7 things Windows 7 needs to learn under Mac OS X

Microsoft needs to seriously learn the lesson of interacting with users from rival Apple if it wants a really successful Windows 7.

Through pre-test version, Windows 7 is rated quite positive: lighter, faster than Vista, with promising multi-touch technology. But in terms of user interaction, Windows 7 still follows the confusing "style" of Microsoft. To truly regain consumer confidence, Microsoft needs to seriously learn what Apple is doing very successfully with Mac OS X.

1. Reduce the version number

Microsoft has a habit of dividing Windows into different versions, trying to "embrace" all kinds of users from home to business. But dividing Vista to . 7 different versions is too much, compared to OS X 10.5 with Leopard's name, there is only one version. The fact that Microsoft reduced the number of Windows 7 versions to half is a completely correct move.

2. Breakthrough interface

Through the latest beta, Windows 7 looks like Windows Vista. The versions of Mac OS X may be similar, but there are small changes that make a strong impression on users. These changes may not be very useful, but they attract users, making them love the OS X operating system before being attracted by OS X's functionality. Microsoft should learn Apple about how to design the interface.

3. Less warning

OS X has a simple interface: there is no task bar, no Start Menu, only a Dock containing icons can be hidden if desired. The operating system is also extremely "quiet", almost never appearing a user "hit the face" warning like UAC (User Account Control) of Vista. Thankfully, Microsoft listened and added many levels of alert to Windows 7. You will only get an annoying "reminder" like Vista if you choose the highest level.

4. Secure and effective backup

Mac OS X not only has a nice interface, but also has a security mechanism - very effective backup, works almost completely automatically without user impact. Of course with the dominance of Windows, Microsoft will be more difficult in security, but it still has a lot to learn. Windows 7 should automatically block websites that do not meet the security standards on the Internet, as well as have an effective automatic backup mechanism like Time Machine on OS X.

5. Product name clearly

Microsoft needs to remove long but confusing names like "Windows Genuine Advantage" (WGA). No one understands what WGA is, until they are prevented from automatically updating Windows, not downloading the software from the Microsoft home page with a cold warning: the version of Windows in use does not pass product testing. genuine Microsoft, or shorter "you're using contraband"!

Looking to Apple OS X: System Prefences (equivalent to Windows Control Panel) has very clear items: Apperance (interface), Date and Time (time). For my part, Microsoft retains the old habit, when renaming the place to change security settings to "Windows Soluion Center" (Windows Resolving Center?)

6. Register products conveniently

When installing Mac OS X, you don't even have to enter the serial number. In the meantime, to "enjoy" the feeling of Windows, users need to register via the Internet or receive activation code via phone full of troubles. Even if you "upgrade" too much hardware on your computer, Windows may ban you from using it! Users do not require Microsoft to follow Apple, but at least the company should improve how to register products "on" users today.

7. Search more convenient

This is one of the rare features Microsoft goes on right from Vista. The search function of Vista may not be perfect, but is a breakthrough compared to XP thanks to the ability to index data on user computers. In the future, Windows 7 is hopeful on par with OS X: The OS's Spotlight function has been praised " searching the Internet is as easy as searching for files on your computer ".