Windows 7 Lust: 36 Changes to Windows Since the Beta

So you've been running a copy of Windows 7 beta for a month or so now and you're pondering whether it's worth the time and expense to actually upgrade when the final version ships. Would it help to know how Microsoft has changed Windows 7 since the beta? I thought it might. That's why I've tracked down a list of 36 fixes, changes, and enhancements to the RC version of Windows 7, courtesy of the Windows development team.

If you weren't already planning to step up to Windows 7, I'm not sure there's much here that would change your mind. After all, Windows 7 was feature complete in beta, and these updates are subtle. But it's a welcome list nonetheless. Some of the highlights:

• Alt-Tab now includes Peek. When you Alt-Tab your way through open windows, there's a time delay mode in which all the windows except the one you're focusing on goes transparent, just like Peek.
• More obvious pleas for attention. I like the way Windows 7 doesn't let needy programs steal the focus from what you're doing, but some beta testers thought the flashing items in the task bar were too subtle to be noticed. So the Windows team amped up the intensity of the requests -- but these apps still don't steal the focus, so it's a win all around.
• Use Open With on the Taskbar. Want to open a file using a program other than the default? Hold down the Shift key while you drop the document onto a pinned program on the task bar.
• UAC requires permission to change. Based on feedback from the beta program, it's no longer possible for programs or scripts to automatically change User Account Control without the user's knowledge.
• Smarter audio when using headphones. Windows now switches audio from speakers to headphones more effectively.