By Jason Reading // 14 April 2010 // Related Categories:
Article written by Jason Reading, director of Comcity Technology. Microsoft's launch of Windows 7 back in October 2009 was a godsend for many of us running Windows Vista. So what is the verdict six months on? Is Windows 7 really making a difference to businesses around the country? | |
Windows 7 really does help you get more doneMost IT experts agree that Windows 7 has what it takes to improve business productivity and the feedback from our real estate customers backs up these claims. Windows 7 gets up and running quicker and is more reliable than any other Microsoft operating system. It enables faster startup, shutdown, sleep, and resume from standby. Ok, this is not ground breaking and it's what you would really expect from a new operating system, but there are some features that have really impressed: 1. Quick access icons at the bottom of your screen link you directly to the tools and documents you use most, eliminating time wasted clicking through menus and folders. The productivity improvements in Windows 7 mean you can spend less time on your computer and more time with your clients. It safeguards your work, but don't drop your guard completelyDo you carry a lot of sensitive information with you on your laptop such as passwords or client data? This information can come under threat from spyware, theft, hard disk failure or if your laptop is stolen. Windows 7 has a new Advanced Backup option that lets you schedule a periodic backup to your local computer or even better, to a network location such as a server. Then, if your file is lost or becomes corrupted Windows 7 will help you to restore previous versions of files. We think Windows 7 has come a long way in safeguarding your work but we're not suggesting you uninstall your security software just yet. The security features you get from dedicated security manufacturers such as Trend Micro or Symantec are still more comprehensive compared to what Windows 7 can offer. It's worth buying the Professional EditionDoes your firm use a mix of applications, some new & some old? Previous Microsoft operating systems weren't always so kind with supporting older (legacy) programs, but Windows 7 Professional Edition offers Windows XP Mode, giving you the flexibility to run many older Windows XP productivity applications directly from your Windows 7 desktop. This extends the life of your older software so you don't have to go out and buy new, compatible software versions before upgrading. Thumbs up to Microsoft but you should note that this feature is not available on the Home Edition - only the Professional and Ultimate versions. The VerdictIt's difficult to argue that Windows 7 is anything but good for business. The upgrade path to Windows 7, especially from Windows XP and older versions, can be a challenge and take a few hours but the overall benefits and time savings in the long run certainly pay off. Six months into it's life I give Windows 7 a big thumbs up.
Have more questions? Need help migrating to Windows 7?The following PowerBuy partners are available to answer any questions you have relating to Windows 7. On request they will also provide a free technology assessment of your network. Partner contact details are as follows: Adelaide - VInet Solutions (1300 733 441)
Tell us what you thinkHave you upgraded to Windows 7 yet? If so, what has been your experience, and if not, what's stopping you? | |
Comments: 5 //
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How has Windows 7 performed since launch?
The size of the text in the Toolbar headings(ie File, Edit, Tools etc) on the top of the screen in both Office & Outlook are too small to be read easily & I donot know of anyway to increase the size of this text.
The headings at the top Toolbar on the top of the screen (ie File, Tools, Edit, View etc) are not as user friendly as they were in earlier versions. Now you really have to search to locate the function you wish to perform.
I like Windows 7 a lot. Much more than any of the previous versions. In fact, I think that with Windows 7, computing (for the masses) has finally 'come of age'.
Computer Troubleshooters as Australia's largest IT Franchise and part of the World's largest IT support Franchise network we can only confirm your recommendation.
A recent Worldwide survey of our technicians found that 93% said that Windows 7 is a reliable alternative to Windows Vista or XP. So we agree that customers should be confident in upgrading to Windows 7. Your offer is a great reason to make the leap.
I've been using Windows7 Ultimate 64-bit since it was released and have not had any problems with it whatsoever. In fact, its been extremely reliable and has saved me many times. I was playing a PC game and the save file became corrupt, as a result of Windows7 & VSS, I was able to continue playing the game.
I have found Windows7 to be far more efficient and reliable compared to previous versions and it has come a long way since Windows Vista.
I recently visited an accounting firm to run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor to figure out whether any applications would not be compatible with Windows7 and I did find out that the MYOB/Solution 6 has compatibility issues and am currently in the stage of about to start preparing to do a test run of Solution 6 on Windows 7 and on Windows 7 via XP Mode.
Thanks for writing these details to the web.
