Windows 7: the next new thing (from Microsoft)

Microsoft’s recent blunder with its Vista Operating System has left many consumers, as well as corporate users nonplussed. The general lack of acceptance of Vista has spurred Microsoft to release a new OS quicker than many thought possible. This article we will look at the replacement for Vista, Microsoft Windows 7, leaving the problems with the Vista OS to another day.

Just In Time For Christmas

Microsoft has announced October 22^nd as the official release date for their new Operating System, Windows 7. The new OS retains a lot of the features of Vista, while making a lot of “under the hood” changes that should make corporate users very happy. Microsoft has fixed most of the problems of automatic installation that Vista has. In a general sense, Windows 7 is also much more “user-friendly” than Vista. Vista has a penchant for popping up change warning windows at every turn. Any change in the user interface, or even going into a control panel caused Vista to send a message to the user that they’re about to make a change that might not be wise. These constant messages are viewed by most users as bothersome. The purpose of the pop-up warning is in case there’s some changes going on that the user did not initiate (i.e. a virus or hacker). In most all cases, there’s a legitimate reason for the change. The other side of this is that the messages are easy enough to suppress for the average hacker that they’re completely useless for the user. The first change most users will see with Windows 7 is that these messages are far fewer and much more relevant. In the corporate environment, it’s hoped that the lack of warnings will result in fewer calls to Help Desk personnel to “fix” something that’s not broken. As a tech support type, I heartily welcome this change! It will make the user much more comfortable with their computer. Being comfortable using the computer is, after all, the purpose of an Operating System. While it’s never a bother for me to get a call about these warnings from my clients, I welcome the change in that it will make the average user less intimidated when they try to do things. The idea is for people to be able to use their computer and feel confident doing so.

A good number of people and corporate users never made the switch to Vista. The majority of PC’s are still using Windows XP. Windows XP is getting old and is in need of replacement. Windows 7 will provide the user with what they need to get things done, with an interface that makes the job easier to do. The system requirements to run Windows 7 are not outrageous, which means that most computers that now run Windows XP will be able to run Windows 7. It’s important to note that Windows 7 does allow the use of more RAM (Random Access Memory,) than Windows XP. RAM is measured in GigaBytes (GB.) A GigaByte is 1024MegaBytes. For the sake of this article, suffice it to say that more RAM means faster overall operation of the computer. While XP only allowed for a maximum of 4GB, Windows 7 will allow up to an advertised maximum of 192GB in it’s top-of-the-line “Enterprise” edition.

How Many Bits?

Windows 7 will debut, like Windows XP, in a 32-bit version and a 64-bit version. The “bit” measurement means the largest executable single command size the system will allow. The 64-bit version of Windows 7 means not just being able to access more memory, but that programs written for 64-bit will run faster since they’re able to accomplish more with a single command. Keep in mind that the commands I refer to here are the internal chip-level instructions that none of us regularly need be concerned about.

Just about every computer sold in the last five years can handle 64-bit processing. There is a good bit of controversy about Microsoft still having a 32-bit version of the OS. There really isn’t any need for anyone to use a 32-bit OS. Those few applications that can’t run in 64-bit can still run in Windows 7 64-bit through a process called emulation. In emulation, the Operating Systems starts a 32-bit process to run the application and keeps track of that process through the “virtual machine.” This entire process is seamless to the user. There may be the occasional old application that can’t handle this, and it’s for that reason that Microsoft keeps the 32-bit version of the Operating System available.

In This Case, More Is Better

I would recommend to everyone to get the 64-bit version of Windows 7 and not worry. If you have an application that just won’t run, look to see if there’s a newer version of it around somewhere. If it’s your favorite solitaire or bridge game, chances are there’s a new version or another solitaire game that will take its place. Don’t worry, after a month you’ll be a happy camper again!

Variety – Finding the Right Fit

We should probably talk about the Windows 7 offerings. There will be several versions, beyond the 32- and 64-bit choice. According to engadget.com, there are 7 versions, or “skus” of Windows 7. The versions are:

• Windows 7 Starter. This is intended for Netbooks. It was at first limited to 3 concurrent applications, but I understand that restriction has been lifted at the request of Netbook makers. No information on RAM maximum is available at this time.
• Windows 7 Home Basic. This version does not have the Aero interface, which means it will be missing a good amount of the stuff that will make Windows 7 a good OS. It will be a good choice for the oldest computers. Basic has an advertised maximum of 8GB of RAM.
• Windows 7 Home Premium. This will be the best choice for the majority of users. It has the Aero interface, as well as the Media interface that is lacking in Home Basic. This means you can listen to MP3’s and CDs, and play and create DVDs. Premium maxes at 16GB of RAM.
• Windows 7 Professional. This will be the choice for 99% of the corporate market. The Pro version adds in support for Domains which is how corporations run user access to the network. There are also some other network specific additions in Professional that make it a good choice for anyone that has more than one computer in their household. Professional also adds in what is known as “Presentation Mode.” This is something the laptop warrior will appreciate. It allows the user to easily switch the display from the computer monitor to a presentation device (like a projector) by pressing the Windows key and P at the same time. A very convenient option for those who make presentations. For this reason alone, most laptops should be equipped with the Professional version. You also get all of the features of Home Premium. The maximum RAM advertised for Professional is 192GB.
• Windows 7 Enterprise. This version is available for volume licensing only. It is the Professional version, but is offered only in lots of 100 or so. See your Microsoft representative for more information on licensing for this version. Enterprise also maxes at 192GB of RAM. This version also has several Enterprise tools such as the support for system virtualization and tools to roll out applications to end user computers. It also includes BitLocker Drive Encryption which will encrypt all the data on your hard drive, thereby making the information a bit more difficult for anyone else to see. It also incorporates support for UNIX applications. It’s important to note that this version is only available through Microsoft’s Software Assurance licensing organization and not available on the retail market.
• Windows 7 Ultimate. This is the retail version of Windows 7 Enterprise. Available to be purchased by the individual user who would like to have the corporate support, as well as the ability to encrypt their hard drive.

From Vista to 7

There are many new tools and fun things in Windows 7 that will lead users to want to adopt the new Operating System. Installation is an important factor in any new OS. Vista computers can be “upgraded” to Windows 7 without having to go to too much trouble. All applications and user data will be preserved in the new installation.

From XP to 7

Windows XP users, however, will have to back up the applications and data and install the OS as a new installation. This means you have to wipe out what’s on the drive and install the new OS, then retrieve your backups. You will have to re-install your applications. Before you start to move to Windows 7 from XP, make sure you have your original installation disks for all the software you want to keep. It is unclear at this time if an application can be “restored” in Windows 7 backup/restore. Third party backup software should be reviewed to make sure it can run in Windows 7 and can accurately restore applications and data.

All in all, I think Microsoft will be able to throw off the scourge of Windows Vista with Windows 7, although whether it is able to recover some of the users that switched to Mac over Vista is unclear. At this point, I feel Macintosh has a very solid offering that even the corporate user can embrace. That, however is a subject for a future article.

Tags: computer