The launch of the new Windows 7 is a long-awaited bid by Microsoft to win back frightened Vista users.
This new operating system is deemed to be snappier, more polished and easier to navigate yourself through. This should have Microsoft smiling, as analysts estimated that only one-fifth of the world's computers use the Vista operating system and an estimated four-fifths use Windows XP or even older Windows releases.
PC manufactures such as Dell hope that this new operating system will improve sales of the new Windows 7 machines and research analysts estimate that it would have an instant impact on PC unit sales. At Ubuntu Technologies, new systems could already be ordered with the new OS.
Who should consider using Windows 7?
It could be used by all of our clients, but it should be beneficial for all clients on Windows XP or earlier. This is especially evident seeing as extended support on Windows XP will come to an end on April 2014, and all support on earlier Windows 2000 will come to an end in April 2010.
Gartner expects that ISVs will begin to drop support on XP as early as 2010 and that it would be a common problem by 2012.
Vista customers will benefit from Windows 7 in regard to substantial performance improvements and it will be a lot easier to convert to the new system, as drivers prepared for Vista will continue to work.
Some of the new features of Windows 7 could be listed as:
* Windows anytime upgrade although not supported between x86 and x64 bit
* Deployment image and servicing management
* UAC standards users in Windows 7
* Windows 7 Backup
* Internet Explorer 8
* Windows 7 remote desktop
* Direct access (Networking)
* Branch cache (Networking)
* VPN reconnect (Networking)
* Launch from taskbar
* Biometrics (log in via fingerprint wit UAC elevation)
* Windows mobile (single integrated remote access installation and management)
* Multiple firewall profiles (different firewall that is appropriate for each network connection)
The minimum hardware requirements recommended by Microsoft for running Windows 7 would be:
1. 1GHz 32-bit or 64-bit processor
2. 1GB of system memory
3. 16GB of available disk space
4. Support for direct X9 graphics with 128MB memory
5. DVD/RW drive
6. Internet access
At Ubuntu, we would recommend clients to start planning the move to Windows 7 even if it is not in the very near future.
Microsoft has reported that the new OS will contain performance improvements over the current Windows Vista. Clients might find that this could be the driving force to move to the new OS.
For more information please contact Sarel Naude on 012 347-7944
Ubuntu Technologies
Castle Walk Corporate Park, Block A Ground Floor
C/O Swakop and Kuiseb Street
Erasmuskloof
Tel: 012 347 7944
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