7 is a good OS, but let's be honest. New copies of 7 are only being used to upgrade to Windows 10 later this year. It might explain why its still so expensive, I only managed to get it for this price because I only bought the key and used a friend's disc to install.
It seems Microsoft gets a miss on one generation of Windows and then Hits with the next... after the Miss that was Windows Vista? Windows 7 is not only a hit... it hits a home run out of the ballpark. The multi-tasking of Vista combined with the single program performance of XP is a dream come true. The interface is built for speed and efficiency and it delivers on that front as well. Unless Windows 9 and beyond sparkles and shines? I don't currently see a reason I'd consider anything else for the time being.... I do also dabble in Linux, but it's still far from my main operating system... the lack of proper Multi-GPU support from both AMD and nVidia means it's fun to mess with, but lets me down as soon as I try and use my GPU's.
Best Windows to date. I install from USB 3.0 thumb drive. That said Windows needs to start optimizing their code. Windows is getting bloated and sluggish compared to what it was.
Windows 7 was chosen as this rig's operating system due to its impressive and easy to use interface, and because it is a generally comfortable experience.