Archive of “Business”

March 8, 2010

Windows XP move over; Windows 7 is “Business” Ready

With Windows Vista having never received more than a lukewarm reception (at best), many eyes have turned towards Microsoft’s next OS. The company says it has learned from its mistakes and promises to do better this time around with Windows 7. Since it will come pre-installed on most new desktop PCs and notebooks, Windows 7 will inevitably gain a certain installation base. The situation was different when Windows Vista was released, as many users chose to stick with Windows XP for the time being. That won’t be as much of an option this time, since most companies no longer offer XP. Of course, manually downgrading will still be possible if you have an installation disc and a valid license. On the other hand, Windows 7 is generally being seen in a much more favorable light than Vista anyway. It looks like a lot of users may give Microsoft the benefit of the doubt.

Windows Vista was harassed with many complaints and negative reviews but high hopes are set for Windows 7. Windows 7 has created hustle and bustle and has become the talk of the town. Windows 7 flags many new features that are smooth and highly finished. Many enhanced features have been introduced such as new graphical features, enhanced task bar and security that makes it safer and user friendly. Additionally, it does not demand hardware upgrades that were needed in Windows Vista. Microsoft released and made available beta and one release candidate for public testing process for Windows 7 which is the largest shareware trial period offered by any and it does not prove to be irritating as Vista was. Microsoft is providing the users with six versions of Windows 7: Starter, Home Premium, Professional, Ultimate, OEM, and Enterprise but basically three versions are being promoted by Microsoft; Home Premium, Professional, and Ultimate.

The best improvements that Microsoft has made are in taskbar that features pinned program, jump lists, aero peek, aero snap, aero shake, etc. It is now quite easier to resize the windows, change theme packages. With windows media player you can stream media files, over the network, to another computer. Device stage allows you to combine printers. Native search features have also been improved in Windows 7, all the files that are added to hard drive can be easily indexed. use your fingers over mouse with new touch features. Many new features have been introduced in Windows 7 that surpasses the reputation created by earlier operating systems. Windows 7 is obviously not a Vista service pack. Windows 7 has a lot of new features and is clearly designed to fix all bad things people said about Vista. This means that Windows 7 is what Vista should have been in the people eyes. Windows 7 will totally feel like a revelation from the glassy future if you are coming from Windows XP. You’ll definitely say that Windows 7 is much better than Vista if you are upgrading your computer or laptop from Vista.

The bad effect of Windows Vista

Clearly, the public opinion of Windows Vista has left a deep impact on Microsoft. However, based on the biggest Windows 7 beta testing process in history, we can say that it sure won’t look like the upset Vista launch at all. There was a solid chance that your computer ran like crap or your programs didn’t work if you installed Vista on your PC within the first month of its release as the drivers compatible with Vista were not available. But that’s not the case with Windows 7. Windows 7 hardware requirements are basically the same as they are for Vista and it runs better than Vista on that hardware. Windows XP was a great OS of its time. Windows Vista failed to wind people hearts. But what people said about Windows 7 was that it is more fast, solid and the easiest Windows yet. Windows 7 is something people can grab without fear.

The Windows 7 Professional edition is designed for small business users.

It includes all the features of Windows 7 Home Premium, and adds the ability to join in a Windows Server domain. Windows 7 Professional offers various features that you won’t find it in Windows 7 Home and Starter editions. Additional features include features like Remote Desktop server, XP Mode, Network Backup, Offline files, AppLocker, BitLocker to go and ability to join a domain.

1. XP Mode: Windows 7 supports virtualization, so you can run Windows-XP-compatible applications. XP mode will allow you to run your existing applications on Windows 7 system. Windows XP Mode is an add-on for Windows 7 Professional and higher that comes in two parts, each of which has its own setup. The first is Windows Virtual PC, a new version of Microsoft’s free desktop virtualization platform, and the second is Virtual Windows XP itself, which is a virtual hard drive pre-loaded and licensed with Windows XP Service Pack 3. XP Mode will be available to Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise and Ultimate users.
2. Backup to network: Doesn’t sound like a big convenience, but beats the pants off having to provide and/or manage plug-in external USB drives when big storage or backup servers are readily available.
3. Offline files: New enhancements to this capability which controls synchronization between local and network copies of files, especially those that support policies about which ones sync and which ones don’t, may be appealing or convenient for IT professionals but probably not to end users.
4. Join Windows Domain: Absolutely, positively essential for most corporate or organizational networks. If users want to get any work done on the business network, they must first log in. If they can’t interact with Active Directory.
5. Remote Desktop Host: A great tool for IT professionals who might need to poke around on, or manage end-user computers remotely. Unless your help desk/IT staff have some kind of analogous third-party tool set, go to My PC, Remote Control Pro, numerous versions of VNC, and so on.
6. AppLocker: It is a secure, easy to use utility that enables IT professionals to determine exactly what is allowed to run on user desktops. It restricts unauthorized software while allowing applications, installation programs, and scripts that users need.
7. BitLocker & BitLocker To Go: This tool protects data on systems and provides encryption for removable drives, with manageability to enforce encryption and backup of recovery keys. Windows 7 extends BitLocker protection to USB storage devices while making the original functionality even easier to use.

Testimonial

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