Microsoft Windows 7 – The Missing Features

We already did the definitive review of Windows 7, and without a doubt, it is a great OS. But there are a few features that were initially promised that are missing from the final release.

WinFS
We’ve been waiting for this one since the early days of Vista’s development, but it’s still not here. Microsoft’s new WinFS file system was supposed to use a huge database that could recognize data attributes to speed up searching and correlating different kinds of information, rather than relying solely on folder structures as we currently know them. Development continues but it’s still not ready for primetime.

Accelerators
Just like the ill-fated Smart Tags in Microsoft Office, Accelerators allow you to select text in any program and then add it to a calendar, translate, spell check, search online with Live Search, get directions using Live Maps, send by Live Mail, etc. Maybe they were too invasive or maybe Microsoft was afraid of criticism because of their close ties with their own online services.

Guest Mode
Early demos showed a Guest Mode which basically let administrators freeze the state of an account on a PC so that no changes to files or system settings were retained when guests use it. The computer’s hard drives were locked down and even files they save were wiped out when a new session begins. Without explanation, this feature is missing in the final release.

Ultimate Extras
After Vista’s promised Ultimate Extras failed to materialize, the concept has been dropped for Windows 7 Ultimate.

Windows Live programs
With the coming of the Windows Live suite of downloadable programs, regular fixtures like Windows Mail, Movie Maker and Messenger are no longer preinstalled by default. You can install whatever you like by visiting www.download.live.com.

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