Windows 7 FAQ

Below are just a small section of frequently asked questions regarding Windows 7 along with what Microsoft has to say on the subject and a little of what we think here at Plan-Net.

Of course, when choosing the operating system that's right for your organisation considering your unique requirements is paramount. With this in mind, the best way to test the water with something like Windows 7 is a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced, unbiased expert such as Plan-Net. Click here to find out more

01. Why should I invest in Windows 7?
The most important question of all. Microsoft say that Windows 7 will bring long-term value to your organisation that easily outweighs the initial cost. Early signs are, at least in terms of power consumption and performance, that this claim may be true. Even taking this into account, you still need to be sure Windows 7 is the right operating system for your organisation, and the only way to discover if that is the case is a thorough evaluation of your desktop environment.

02. How is Windows 7 better than Windows XP?
The first stage in development of Windows 7 involved Microsoft 'listening to their customers'. From this they ascertained that the areas to strengthen were the fundementals around performance, reliability and security. Much of their focus has been on ease-of-use through user interface improvements along with better wireless networking and more comprehensive troubleshooting. This seems to be a reaction to the widespread critisms of Windows Vista, along with a nod in the direction of what is important/popular in terms of user functions (ie, remote access, networking and speed of use).

03. Will my legacy applications work with Windows 7?
According to Microsoft, Windows 7 has an option to run some applications in compatibility mode. There is however, something called Windows XP mode, which purports to allow you to run many existing older Windows XP applications until a Windows 7-compatible path is available and can be deployed.

So in short, the answer is some will and the rest will catch up over time. Whether the compatibility modes are a long-term solution or a temporary fix depends on the scale of your operation and the business-critical nature of the applications in question. To find out how your applications stack up, click here

04. Do I need new PC's or will my old ones run Windows 7?
Older PC's will run Windows 7. Of course, many of the benefits of the new operating system (such as improved start-up speed) may be lost if the machine in question has limited performance capabilities but in real terms there is no need to go out and purchase an entire new desktop environment to make upgrading to Windows 7 worthwhile. Plan-Net can help to give you an idea of how your current infrastructure would support Windows 7. For a free, no-obligation consultation click here

05. How is Windows 7 better than Windows Vista?
With some of the improvements advertised by Microsoft seemingly a direct response to criticisms of Vista, there are going to be a number of areas that show immediate improvements. It is also more aware of the marketplace and has included facility for embracing some of the more recent 'fads' within desktop working. All round, Windows 7 is looking to be a significant improvement on Vista. Where the comparisons are going to be made more rigirously looks to be with Windows XP, and of course, the non-Microsoft operating platforms available.

06. How much time will my users need to invest to learn how to use it?
Windows 7 has been designed to improve on usability and, from a user perspective, has taken much from previous Windows versions, meaning the switch should not prove too painful. That said, as with any new operating system, there will be a period where users are getting to know their new environment and your Service Desk should be in a position to deal with any peak in workload.

07. My users like their current operating system, how do I know they'll respond well to change?
Microsoft seem to have learned from their mistakes. Unlike Vista, Windows 7 has been designed to avoid giving the user too much of a headache. Obviously the change needs to be implemented well - something our Service Management team have vast experience in doing. For a free, no-obligation consultation on how to test the water with something like this, click here

08. Will the change overburden the IT department with training and support costs?
Research by Forrester indicates that training and support costs associated with deploying Windows 7 will not be significant. This is not however, a reason to cut corners when considering the impact on the business of a roll-out, be it full-scale or a proof of concept. There are ways of ensuring impact on the business is minimal, and one of them is working with an experienced partner like Plan-Net. For a free, no-obligation consultation on how to test the water with something like this, click here