Multimedia:  

Windows 7 makes better use of multi-core processors and frees up more RAM to allocate for video, multitasking and resource intense program use. At a glance, the Windows 7 Beta’s version of Windows Media Player functioned perfectly.

The extra RAM and processing power available due to Windows 7’s lighter operation, means that HD video and games get a significant boost. We loaded the Windows 7 Beta onto a gaming oriented desktop to see how video and games would fare. It’s hard to forget the compatibility issues many games had on Vista. Happily, Windows 7 appears free of such problems. Fallout 3, World of Warcraft and Warhammer Online booted up faster and ran every bit as well as they do on Vista. Hats off to Microsoft for throwing this bone to gamers.

Multimedia fanatics will find plenty to love in Windows 7. Naturally, Blu-ray, HD video, and media editing will be as smooth as ever with Windows 7’s freed up resources.
 

Security:  

The Windows 7 Beta has security features very similar to those of Vista. At this point they appear to be more streamlined and first time Windows 7 users won’t be bombarded with continuous “security updates” the way Vista users were.

In addition to standard security features like the Windows Firewall, antivirus, and encryption options, the Windows 7 Beta integrates routine maintenance tasks into the security center, renamed the Windows Action Suite.
 

Networking:  

The networking capabilities of Vista appear to have been consolidated in the Windows 7 Beta. Basic home networks are more or less plug and play. Businesses and individuals with complex networking needs will find additional code support for web services previously unavailable. Application install times and the persistent pestering of the UAC (User Account Control) have been reduced to meet user demand.