Windows 7 Build 7048: Getting Closer to RC Status

Posted 03/11/2009 at 1:45pm | by Mark Edward Soper

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It's not quite a release candidate yet, but Windows 7 beta build 7048, which leaked onto the Internet last week, provides a lot more customization options as well as numerous feature and UI tweaks. Here are some of the high points from WinSuperSite's coverage:

• More sound schemes (13 in all)
• New picture backgrounds (including some from Corbis Images)
• New icons for accessories such as Paint, DVD Maker, and WordPad
• Redesigned Start orb
• The "Send Feedback" link is gone
• Want to see folders, not libraries? Click your user name
• Alt-Tab cool switch now incorporates Aero Peek  to temporarily hide windows
• You can now uninstall IE 8 and many other components to create a "bare-bones" Windows 7 install 

Digging deeper, ZDNet's Ed Bott (with whom I worked on his Windows Me book back in the day) also discovered:

• Better ways to change icon displays in Control Panel
• Easier to read left pane
• More information on pen and touch support on specific systems
• Integration with Windows LiveID
• Windows XP-style keyboard shortcuts to Windows Explorer
• Usability tweaks for Libraries, Homegroups, and Fonts features
• Easier to access ClearType LCD panel tuning
• Improved ribbons for WordPad and Paint
• Native support for Word 2007 .docx format in WordPad
• Windows Media Player 12 now streams to Internet and adds other improvements
• Better terminology for backup and advanced recovery options
• AppData and Downloads folders now included in standard backup

Should you track down a copy of Build 7048 and give it a try before the official RC hits (probably in April)? Before you decide, be sure to view the WinSuperSite Build 7048 comment thread. Short take: you might be asking for trouble, especially if you don't do a clean install.

Have you tried Build 7048? Hit Comment and tell us what you liked, and what still needs work.