There's no doubt that Microsoft Windows is the biggest and the most widely used PC operating system - but it's not necessarily the best. Here are 18 things we'd like to see as standard in the next Windows.
What Windows needs to be the best once more
Both XP and Vista fall short in some ways compared to other operating systems including the Linux OSes and Mac OS X. Certainly when it comes to really useful built-in functions and features such as Apple's Dock, Cover Flow and ISO burning. And then there's the features that come as standard on other operating systems, but require a premium-version licence in Windows.
We've looked at a number of operating systems, both past and present, and singled out the most useful and cool features that we really wish Windows had.
Expose
Available on: Mac
It's an elegantly simple idea, and it has been available on the Mac since 2003. When you want a clear view of all the application windows that are open at any one time, you just press F3, and a little feature called Expose arranges them all as thumbnails spread neatly across your screen. Click one, and it pops to the front while the rest snap back into position behind it.
With the release of Windows Vista, Microsoft deployed a feature called Flip3D that attempts to simplify window management in a slightly different way. Flip3D lets users flip through three-dimensional renderings of whatever windows are open on the desktop, but it doesn't offer nearly the same instantaneous visibility that Expose does.
Fortunately, a few downloads can add Expose-like thumbnails to your Windows machine. One little tool called iEx for Windows does the trick for free; but the installation is a little awkward, as you have to drag the downloaded files into the correct folders on your PC.
A more refined program, TopDesk, installs automatically in XP and Vista but it will set you back £10 after the 14-day free trial.
NEXT PAGE: Virtual workspaces and remote computing
- Apple's Exposé
- Virtual workspaces and remote computing
- How to screen share and use time machine in Windows
- Don't live without ISO burning and stickies when using Windows
- Podcast capture and software repositories
- Turn your desktop into a rotating cube
- Get automated and partial screenshots on your Windows PC
- Cover Flow and a pre-installed web server
- Enjoy POSIX compliance on your Windows PC
- Single file applications on Windows
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Comments
scott land said: the biggest thing windows needs to do is become less popular than osx and linux that way the hackers and virus makers of this world wont be putting most of their effort into trying to destroy it Lol osx is still the way to go for the majority of music makers and graphic designers so the majority of music makers and graphic designers will say anyway Im using vista majority of progs i had on xp work so im happy
John said: Screen Sharinghmmmmif only there was something where you could get Remote Assistance while using Windows Then you could share youre desktop either by e-mailing a connection file or directly through MSN Messager Wait a minute I just clicked on Help and Support and there is such a thing as Windows Remote Assistance It was even available in XP long before Leopard was a glint in Apples eye
Pete Pointon said: The Mac is the computing equivalent of a bungalow it looks very neat and convenient but its designed for people with not a lot going on upstairs
PaulG said: Mac is the worst of the Oses
Josh said: Mac market share really dropping checkblogszdnetcomhardwarep17Know of 46 Mac users switching to Linux
PBC said: No single file applications for Windows Has this writer ever tried downloading any of the thousands of freeware applications available for Windows A large portion of them dont require installing just unzip and run and delete the folder to removeSimilarly ISO burning stickies and screenshots there are loads of freeware applications available Thats the best thing about Windows and Linux there is loads of choice your not stuck with the limited choices of a Mac user
Ken said: Why does anyone want Windows to recover its lost marketshare Let it die Its the best thing for everyone
Wow said: Are you kidding Windows Vista Snipping Tool is way way way better than Macs partial screenshots It is way quicker - do your homework
slappy said: Windows is the biggest because its a monopoly Duh
PaulG said: Mike here is an Winidiot Mac market share is on the rise - permanently Any blip on the radar is just thatOh and Windows is quantifiably the worst of the OS bunch The best Dont make me laugh Microsoft is on the run as they fall into an inert malaise and unnovative quagmire
Switcher said: Open Your Mind
Jesus H Christ said: I dont know guys Ive never met a Windows user who wasnt into man-arse
GriffN said: Apple market share dropped Really Compared to Microsofts massaging of XP sales to look like Vista sales I think Apple sales are looking quite OK The stock market seems to agree
headwerkn said: the best once morelol
Bob said: the EU doesnt even want media player to bundled with Windows If all these were to be with windows I wonder what these guys will do to Microsoft and all the windows is bloated comments which will be said Consumers have choice to choose which os they want They are not fools so stop these bias stories
Andy said: When it comes down to the functionality of the OSesWindows and Linux are way better than anything else
Steve said: This writer has never used Windows before yet he writes like hes an expert He doesnt even know Snipping Tool Exists standard with Windows Vista Oh dear lame people pretend they are computer experts and show their ignorance without knowing they are ignorant Ignorance of the Ignorant is a shame
Tom said: What makes Windows the best is all the great software available for it Windows rocks
Chris said: Addin all these to Windows will just make it more bloated How many systems could even handle a feature like cover flowWindows 7 wont need these Windows and Linux ROCKS
Mike said: Windows is still the best No wonder mac share dropped 05 in AprilOnly Linux can really compete with windows