In just a few months the newest version of the Windows operating system will be released to the world. Many (like me) have already been playing with a beta version of Windows 7 for a while now, and my experience with the new operating system tells me that Microsoft may finally have gotten its act together after the debacle of the Windows Vista launch. Unlike Windows Vista, where countless thousands of users and professionals complained about problems and poorly implemented features, with Windows 7 even the Vista blacklisters are saying that this new Windows is stable, polished, and ready to go. With the October release of Windows 7 fast approaching I thought I would go over my top three reasons why the upgrade to Windows 7 makes sense.
Reason #1: Improved User Access Control
One of the biggest complaints with Vista is the User Access Control feature (UAC). The UAC system is important in that it makes the computer more secure and lessens the possibility that a hacker will be able to install evil software programs without your knowledge. The problem in Vista was that the UAC was annoying, first dimming the screen, locking the interface, and forcing you to authenticate with a username and password for even the most mundane of management tasks. The new UAC in Windows 7 is much improved and no longer forces password approval for everything, instead requiring only the simple press of a confirmation button.
Reason #2: Easier Home Networking
Connecting one computer to another to share files or set up a home media server has always been a pain, especially for users that are not very adept or knowledgable at how computers communicate. The new Homegroup feature in Windows 7 makes setting up shared folders and files a breeze, as long as all of the computers are running Windows 7. Using a wizard in Windows 7 simply select the types of media you want to share and write down a special password that Windows 7 gives you. Use that password on other Windows 7 computers on your local or wireless network and they are instantly granted permission to browse and use those files. It makes it very easy to set up a home media center, a network attached storage backup, or for other file sharing uses.
Reason #3: Virtual XP Mode
On reason a lot of home users and businesses stayed with Windows XP was because they did not want their software to break when it tried to run on the Vista operating system. In Windows 7 Ultimate users can access Virtual XP Mode, a special feature where selected programs can run under the old Windows XP OS in a virtual environment. Windows Home or Home Premium users can get this feature too, but must download the Virtual XP files after Windows 7 is installed. Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate edition buyers do not have to do this, the full Windows XP environment comes included with these upgrades.
