Your quick guide to Windows 7

The release of Windows 7 has been met with praise from tech blogs and IT retailers, which are expected to gain massive sales due to built-up demand for the new operating system.

Analysts have given the software rave reviews, praising its new user interface, speed, program control and the ability to run older versions of software using the “XP Mode” function.

But despite a new survey from Data#3 showing over two-thirds of businesses are considering upgrading to Windows 7, many SMEs are still unsure about what benefits the new software will provide.

Differences

The Windows 7 user interface looks similar to Windows Vista, with no massive changes. But gadgets and widgets are now able to be placed anywhere on the desktop instead of using a sidebar in Windows Vista, while programs are no longer placed in the quick-launch bar at the bottom of the screen. Instead, icons are “pinned” to the taskbar.

The security permissions have been changed for Windows 7, with the software requiring fewer user permissions in order to run tasks and programs compared to Windows Vista.

The file system has undergone a major change, with the introduction of the “HomeGroup” feature. This allows users with multiple PCs on one network to share files by forming a group, while the new Windows Media Player 12 allows users to stream music and videos over a network

The new thumbnail previews option allows users to interact with programs without actually opening them. For example, if Windows Media Player is streaming some music, users can hover the mouse over the program icon in the taskbar and interact with the program without actually opening it.

Additionally, the new “library” feature allows users to include folders of content anywhere on the computer into individual libraries. This saves time by collecting information spread across the computer into one place.

Software that could run on Windows XP but not Vista has been rescued by Windows 7. Users simply right-click and select “XP Mode” when wanting to use a program not supported by the new operating system.

A variety of other small changes have also been made, including the ability to minimise several windows by shaking the mouse and allowing windows to “snap” into place by dragging them to one side of the screen.

Speed

Microsoft developers have spent a good deal of time tinkering with the back-end of Windows 7, allowing users to install the software on machines that had trouble with Windows Vista.

As long as your computers contain 1GB of RAM, and a processor with a speed of at least 1GHz, Windows 7 should run smoothly. Microsoft has released a “Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor” program that can determine whether your computer can handle the upgrade.

Additionally, the new software has been designed for use with netbooks, so use the Microsoft advisor program to see whether your computer can run Windows 7.

Upgrades

While upgrading from Windows XP to Vista may have been a breeze, making the next jump won’t be so easy. If you use Windows Vista, then upgrading to Windows 7 requires just inserting the disc and following the prompts, but XP users are out of luck.

Due to the built-up demand for Windows 7, many users of Windows XP skipped Windows Vista in favour of the new software, but Microsoft has included no direct path for upgrading from XP to Windows 7.

This means Windows XP users must either wipe their hard drive and install Windows 7 from scratch, or save all their data and transfer it to a new PC. Businesses must decide whether it will be more cost efficient to spend time installing their own versions of the software, (and then installing programs such as Microsoft Office), or spend money on new machines.

Picking a version

There are six versions of the new Windows 7 software, which may make upgrading difficult for the less tech-savvy. But each edition is designed with a specific target market.

The Windows 7 Starter version will come pre-installed on several low-end machines, with many netbooks set to come with this version. The Windows 7 Home Basic version is available in several Asian countries, but will not be available in Australia.

Windows 7 Home Premium will be targeted towards residential users, with Windows 7 Professional the edition designed for businesses and entrepreneurs.

For larger businesses, Windows 7 Enterprise contains all the features of the OS including licensing agreements that make it possible to install one copy of the OS on multiple machines. Windows 7 Ultimate contains the same features as the Enterprise edition, but will be available to home users on individual licenses.