Windows 7 for Windows XP hangers-on

[Darren Dirt]

I'm planning on grabbing a laptop by Christmas, gonna have W7 on it.

Curmudgeons like me seem to be happy with things just working the way we want, but eventually I gotta move forward to the next "standard" so Windows 7 appears to be it.

Here's a page I just found re. things I need to know about W7 (vs. XP)

http://www.globalknowledge.com/articles/generic.asp?pageid=2504

10 things you should know about moving from Windows XP to Windows 7
Greg Shultz
September 4, 2009

If you skipped Windows Vista and stuck with Windows XP, chances are good that you are now seriously considering moving to Windows 7 after it's released on October 22. If so, there is much for you to do. Not only should you begin planning for your operating system migration, but you should begin learning as much as you can about Windows 7. Here are 10 things you can do to get ready for the switch...

helpful learning links (in the above article)

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/features
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/help
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/training/windows.aspx#elearning
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/training/format-learning-snacks.aspx#win7
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/training/windows.aspx#books

W7's "XP Mode"
http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/10things/?p=926
http://content.techrepublic.com.com/2346-10877_11-294091-1.html

[Thorin]

Thank you, I'm an XP Curmudgeon and I'm sure I'll be moving up to Win7 one day.  Won't be today, though.  Or tomorrow.  Hell, not even next week.  But one day, I'll be upgrading...

[Lazybones]

I loaded up a copy at home... I really like the new Jump lists and little details like your recent connections from Remote desktop appearing as soon as you mouse over the icon in the start menu.

I also find it MUCH more snappy than Vista in almost every area, and so far no mysterious hangs/pauses out of the blue.

[Melbosa]

IMO Windows 7 is the reason to finally leave Windows XP behind.  I've been running it since RC1, and have to say it is one of the most stable, versatile and powerful OSs M$ has released since XP.

I ran Vista since its RC and just hated the OS in the end.  I gave it a great run, to make sure it wasn't just initial problems, but have to say, even after SP1 fixed a hole bunch of stuff, I still believe it to be another Windows ME.

So if you're on the edge with Windows 7 vs XP, I'd urge you to plunge into Windows 7!

[Thorin]

Yeah, from what I've read so far Win7 is supposed to be quick and snappy even on older hardware.  Finally Microsoft is moving away from the "build-it-big-and-the-hardware-will-catch-up" mentality.

Still, it'll be a pain to move everything over and we'll have to buy new licenses and my XP runs just fine...

[Thorin]

Here's an interesting feature that I hadn't heard of before: Aero Shake.  Click on a window and shake your mouse - all the other windows minimize (or disappear in some other way).

[Thorin]

Funny how they always make the new product seem lightyears ahead in the comparo charts: Windows vs Windows.  Also funny that they're clearly trying to woo the many XP users (the link I clicked for that page was "Compare XP to Windows 7").

[Melbosa]

Well you'll have to eventually move off XP.  End of life will eventually come for this OS and then the patching stops.  Reports now are 18months after Windows 7 Release or first SP for Windows 7 (if there will be a SP).

[Darren Dirt]

Well you'll have to eventually move off XP.  End of life will eventually come for this OS and then the patching stops.  Reports now are 18months after Windows 7 Release or first SP for Windows 7 (if there will be a SP).

I just like the fact that even the Vista HATERS are saying Good Things about W7.

...or maybe I'm just not reading the right blogs



But hooray, glad to see I'm not the only "curmudgeon", proud of it! And glad I have used the same OS, SAME INSTALL (!) for over 4 years... and only thinking of moving to W7 because I want to get a mid-range laptop during the Christmas Sale time (which will have an OS pre-installed, natch) so sounds like there is, indeed, no reason to "stay" with XP on my new system.

[Melbosa]

I just like the fact that even the Vista HATERS are saying Good Things about W7.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--------------------------------------------------

[Darren Dirt]

Yeah, from what I've read so far Win7 is supposed to be quick and snappy even on older hardware.  Finally Microsoft is moving away from the "build-it-big-and-the-hardware-will-catch-up" mentality.

Still, it'll be a pain to move everything over and we'll have to buy new licenses and my XP runs just fine...

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Ways-to-improve-your-computers-performance <-- funny how they don't mention turning off System Restore as one "improve your performance" option

Here's an interesting feature that I hadn't heard of before: Aero Shake.  Click on a window and shake your mouse - all the other windows minimize (or disappear in some other way).

Snap is ALSO very cool, once you get used to the "zones" I'm sure it will be helpful to those of us who keep multiple windows open all the time... Not quite as powerful as what OSX has for its built-in "zones" but close.


PS: that compare/checklist piqued my interest, here's the links I insta-CTRL+clicked... (most of the other features might be cool for others, but will likely be ignored by me)

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/features/windows-taskbar **
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/features/windows-search
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/features/parental-controls
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/features/windows-xp-mode

Lunchtime will read up more on why the above are so much "better" in W7 vs. XP (cuz they have a "Checkmark PLUS")





** lol AboutDamnTime: "For instance, in Windows 7 you can "pin" favorite programs anywhere on the taskbar for easy access. Not crazy about the icon lineup? Now you can rearrange them any way you like by clicking and dragging." Windows 95/98/2K = "Button Boogie". Windows XP = "Taskbar Shuffle". Windows 7 = "BUILT IN FEATURE BY THE OS MANUFACTURER, FINALLY!"

[Darren Dirt]

Also funny that they're clearly trying to woo the many XP users (the link I clicked for that page was "Compare XP to Windows 7").

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/why-choose?os=winxp <-- read the very first paragraph. Then compare to what is said on this URL:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/why-choose?os=winvista

[Darren Dirt]

W7's "XP Mode"
http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/10things/?p=926
http://content.techrepublic.com.com/2346-10877_11-294091-1.html

more info re. "Windows XP Mode":

The new Windows XP Mode lets you run older Windows XP business software right on your Windows 7 desktop.

Designed primarily with small- and medium-sized businesses in mind, Windows XP Mode comes as a separate download and works only with Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate. Windows XP Mode also requires virtualization software such as Windows Virtual PC. Both are available free on the Microsoft website.

To download Windows XP Mode or learn about its system requirements, visit the Windows Virtual PC website. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/default.aspx

[Tonnica]

It can run DOSBox and SCUMMVM with a little bit of tweaking. As long as I can get that and my other emulators working I'd be happy to give Win7 a shot. I managed to avoid Vista like the plague up until the point where I helped set up my folks' new laptop.

I'm not about to kiss Microsoft's boots but the migration strategy they've put together is appreciated. I'd likely wipe my computer clean before upgrading anyways but having the option is really nice.

Mm, it's my opinion that nowadays it's less and less about what OS you use. It's more about what you want to do, how fast, and with how much power. That's kind of refreshing.

[Lazybones]

Virtual Box Works across Windows, Linux and Mac... It would be my recommend free VM option.