October 22 was the official release date for the newest operating system from Microsoft - Windows 7. Years ago, many of us would "hold our breath" until the newest Office or Operating System was available for sale and then "Wait in Line" at midnight to be the first to receive a copy. Those days are long gone - we no longer run to purchase and install the newest of the new from Microsoft. Instead, some of us wait until the Service Pack is available. What is different this time?
Microsoft released Windows Vista a few years ago and received a rather poor review of the product. Many corporate users decided to wait and see rather than install Vista. Finally, a service pack was available to patch the system and some users did purchase Vista. Still, many large corporations and universities took a "wait and see" approach and are now still running XP. The old saying: If it isn't broken, don't fix it. So where are we today - October 23 with the new release of Windows 7.
Corporate users now realize that the XP version of the operating system will be slated to "end of life" status by Microsoft (date is not announced yet) and are fearing that they will not receive updates or support for the system. Also, Windows 7 will now be installed on new computers. Therefore, after a hard look and study, many companies will be switching to Windows 7 in the near future - some upgrading immediately and some waiting for the "service pack 1."
It is important to know that if you are upgrading from XP to Windows 7, you will need to move all the files off your PC before you install Windows 7. (We consider this major work and recommend you seek our support). Then you will need to reinstall your programs by hand after installing Windows 7. It is recommended that you use Windows Easy Transfer to list the porgrams that you are currently using with Windows XP.
To upgrade from Vista with Service Pack 1 or 2 to Windows 7, you just need to insert the Windows 7 DVD and click install now. After running the setup, it is recommended that you click to Go online to get the latest updates and then perform the upgrade. A compatibility check will run and issue a report if any issues are found.
Windows 7 has some new or upgraded features:
1. Windows Taskbar - upgraded - Open files and get around your PC faster. You can even pin (this is a new term in Windows 7 - see description in item four) programs you use often to the taskbar so you can launch them in just one click.
2. Windows Live Essentials - upgraded - This collection of free programs puts the Internet in your hands. Share photos. Make movies. Send instant messages and mail. Quick and easy.
3. Windows Search upgraded - Instantly locate and open virtually any file on your PC, from documents to emails to songs, right from the Start menu just by typing a word or two.
4. Pin programs to the taskbar. Pin files to Jump Lists. Just like tacking notes on a bulletin board, you can use pin to keep the things you need close at hand.
5. Jump Lists - Got a file, photo, or website you use a lot? Open it in two clicks. Jump Lists keep the most recent things you've used handy for faster access than ever.
6. Snap (new term) - Size and arrange windows by simply dragging their borders to the edges of your screen. Instantly expand to full screen and back, or arrange two windows side by side.
7. Aero Peek (new term) - Look right through open windows to see the icons, gadgets, and anything else on your desktop, all with a simple move of your cursor.
8. Aero Shake (new term) - Want to focus on one window? Shake it, and all the other open windows on your desktop will be hidden. Shake again, and they're all back.
9. Device Management - See everything you need to know about your printers, cameras, and other devices in one place. And, your devices are much simpler to hook up and use.
10. Libraries (new term)- Easily find the files you're looking for and manage them as if they were in one location-even when they're in different folders or on several PCs.
11. View Available Networks - On the go? Find and connect to Wi-Fi, mobile broadband, VPN, or dial-up networks with just a couple clicks.
12. 64-bit Support - 64-bit editions of Windows 7 are designed to take full advantage of the increased RAM and multi-tasking capabilities of 64-bit PCs.
13. Windows Defender - Helps you keep spyware or other unwanted software from attacking your PC. And now, it's even easier to use.
14. BitLocker (new term) If you've got information on your PC that you need to protect, you can help prevent theft or loss by using BitLocker data encryption to put a virtual lock on your files.
15. Windows XP Mode - Get all the benefits of Windows 7 and continue to leverage your investments in older business and productivity programs that require a PC running Windows XP. Note: Windows XP Mode requires a download. This also will require a newer processor.
16. Sleep and Resume - Windows 7 is designed to help your PC sleep and resume more quickly. It's easier to put your PC away and to get back to what you were doing when you're ready.
17. Power Management - With laptop PCs, how much you can get out of them often depends on how long your battery lasts. Windows 7 helps you keep going longer between charges.
18. Windows Media Center - Record TV. Watch Internet TV. Watch DVDs. Enjoy online entertainment. Play your music and watch your videos and slideshows. It's all here.
19. Windows Live Movie Maker - The simple way to make turn photos and videos into great-looking movies and slideshows you can share on the web or on DVDs.
20. Play To (new term) - Play music, photos, and videos from your PC to media devices connected to your home network.
21. Remote Media Streaming - Easily access the photos, music, and videos on your home PC when you're away from home.
22. Windows Touch (new term) - Ever wish you could just point at what you want and move things around with your hand? With a touch-sensitive screen and Windows 7, you can.
To discuss upgrading to Windows 7, call CEO Computers at 818-501-2281.
Note: some information in this article was obtained from Microsoft.com
