Windows 7: a review in pictures

Windows 7 startup screen Photograph: Ray Tang/Rex Features

The Windows 7 Control Panel has a slider that lets you reduce the number of security-related warnings, which were an annoyance in Vista Photograph: Public Domain

The new TaskBar (bottom left) combines the features of the old QuickLaunch area and TaskBar, while the icons provide interactive pop-up preview Photograph: Public Domain

As in Vista, you get a visual preview when you Alt-Tab through applications Photograph: Public Domain

Windows 7 encourages users to store their files in its Libraries shell folders, keeping (for example) My Pictures separate from Public Pictures Photograph: Public Domain

Windows Vista’s Sidebar has gone, but you can still use gadgets, and position them anywhere on the screen Photograph: Public Domain

Windows 7 provides very detailed control of the interface, if you want it, and remove fading and sliding effects if you want snappier performance Photograph: Public Domain

There are lots of alternative themes and backgrounds for personalisation, including some UK-oriented wallpapers featuring Stonehenge, Tower Bridge and the white cliffs of Dover Photograph: Public Domain