March 27th, 2009

Yes, for those of you who do not know, Microsoft has already created the successor to Windows Vista (let the cheers commence). The operating system was heralded in its beginning years as many people hoped that Windows 7 would be similar to XP in that it would replace a terrible operating system (Windows Me / Windows Vista) with a good one (Windows XP / Windows 7). From what I have seen, their additions have been remarkable and breathtaking. I liked the appearance of Windows Vista Aero and Windows 7 keeps the same style; however, as much as I appreciate Microsoft dressing up their Operating Systems, I do not like the huge amount of resources it needs to do so.

With each successor of Windows, the amount of RAM needed to keep your system running at a comfortable speed has increased:

Windows 98: 24 MB RAM
Windows Me: 62 MB RAM
Windows XP: 128 MB RAM
Windows Vista: 1024 MB (1 GB ) RAM
Windows 7: 2 GB = 2048 MB (2 GB ) RAM

Note that these are simply the numbers required to run your operating system. Note the spike when Microsoft moved from XP to Vista. 128 MB to 1024 MB (1 GB ) of RAM required to run the system. That is outrageous. There are many games that barely make the 1 GB mark - to have an operating system requiring that much in terms of system resources is ludicrous.

Windows 7 ups the ante with a recommended requirement of 2 full GB of RAM. It also includes some upgraded features, such as upgraded versions of Paint, Calculator, and WordPad. Neat, however, I don't want that in my operating system. An Operating System should do its intention: operate and manage the system for the user.

I understand that Microsoft is catering to the public; however, there should be a version of Windows that caters to individuals who want a simple Operating System. I want an OS that runs and manages my programs and icons with a simple-to-use interface. Windows has succeeded in making their interface simple. Installing and loading programs and hardware is done at the touch of a button; however, the GUI (Graphical User Interface) has gotten out-of-hand. Windows Sidebar/Gadgets, Aero, and fantastic graphical interfaces on system programs such as Paint are wonderful, and look pretty cool; however, I would rather not waste the resources I could be using in an actual program on making my computer look pretty.

I suggest that, along with the several other options available to Windows 7 customers, Microsoft should release Windows 7 Essentials. This version should be the "bare bones" necessary to manage the computer. I envision it would require no more than 128 MB to 256 MB of RAM to process comfortably, look similar to Windows 98/2000, and retain the functionality and ability to run current hardware and programs.

Is this feasible? I'm not an Operating System expert, nor am I a programmer, but I can't imagine an operating system whose only intent is to manage programs and hardware, versus providing the user with an "exciting experience from Day One", taking up an extraordinary amount of memory. Will it happen? Probably not, which is why I'll stick to Windows XP until I cannot possibly hold on to it any longer.