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Why upgrade to Windows 7?

Dan SimpsonDan Simpson, Client Services Manager, P1 Technology Partners


Question: People in computer shops tell me they can’t wait for Windows 7, but why would I want to upgrade when XP works perfectly well? - Marcus, Brighton

Windows 7

Answer: Hi Marcus, I’ve been using a trial version of Windows 7 for several months now and it feels much lighter, easier and quicker than Windows XP or Vista - and I haven’t met anyone who disagrees.

It seems Microsoft has listened hard to what customers need from their systems at work, and this time round what they're asking for is a feature- rich but concise operating system: it's all about balancing high speed with lots of function.

For example, faster boot times, faster sleep and resume, and better use of your computer's memory all make for a more responsive system. That means you won't have to turn on your computer and leave it for a while to ‘warm up’ – with Windows 7 it will be ready for you in a fraction of the time.

There are plenty more features I’d single out as really making a difference - here are some of the ones we like best:

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Bigger icons and creative ways to personalise your Desktop. There's no reason your desktop shouldn't be fun; plus personalisation makes users happier and therefore, more productive.

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Jump Lists - they're new, and give you instant access to your favourite documents, websites, pictures, music; anything in fact.

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Windows Search has been upgraded. It's something of a triumph for staff, because it makes searching your PC as simple as searching the web.

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If you’re tired of your laptop dying when you need it most, you’ll love the Power Management in Windows 7 that helps your battery last longer.

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Easier wireless networking will get you online quicker; wherever you find yourself working.

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And then there's Touch; one of the most breathtaking aspects of Windows 7. Touch supports touch-sensitive screens, which is going to make all sorts of software easier and more intuitive to use. Plus, Touch can understand and interpret more than one user at a time- so everyone can work together on a screen.


There are some good techie reasons to upgrade to Windows 7, too. With support for XP expiring in the not-too-distant future, Windows 7 will be the most logical next step for most small businesses; including your own.

If you're ready to make the move, but don’t want to lose some older Windows XP tools; Windows 7 Professional (and above) includes support for ‘XP Mode’, which allows you to run your Windows XP apps in a virtual environment alongside your Windows 7 apps, in the same desktop.

Installation is something which many companies find painful (especially if you end up doing it over a weekend). Thanks to a more streamlined installation process, Windows 7 promises to be the most painless rollout of any operating system to date; so you should be able to buy back some of your Saturday afternoon, too.

--Dan

Related Links

ArticleLearn more about upgrading to Windows 7
ArticleExplore Windows 7 case studies and watch what our customers say
externalWindows Advisor Upgrade
externalP1 Technology Partners
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