#1 ·
It seems like every time Microsoft rolls out a new version of Windows, they get progressively better at localizing everything for different regions. Back in the day—I'm thinking specifically about the Windows XP era—localization was pretty limited; it mostly just meant swapping out the main menus, dialog boxes, and those core system folders like My Documents. But things have changed quite a bit. Nowadays, Windows 7 is fully translated into languages like German, French, or Spanish, which includes all the supporting online content—you know, the online help files and various other web-based services😉. In fact, the German version of Windows 7 even features a localized speech recognition system. If you were to install an American English localization pack, you’d actually be translating about 80% of the entire Windows 7 ecosystem! 😲
Even the online help documentation has been translated—though, naturally, it's a bit selective. They focus heavily on the most frequently used sections, like file management assistance, whereas a page explaining how video games run on Windows 7 might not be translated for everyone since it isn't considered essential for every user. On the other hand, the translation for Office 2007 is even more thorough, exceeding 80% coverage and including nearly 100% of its online services
.
Now, as great as all that technical progress sounds... I'm curious to know: do you actually use Windows set to an American English interface?
Personally, I'm running the Ultimate edition of Windows 7—not the original retail version, obviously—and I actually "downloaded" an Americanized language pack to try it out. I used it for a few days, but ultimately, I gave up on it. I just can't seem to wrap my head around certain terms—the Control Panel, the tables, the shortcuts, and all those other translations that feel completely illogical when mapped directly from the original English terms. 😂
On the flip side, I absolutely insist on using Microsoft Office in my native tongue. It's a habit from my school days back in middle and high school where we were taught to use Microsoft Office using specific terminology, so it just makes sense to me. Plus, the proofing tools—the spellcheckers and grammar assistants—are much more intuitive that way.
I'm really looking forward to hearing what you all think.
Oh, and I should mention, I also keep Opera set to my local language. 😍
Even the online help documentation has been translated—though, naturally, it's a bit selective. They focus heavily on the most frequently used sections, like file management assistance, whereas a page explaining how video games run on Windows 7 might not be translated for everyone since it isn't considered essential for every user. On the other hand, the translation for Office 2007 is even more thorough, exceeding 80% coverage and including nearly 100% of its online services
.
Now, as great as all that technical progress sounds... I'm curious to know: do you actually use Windows set to an American English interface?
Personally, I'm running the Ultimate edition of Windows 7—not the original retail version, obviously—and I actually "downloaded" an Americanized language pack to try it out. I used it for a few days, but ultimately, I gave up on it. I just can't seem to wrap my head around certain terms—the Control Panel, the tables, the shortcuts, and all those other translations that feel completely illogical when mapped directly from the original English terms. 😂
On the flip side, I absolutely insist on using Microsoft Office in my native tongue. It's a habit from my school days back in middle and high school where we were taught to use Microsoft Office using specific terminology, so it just makes sense to me. Plus, the proofing tools—the spellcheckers and grammar assistants—are much more intuitive that way.
I'm really looking forward to hearing what you all think.
Oh, and I should mention, I also keep Opera set to my local language. 😍