Windows comparison – Windows 7 comparison with Vista and XP
If you want to find out about different versions of Windows 7 checkout our guide here.
| Windows Comparison | XP | Vista | 7 |
| Multi tasking | x | x | x |
| No more waiting around while your computer does one thing allowing you to get one with something else | |||
| File sharing and communication via IM programs | x | x | x |
| Using an instant messaging client such as MSN or Yahoo instant messenger chat and share files | |||
| Safer web browsing | x | x | |
| Download and use the latest most secure internet browsers | |||
| Instant search to find files faster | x | x | |
| Begin typing a word and instant search filters as you type | |||
| Fast click application launching | x | ||
| Add programs or files to the task bar or use the recent file option | |||
| Faster navigation of open windows | x | ||
| Using the Snap function to align windows, Peek to make windows transparent, Shake to show & hide windows | |||
| Easy file sharing with multiple pc’s | x | ||
| Homegroup share information to any computer on your network | |||
| Print from any pc on your network | x | ||
| Easy printer sharing | |||
| Simple management of devices such as camera, mp3 players | x | ||
| Centrally stored device information, with easier installation and use | |||
| File organizer | x | ||
| Centrally manage files even if stored in multiple locations | |||
| Fast click and connect to wireless networks | x | ||
| Easy to find and join wireless networking | |||
| Desktop personalization | x | x | x |
| Change the look of Windows to suit your needs and taste | |||
| Secure network connectivity | x | x | x |
| Connect to corporate networks and use domains to manage security | |||
| 64 bit support | x | x | x |
| Ability to go beyond the 3.5gb RAM, Minimum of 8gb, Max of 192gb for Ultimate versions of Win 7 | |||
| Built in virus and spyware protection | x | x | |
| Windows defender antispyware protection built in | |||
| Data security features | x | x | |
| Bitlocker file encryption | |||
| Monitor children’s computer user | x | x | |
| Set time limits and the content children can view | |||
| XP compatibility | x | x | |
| Run programs that are not compatible with Windows 7 using its compatibility mode | |||
| Faster standby and resume modes | x | ||
| Spend less time putting your computer into and out of one of the resume modes | |||
| Better power management for laptop pc’s | x | ||
| Advanced power management features gives your laptop longer life on its battery | |||
| Record and watch live TV | x | x | x |
| Watching and recording video types such as normal and internet TV has never been easier | |||
| Create slideshows from movies or images and share them | x | x | |
| Using Windows live movie maker quickly create your own | |||
| DirectX 11 | x | x | |
| Run the latest graphics technology and get the best all round graphic performance for your hardware | |||
| Stream sound and video content around your house | x | ||
| Play video, music and still images from your pc to devices such as consoles and other media hardware | |||
| Listen and Watch remote media content anywhere from your pc | x | ||
| Access media stored on your pc remotely from anywhere | |||
| Touch and tap screen support | x | ||
| Built in touch screen support | |||
With our Windows comparison guide we can see how much extra Windows 7 does or perhaps does not give us, it does have a number of very nice features, but most of these can be added via third party applications to most other versions of Windows.
Although I use Windows 7 on my laptop I still prefer to stick with XP on the desktop, this is down to 7 not really giving me anything extra that I would really make use of.
Things such as the parental stuff is good, but other things such as saving a click or remembered shortcuts can all be replicated on other operating systems.
Search for more on Windows comparison information
computer adviser windows comparison article