On October 22nd, 2009, Windows hit store shelves worldwide, and, unlike its predecessor, it was received with accolades. While stirring up user enthusiasm, Windows 7 also managed to generate a consistent number of headlines around the world. And, apparently, enthusiasm was contagious, while, at the same time, there were strong reactions to the latest Windows client release from Microsoft, and even whispers of criticism.

While surfing, I came across a variety of opinions on the new operating system designed to replace Windows Vista, some stronger than others, some blatantly incorrect and then others just uninformed or unwise. I selected a collection of Windows 7 musings that I think end users should be taking with a grain of salt, and then went ahead and added my own ruminations. I will not link to the sources of the opinions included below, as I am not attempting to generate a debate, nor to criticize. I simply want to put my two cents in and nothing more.

1. Windows 7 is perfect - no it is not. Proof of Windows 7’s imperfection comes from the growing number of Knowledge Base articles with updates and hotfixes that Microsoft has been constantly stacking up even before General Availability this week, but after the OS was complete, namely after the July 22nd release to manufacturing deadline.

But I will say this, Windows 7 has indeed been perfected. The evolutionary rather than revolutionary path from Vista to Windows 7 certainly falls within perfectibility as an ongoing process, in the sense that perfection is an unachievable goal. Don’t expect a perfect operating system, but do expect less clutter, more clarity, a boost in performance, compatibility, stability, increased reliability, less RAM and hardware resource hunger, more battery time and less energy consumption, enhanced usability and personalization capabilities. By all means, expect a platform that will just work from Windows 7, but always leave a little room for that exception confirming the rule.

2. Windows 7 is just Vista with a new UI - this is at the opposite pole from “Windows 7 is perfect.” It is true that, where some see perfection, others see almost no added value at all. Yes, Vista was that much of a geek-heartbreak for quite a few, especially those still suffering from Longhorn melancholia. But Windows 6.1 brings more to the table than an overhauled UI.

There’s native multi-touch support, DirectX 11, BitLocker To Go, DirectAccess, BranchCache, Play To, Remote Media Streaming, HomeGroup, Internet Explorer 8, Libraries, Windows XP Mode, etc. Still, users must understand that Windows 7 is not a strong Windows client release measured in the quantity of new features introduced, but rather in the quality and cohesiveness of the entire operating system.

And only on top of the new features and the perfected OS sitting on the overhauled MinWin core does the shell come into play, with a revamped Windows Explorer, but also with UI advances as Aero Peek, Aero Snap, Jump Lists, and the whole Windows Taskbar, for that matter. So, just Vista with a new UI? I don’t think so. Not even at a superficial look.

3. Microsoft’s reputation rests on Windows 7 being a success - not actually true. It would be true if Microsoft was one trick pony, and if that pony were Windows, but this is no longer the case. The Redmond company started long ago to diversify its business to the point where, if Windows, for example, were to fail, and I mean fail completely, with the whole Windows Division being shut down, the company would be able to carry on.

And Microsoft’s reputation, while being intimately connected with Windows, would survive a Windows disaster, and would recover any damage suffered. Looking at Microsoft, the company has at its foundation a variety of pillars including Windows Live Division, Server and Tools, Online Services Division, Microsoft Business Division, and the Entertainment and Devices Division.

While Windows 7 will be a success, I have no doubts about this, as I have been running the OS as my main platform for the most of 2009, a potential failure would only create a dent in the company’s reputation, but certainly nothing that can’t be fixed with “a marketing patch.”

4. There’s no direct upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7 - what Microsoft has said is that it does not support direct, in-place upgrades from XP to Windows 7. As far as I’m concerned, the hardware and software compatibility gap between the two platforms plus end users upgrading blindly with zero preparation is a dangerous combination. Microsoft did well by dodging a potential Wild West of XP to Windows 7 upgrades that would have only been detrimental to Vista’s successor.

Still, provided that you know where to look and how to access and leverage the resources Microsoft has made available, XP to Windows 7 upgrades could not be simpler. The best tool to get the job done, although upgrades are just one of the scenarios supported, is the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2010. While participating in a Windows 7 presentation from Microsoft earlier this year, I witnessed what MDT 2010 could do when it came to XP to Windows 7 upgrades. But trust me on this one, while it might not be for the average user, hardlink migration is the way to go when jumping from XP to Windows 7.

5. Wait before Windows 7 SP1 before you upgrade - this is not actually from the web, but rather a strongly rooted conception, especially with enterprise customers. Enterprises are notoriously sluggish when it comes to migrating their IT infrastructure to a new Windows release, a tactic designed to help them avoid the incompatibility issues associated with a not-yet-mature RTM operating system.

It is precisely these customers that should think of Windows 7 as having its first RTM at the start of 2007, when Vista was launched. Vista was the transition operating system that took in all the heavy fire for software and hardware compatibility problems, and allowed SP1 and by SP1 developers and manufacturers to tailor their products to the new OS. And Windows 7 just rips all the benefits, being ready for prime time as it’s just out of the gate.

6. Windows 7 is slower than Vista - Yes, I’m throwing this into the “shouldn’t believe” pile as well. I know that Windows 7 is faster than Vista because I used Vista for over two years, and Windows 7 since Beta Build 7000. The two platforms have been running in parallel on my machines, and even on the same computer. Windows 7 simply delivers more performance than Vista did when it was released in January 2007, because I’m comparing the two operating systems at RTM-level and not after the service packs were added to XP’s successor, vastly improving all aspects of the OS, including performance. And it’s not just about speed, from startup to shutdown and sleep, from task and hardware resource management to increased battery life and lower power consumption, Windows 7 is simply better.

7. Linux and Mac OS X are better options over Windows - I don’t expect members of the open source community or Apple fanboys to convert to Windows 7, and I do support choice, this is why I’m not going to give a verdict in the perpetual Linux vs. OS X vs. Windows operating system measuring contest. I will say that there are scenarios in which I run Linux, such as for web servers, where the open source OS is always my first choice. For an average user that wants to upgrade to a new platform that simply works or buy a new machine, I will recommend Windows 7 in a heartbeat, and would hesitate to point them to other platforms. For enthusiasts and geeks, people that build their own computers, Windows 7 is also the best choice, go with the Ultimate SKU for that matter. Gamers that want to take advantage of the new DirectX 11 games and hardware will undoubtedly also choose Windows 7. And, once Apple introduces Windows 7 support in Boot Camp so that users can run the latest iteration of the Windows client, I will have no problems recommending Mac machines.

8. Windows 7 is the best Windows ever - actually, believe this. I only said seven things about Windows 7 you shouldn’t believe. This is number eight. By all means, start believing.

The Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2010 5.0 is available for download here.

Microsoft Windows 7 90-Day Eval VHD is available for download here.

Another Windows 7 RTM Enterprise 90-Day Evaluation is available for download here.

Windows 7 RTM Starter Edition, 100-Screenshot Gallery

Windows 7 RTM Home Basic 110-Screenshot Gallery

Windows 7 RTM Home Premium 120-Screenshot Gallery

Windows 7 RTM Professional 110-Screenshot Gallery

Windows 7 RTM Enterprise 100-Screenshot Gallery