Windows 7 : What should we look forward to ?
Expected to be Microsoft’s most successful operating system, allying highly refined user experience, exceptional performance and integration of the latest technologies, Windows 7 will be officially released worldwide on the 22nd October.
Isys Managing Consultant Clarel Constance says many organisations that chose not to upgrade to Vista are now planning to migrate from Windows XP to Windows 7.
“We have deployed Windows 7 on several computers, up to 2 years old, and can say that user experience is great”, adds M. Constance.
While many criticisms of Windows Vista pinpointed compatibility issues, Windows 7 should not disappoint users. Not only has most compatibility issues been addressed but Microsoft also proposes an exciting new feature: the Windows XP Mode, which allows a portion of Windows 7 to operate as a Windows XP computer and run non-compatible applications.
The upgrade to Windows 7 should be much smoother than it was with Windows Vista. While Vista required new hardware to be deployed, it is not the case with Windows 7. Nonetheless, for medium to large scale migrations, M. Constance recommends planning and assistance from experienced IT consultants.
“The first step before migrating to Windows 7 is to test it on a computer and explore the new features and constraints. This will allow IT executives to make a more informed decision” underlines M. Constance.
In this optic, FRCI is organising this week presentations of Windows 7 for enterprises. The aim of these free interactive sessions is to introduce Windows 7 new features and address any concerns users might have.
Nuclei’s manager Mary Jane Perrault says she is enthusiastic to present this new operating system.
“Enjoy working! That’s what Windows 7 can do for you. It’s sexier, faster, more efficient… it’s really all about user experience.”
Some of the new features include improved taskbars, speedy access to your favourite documents, improved search and a new way to compare windows on your desktop.
Other features will particularly interest businesses: Windows Touch (native support for touch screen PCs); Problem steps recorder (enhanced support from helpdesk); direct access (New VPN technology for mobile users to seamlessly access their corporate applications); Branch Cache (greater user experience for users from remote offices when using files server and intranet sites hosted in the head office).
Although the new platform is extremely user-friendly, Mrs. Perrault still recommends a training session. “There are so many possibilities and options you might miss, we decided to offer short training sessions for those who wish to learn everything about Windows 7 and maximise their user experience”, she explains. “When users are presented with a new platform, they often waste a lot of time looking around and often remain ignorant of a lot of available options. Training is all about encouraging efficiency.”
Following the success of our first Presentations of Windows 7, future presentations will be scheduled at Nuclei’s training centre, component of FRCI. Those interested by these sessions should contact us.
