616.272.3457   
 
February 2010
Why upgrade to Windows 7?
OptiPlex 380 Mini Tower
 
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Greetings!   

Welcome to Trail Guides, the monthly technology newsletter from Trailhead Networks. We're trying to step up our communications with you, and hope that you will find this format easy to read and relevant to your business.  If you do not wish to receive this newsletter, then please unsubscribe using the link below.
 
Many of you have been asking about Windows 7, and when, how, or even if, you should upgrade. We have been using Windows 7 for some time now, and have been very happy with it. In the last quarter, Microsoft sold more than 60 million licenses of Windows, the most licenses it has ever sold in a single quarter. See Microsoft Revenue boosted by Windows 7 for more details.
 
If you are currently running XP, it would be a good idea to upgrade to Windows 7 sometime this year. See "Why Upgrade to Windows 7" below for some reasons why. 
 
Unfortunately, moving up to Windows 7 from XP is not a simple, load the CD, type of upgrade. First of all, you need to make sure your current PC is capable of running Windows 7. To check this, you can run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor. If your PC passes the test, then you need to move all of your files off of the PC, install Windows 7 from scratch, and then reload your programs and files back.
 
For many of you with older PCs, you may decide to purchase a new PC with Windows 7 already preinstalled on it, rather than incurring the costs of additional memory, Windows 7, and the labor required to upgrade your current PC.  If you're interested in a new PC, see the Vostro 220 we are currently offering. 
 
As always, if you have any questions about your technology needs, please let me know.
 
Sincerely,
 
Kim Lauber
Trailhead Networks
  
Why upgrade to Windows 7?
 
Security. Windows XP lacks the security features of Windows 7. It's been around for nearly 10 years, and attackers and malware are very familiar with its vulnerabilities. A recent report stated that Windows XP is 62% more likely to be compromised than Windows Vista.
 
Microsoft support for the Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (SP2) operating system will end July 13, 2010. 
 
Windows 7 has better support for the software you're running under XP. If there are compatibility issues, Windows 7 can emulate XP while in XP Mode. 
 
Windows 7 is much better at automatically installing device drivers than XP is.  
 
If you currently use Vista, Windows 7 improves the User Account Control (UAC) feature that protects you from malware and spyware being installed without you knowing it. It allows you to fine tune those alerts so they're not so annoying.  
 
The Windows 7 user interface is much better than XP. Some of my favorite features are Aero Peek, Aero Shake, Gadgets, and the new Windows Taskbar.
 
Visit the Windows 7 site to learn more about its features and benefits.
Dell OptiPlex 380 Mini Tower
Intel Core 2 Duo E7500 processor
Windows 7 Professional
Dell Professional 20 inch Wide Monitor
3 Year Basic Limited Warranty
4GB RAM
16X DVD+/-RW
320GB Hard Drive
 
$750 - hurry, offer ends soon!  Call 616.272.3457 or for more details.
 
Add Microsoft Office Small Business 2007 (Basic + PowerPoint and Publisher) for $300.