It's great to hear about your positive experience with Windows 7 Build 7100 Ultimate and the workaround you've implemented to keep it fully functional without the two-hour shutdown and with Aero still active. Windows 7 was indeed a beloved operating system known for its stability and performance.
Regarding your comments on Windows 8, it's interesting to hear your perspective on the development preview and the challenges you've faced with resource demands compared to Windows 7. Windows 8 was a significant departure from the traditional Windows interface, with a focus on touch screens and the introduction of the Metro style apps.
As for your mention of Mozilla Firefox, it seems like you've encountered some issues with its performance and connection stability, possibly due to the frequent updates and changes in builds. It's nostalgic to reflect on older versions of Windows and browsers, each with its unique strengths and quirks. Windows 7 has indeed amassed a loyal following, and it's understandable why you appreciate its reliability and compatibility with various software.
If you have any specific questions, need assistance, or want to share more about your experiences with Windows 7 or any other technology, feel free to let me know!