77777, that's the number on everyone's lips at the moment, especially in Microsoft-land.  And now, at last, since the Professional Developers Conference (PDC), I can start blogging about some of the features which will be available in Windows 7!

So what's coming? Well:

Jumplists - pop-up contextual menus giving user-specific tasks related to the application

Taskbar - A new improved task bar, which groups a set of the same application (e.g IE) automatically, and allows for a preview of the full window when you hover over the application

The ribbon - you'll start seeing more of it! (e.g. in paint)

Libraries - custom views of disparate files consolidated in one place

Windows 7 Screenshots

For business users, you'll see features like:

  • Branch office caching - caching files downloaded from remote resources locally, to speed up performance
  • BitLocker - encryption for both hard drive and portable USB keys
  • Direct access - enabling access to corporate resources without having to VPN in
  • Virtualization enhancements - improvements around VDI
  • AppLocker - control of applications allowed in your organisation
  • Management - better management through automated tasks, troubleshooting platform, more flexible configuration

Read up on more of these features here

What about Vista you say?  Well, remember that Windows 7 is built upon the same platform as Vista, so if you're holding out for Windows 7 because you think you'll have issues around compatibility and so forth, you should be pleasantly be surprised!  Whilst Vista made a huge leap forward in terms of security and architecture, it meant some programs would not run correctly.  Since the Vista launch, most vendors have provided Vista-compatible versions of their software. So anything currently running on Vista, should work on Windows 7, as they both share this platform.  So make the leap now, and you'll be ready when Windows 7 is!  Find out more here.