Microsoft has learned some hard lessons from Vista and promises that Windows 7 will address the myriad of reasons users have given for lingering with Windows XP. Knowing that some may still be reluctant to make the move from XP, here is a list of ten of the top reasons to move to Windows 7.
1. Virtual XP Mode:
Many users and businesses have held back on upgrading Windows XP as many older Line of Business programs would not function on Windows Vista. Enter Virtual XP Mode, the problem solver for those who have been holding on to their precious XP systems. A virtual XP Machine can reside right on your Windows 7 machine, accessible like any other program on your desktop.
2. Fast install time, Faster boot, and Faster User Interface:
Installation time for Windows 7 is roughly 15 minutes from start to finish. The boot time is faster than both XP and Vista, and the User Interface, moving from window to window, is much faster than XP and Vista.
3. Netbook support:
Netbooks have been all the rage lately due to their portability, low price and low power consumption. With Widows 7’s small footprint, installation on a Netbook runs more efficiently than XP orVista.
4. Removal of IE 8 and other Windows Components:
For years we’ve been hearing complaints about Internet Explorer not being fully removable from Windows. Not anymore. IE 8 and other components like Windows Media Player are now optional (Note: The core components of IE are not removed since other programs rely on it, but the actual exe itself and any references to it are). Not a fan of IE? You can now remove it frmm your PC completely.
5. Better driver and program support:
Windows 7 installs most drivers right out of the box, especially on older systems. Just about every driver or program that worked with Vista should work with Windows 7 without error.
6. Updates to programs like Calculator, Paint, and Wordpad:
Microsoft decided to upgrade several programs including Calculator, Paint, and Wordpad. These interface improvements are very nice and user-friendly.
7. Less Bloat:
Windows 7 makes a lot of the included programs in Vista/XP an optional download. The result is a smaller footprint both on the install and on the system after install.
8. Better UAC control:
User Account Control in Windows Vista could be really annoying. If you wanted to do anything you had to click continue on a box that popped up constantly. Not anymore – with Windows 7 the UAC feature has been improved with multiple levels of action.
9. New Aero features:
Windows 7 comes with some new Aero features like Aero Snap, Aero Peek, and Aero Shake. All three are useful for comparing two windows side by side and taking a quick look at an inactive window or desktop without minimizing everything respectively.
10. Problem Steps Recorder:
Have you ever had a problem with your computer and tried to explain the issue and support keeps asking you to accurately describe the problem because they can’t see what’s on your screen? Windows 7’s Problem Steps Recorder can help. This tool lets you record steps on how the problem occurs, publishes it to an HTML file, and zips it, ready for you to send to your IT provider. No longer will the end user be frustrated by not being able to describe their computer problem.
Microsoft’s Windows 7 will be available October 22nd, 2009 for purchase. For any questions regarding Windows 7 you may contact a Launch Pad Client Solutions Manager at 831-920-0788.
Randy Todd
Client Solutions Manager