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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.