I just got a chance to read Ed Bott’s insightful experience with the controversial edition of Windows 7 that has been causing a lot noise lately…Starter. Apparently Starter Edition has an application limit of 3 programs open. But its not as bad as it sounds, Ed explains:

For starters, that three-app limit isn’t as cut and dried as it sounds. Several people who e-mailed me with questions assumed that the limit means you can only have three windows open at once. Nope. At the moment, in fact, I have 16 separate windows open at once (and multiple tabs within some of those windows as well).

Read the entire article here

I hope this puts a lot of the concerns to rest, I know mine are. :) The only other issue is probably the unattractive Aero Basic theme which makes the OS a non-starter for me (no pun intended). I recently wrote a post about user experience improvements coming in Office 2010, which shows Microsoft cares deeply about UI and understands the end users feelings towards great UI not only as aesthetics but also as a tool that provides visual cues and ease of use. I personally am a aesthetics nut and I find the Aero Basic theme in Vista and Windows 7 distasteful, I hope Microsoft improves this theme, in fact it has even taken a step back in Windows 7 based on my experiences using it for more than a couple of months. 

Microsoft first introduced Starter Edition of Windows with the release of the Windows XP operating system back in 2004, restricting it specifically to certain developing and emerging markets such as Russia, Africa and parts of Asia. The product sku under Windows XP and Vista were preloaded on new systems. Windows Starter edition includes restrictions such as being 32 bit only, Intel Celeron, Atom and AMD Sempron processors. Windows 7 is expected to continue that trend with support for mainstream markets such as the USA, especially for the currently popular Netbook form factor. Microsoft does note that all Windows 7 SKU’s will support Netbooks. Microsoft at the Professional Developers Conference 2008 displayed a Netbook running the Windows 7 Ultimate SKU with Aero Glass graphics.

While walking the show floor here at RSA, I ran into Steve Riley, who’s an incredibly passionate and knowledgeable Security Evangelist (or officially “Senior Technical Evangelist”) in Microsoft’s Trustworthy Computing organization. He’s a well respected and sought out speaker on security topics. So I thought it would be great to get Steve’s take on his favorite two security features in Windows 7. Take a look at what Steve has to say about Windows 7 security!

The buzz at RSA around Windows 7 has been tremendous.

Yesterday, in his keynote, Scott Charney (Corporate VP Trustworthy Computing) talked about AppLocker and how it helps ensure that only known, trusted software is run within an organization’s desktop environment. Shortly after the keynote, I ran into Marcelo Birnbach - a Senior Program Manager in the Windows Security Technologies organization and works on AppLocker - on the expo floor. Since he’s an expert, we thought we would ask him for his perspective on AppLocker in Windows 7.

Marcelo Birnbach talks about Windows 7’s AppLocker Feature

And since Marcelo is originally from Argentina, we also asked him to share his thoughts in Spanish.

In this post we will deviate from our normal routine of writing about Windows 7 features, APIs, and code samples, and will instead talk a little about an amazing opportunity to test your application for Windows 7 application compatibility. We will focus on Application Compatibility as part of the Windows 7 Developers' Blog, but, right now we want to let you know about a great offer we have for you.

Are you planning to attend Microsoft TechEd 2009? Well, here is another good reason for you to consider attending: the Windows 7 ‘Bring Your Own Apps’ Lab. This lab will allow you to test your applications for compatibility with Windows 7, and will be offered free of charge. This is an amazing opportunity to test your applications on Windows 7 and work with Microsoft engineers on specific Windows 7 compatibility issues.

You must be asking yourself, “So how exactly does this lab work?”

Simple! We are setting up a secure Windows 7 test platform in a private developer lab environment for testing and debugging your applications. Just bring your applications and we will load them on the test platform, and our dedicated consultants will help you investigate any application compatibility issues and offer architectural guidance.

By now you should be saying, “OK, I am in! How do I register?”

Pre-register for the 75-minute lab sessions by emailing srglabs@microsoft.com with your company name, list of developers, and list of application names and versions you wish to check. You can also register upon arrival at TechEd by signing up at the reception station located in the lab (Room 410). As an added convenience, the lab will also be available on May 10^th, the Sunday prior to TechEd 2009, and is open for registration then as well.

This is a great opportunity to test your applications on Windows 7, but there is limited availability, so be sure to register early.

If you are not able to attend TechEd, check out these other resources to help you ensure that your applications are Windows 7 compatible. You can find all the relevant resources in the Windows Application Compatibility page on MSDN. But I want to highlight few key resources:

• Windows 7 Application Quality Cookbook is your one-stop shop for information about any breaking changes from Windows Vista to Windows 7
• However, there are still a few applications that are not Windows Vista compatible, which means they are probably not Windows 7 compatible. The Windows Vista Application Compatibility Cookbook is a great place to learn more about compatibility topics like UAC, Session 0 Isolation, and others.

See you at TechEd

From TechNET Magazine

The Microsoft Learning team has come out with a great series of bite-sized “Learning Snacks” to help introduce you to new features coming in Windows 7. They’ve just released a new series of Snacks this week, and we thought you might enjoy them!

Desktop Experience in Windows 7

Setting Up a Home Network in Windows 7

Implementing User Account Control in Windows 7

Introducing BitLocker and AppLocker in Windows 7

Introducing the Troubleshooting Platform in Windows 7

Using the Deployment Image Servicing and Management Tool for Servicing Windows 7 Images

Of course, for more information on new security features coming in Windows 7, take a look at Chris Corio’s article in this issue of TechNet Magazine: An Introduction to Security in Windows 7.