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Posts Tagged as windows 7 (page 2)

Entrepreneur Magazine Shares 10 Reasons for Small Businesses to Use Windows 7

Entrepreneur Magazine ’s Scott Steinberg shares in his online column Top Ten reasons why Small Businesses should use Windows 7 . Among them: lower system requirements than Vista, better multitasking, and enhanced security. And while he says not everything is perfect (for instance, confusing multiple versions, and separate download and installs for email and calendar programs) he says “ Windows 7 provides a welcome evolutionary step forward for the platform, significantly improving security, stability and everyday convenience.” Also check out an online slideshow from bMighty.com which shows 10 Windows 7 Features SMBs Should Love which provides a more visual guide for businesses evaluating whether to upgrade to the new Windows Operating System. Need help evaluating or migrating to Windows 7 for your business? Contact us today! Related articles: Transfer files and settings from XP to Windows 7 (helpdeskgeek.com) Windows 7 may be secure, but are Windows users safe? (infoworld.com) How To Reduce Aero Peek’s Delay Time (techie-buzz.com)

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Windows 7: Everything that Vista Was Supposed To Be

Highly respected technology writer Walt Mossberg from the Wall Street Journal calls Windows 7, “A Windows to Help You Forget” – and with good cause. We all remember Vista and the horror it continues to be for users. Expected to be a welcome upgrade from Windows XP, Vista was instead, from the very beginning, plagued with problems and all sorts of bugs, and was only slightly made more palatable when the Service Pack 1 was released. Many opted to stick with the more ancient yet much more reliable Windows XP and wait for better things to come. And come it did. With Windows 7, Microsoft has produced the operating system that many thought Vista would be, leaving the predecessor a memory most would rather not revisit. Faster, lighter, simpler, and easier to use, reviewers have compared this recent instalment of Microsoft’s flagship operating system to a more efficient and generally accepted-to-be-better OS: Mac OS X. While Microsoft does have a stake in Apple, it doesn’t erase the fact that the two have for years been – and continue to be – the most bitter of rivals. With the release of Windows 7, the competition has become very stiff indeed. Mossberg writes, “In recent years, I, like many other reviewers, have argued that Apple’s Mac OS X operating system is much better than Windows. That’s no longer true. Now, however, it’s much more of a toss-up between the two rivals. Windows 7 beats the Mac OS in some areas, such as better previews and navigation right from the taskbar, easier organization of open windows on the desktop and touch-screen capabilities. So Apple will have to scramble now that the gift of a flawed Vista has been replaced with a reliable, elegant version of Windows.” Key features of Windows 7 include UI and visual improvements to the taskbar, desktop, file, and networking systems. The overall speed of the OS has also been improved over Vista, which required a lot of hardware to run properly. Now, Windows 7 users are treated to much lighter spec requirements to make the OS run smoothly. Compatibility, especially with third party programs, has also been enhanced, with some touch screen features available for compatible hardware. In a nutshell, Windows 7 is what Windows Vista was supposed to be in the first place. And because there’s no sense in crying over spilled milk, Microsoft has whipped up quite the replacement mix this time around. And we mean that in a good way. To read Walt Mossberg’s full review, go to: http://ptech.allthingsd.com/20091007/a-windows-to-help-you-forget/ .

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5 Things to Love about Windows 7

The recent release of Windows 7 has seen much more good than bad – which cannot be said for its predecessor, Windows Vista. Even in the early stages of testing, many were impressed with the improvements Microsoft included in this relatively early upgrade to its OS, and many were hopeful that this time around, Windows would not be such a pain to use. And they were not disappointed. Here are a few things you’ll love about Windows 7: 1. Faster boot up times Vista was plagued with slow boot times, owing to its demand for high-end hardware in order to function smoothly. Windows 7, on the other hand, does more with less. 2. Lighter spec requirements Speaking of hardware requirements and more for less, Windows 7 needs less power from your rig to function properly. This means that even hardware systems with bareback specs can run Windows 7 decently. 3. A new taskbar The new taskbar is a combination of the old taskbar and the quick-launch icons of previous instalments. Frequently used programs are pinned as icons onto the taskbar, and can be used as both a launcher and as a preview for any running windows under that program. 4. File organization The file system in Windows 7 is more unified now, and enables you to group similar programs together regardless of which hard disk it lives on. 5. Less nagging One of the most annoying features of Windows Vista was the perpetual reminders about this and that mundane task. Windows 7 lets you configure the warnings to pop up only for issues you feel are important. UAC (User Account Control) also adopts this principle, eliminating that annoying Vista permissions window that popped up even for the most ordinary procedure.

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Ready to upgrade to Windows 7?

If you’re excited about upgrading to Windows 7 , you’re not alone. Reactions are coming in from people who have tried the new operating system and so far, the reviews have been positive. From the new and improved UI , to enhanced features such as Live Taskbar previews , easier file sharing , wider hardware support and others , Microsoft has made the upgrade compelling for many Windows users, especially those who skipped Vista and held on to XP. If you’re using an older computer running Windows XP , we suggest you first head over to Microsoft’s Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor . After downloading the free tool, run it to scan your PC for potential issues with your hardware, devices, and installed programs. The tool will recommend actions you should take before you upgrade. If your PC is running Windows Vista without problems, chances are it’s ready to run Windows 7. If you bought your copy of Vista or a PC running Vista after June 26, 2009, you might be qualified for a special upgrade offer to Windows 7, so make Microsoft’s official Windows 7 Upgrade and Migration page your first stop to find out. Once you’re ready to take the plunge, get ready to do some homework first. Just like Vista, Windows 7 comes in different editions . Weigh your options and find out which edition is right for you . Also, PC World has put together a nice article on the five things you should know before upgrading to Windows 7 from XP . For a more detailed guide, visit Engadget blog’s excellent post on how to install Windows 7 and live to tell about it . If you find the process too complicated, don’t have the time, or if you’re thinking of upgrading many computers, why not contact us? We can help you sort out your options and ensure a smooth upgrade. Related articles: Seven things to know about Windows 7 (cnn.com) 27 Takes on Windows 7 [Roundups] (gizmodo.com) Windows 7 Launch, what the Experts say + Microsoft store grand opening. (domkop.co.za)

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Windows 7 Will Have Better Support for WindowsXP-only Applications

Microsoft recently announced the availability of the Release Candidate for Windows XP Mode . According to Microsoft, this release was specifically designed to ease the migration path for small to medium-sized businesses by providing additional compatibility for their older applications that may not be compatible with Windows Vista or the upcoming Windows 7. Windows XP mode runs a virtualized instance of Windows XP in Windows 7, and requires a PC equipped with additional 1 GB of RAM, 15 GB of available disk space, and a processor capable of hardware virtualization with AMD-V or Intel VT turned on in the BIOS . Because of these system requirements, older PCs are not able to run the software. In the blog post by the Windows 7 Development team, they suggest that users first try the Native Windows 7 mode when running their applications before resorting to Windows XP mode. Windows XP Mode was developed to address some users’ concerns about compatibility, considering that Windows 7 uses the same kernel as Windows Vista. Some businesses had been holding back from upgrading their operating systems since some business applications built for XP proved incompatible with Vista. Windows XP Release Candidate will work with both the RC and RTM (Release To Manufacturing) versions of Windows 7. If you need more information, please contact us today and we’ll assess whether you can safely upgrade to the new release of Windows 7, or you need Windows XP compatibility mode for your business applications. Related articles: Windows XP Mode RC now available Microsoft Clarifies Windows XP Mode For Windows 7 Windows XP Mode for Windows 7 Release Candidate available

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Windows 7 Allows Easy Upgrades

Microsoft recently announced that Windows 7 will include a feature to allow instant upgrades from lower editions of Windows 7 to a higher edition (i.e., from Starter to Home Premium) with the click of a button. The feature, called “Windows Anytime Upgrade” or WAU, will make the process of upgrading much simpler and more convenient than before. Typical scenarios for upgrading include: Users running Windows 7 Starter Edition on their netbooks , who wish to upgrade to Home Premium to take advantage of Aero Peek and other enhanced functionality from their OS such as Taskbar Previews . Desktop themes are also enabled, and so is Remote Media Streaming. Users running Home Premium on their laptops who wish to connect to their office network’s domain or run their old custom business applications using Windows XP Mode can upgrade to Professional. Users running Home Premium or Professional who want to encrypt and secure their USB devices. With Microsoft’s early announcements of pricing and upgrade options for the upcoming Windows 7 release, you have the opportunity to plan now for the investment strategy you will use when the time comes to upgrade. If you need information or advice about your options, don’t hesitate to call us. Related articles: Windows 7 RTM reviewed For Some, Move To Windows 7 Will Be Tough Windows 7 pricing announced: cheaper than Vista Microsoft announces pricing for Windows 7 family pack, upgrading

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Upgrading to Windows 7 from Windows XP?

Information Week has posted a helpful guide to assist those planning to upgrade to the upcoming release of Microsoft Windows 7 on their existing Windows XP machine. Long story short: there is no direct upgrade from XP to Windows 7. You can’t simply insert the Windows 7 installation DVD, upgrade your running XP installation, and have all your programs and data remain intact. However, this article does explain what you can do, including any of the following: Install a copy of Windows 7 on the same computer, in parallel with your existing XP install. Install a copy of Windows 7 on the same computer and replace your existing XP install entirely. Obtain an entirely new computer with 7 installed, and migrate your existing XP data and application settings to it. To learn more, visit Information Week . If you need help with preparing your business for Windows 7, contact us – we are here to help. Related articles: For Some, Move To Windows 7 Will Be Tough Windows 7 RTM reviewed Backwards compatibility can kill you

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Microsoft Announces Windows 7 Pricing

Microsoft has finally announced the pricing for the much anticipated new version of its flagship product, Microsoft Windows , expected to go on sale this October. Users will be pleasantly surprised that Microsoft has announced aggressive promotional pricing for the product and its different editions. According to the Windows team blog , estimated retail prices for the upgrade packaged retail product of Windows 7 in the US are: Windows 7 Home Premium (Upgrade): $119.99 Windows 7 Professional (Upgrade): $199.99 Windows 7 Ultimate (Upgrade): $219.99 Estimated retail prices for full packaged retail product of Windows 7 in the US are: Windows 7 Home Premium (Full): $199.99 Windows 7 Professional (Full): $299.99 Windows 7 Ultimate (Full): $319.99 The Windows 7 Home Premium full retail product is $40.00 less than today’s Windows Vista Home Premium price. Pre-orders will be limited, and Microsoft has not commented yet on what the supply limitations will be. Pre-orders will launch Friday, June 26 – July 11 in the US, Canada, and Japan, ending sooner if supplies are depleted. The UK, France, and Germany preorders launch July 15 – August 14, also ending sooner if supplies are depleted. Microsoft has launched a new website where users can find more information about upgrade offers. Related articles: Buy a PC tomorrow and get Windows 7 or pre order Week in Microsoft: Windows 7 gets priced Microsoft taking half-price pre-orders for Windows 7

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Dual Boot Windows 7 and Vista on One Machine

Excited about Windows 7 but unsure if you want to replace your existing Vista installation? Worried about potential compatibility and driver problems with the Windows 7 beta or release candidate? Why not install both on the same machine? Microsoft has posted an interesting article on how to have both Vista and the upcoming Windows 7 Beta or Release Candidate on the same machine by dual booting from one operating system to the other. Be sure to check out the system requirements for Windows 7 ensure your system is up to the challenge. Generally speaking, if your system can handle Vista then it will likely have no problem with Windows 7; however, you’ll need ample space on your hard drive to have both running. Check out the article at Microsoft’s Technet website. Not sure how (or why) to do it? Contact us – we can help! Related articles Windows 7 testers have long path to upgrade Can a Windows Vista PC Run Windows XP Instead? Windows 7 release date announced

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