Make the text in errors copyable.

When you get an error in Windows, the best way to find the solution is often through Google. Microsoft absolutely needs to make their errors copyable so that users can easily find answers to their problems online.

Error codes should be copyable to allow for easy Googling.

If Microsoft decided to take our advice and change these things, Windows 7 would see a lot more satisfaction from its users.