First off, I’d like to say that Windows 7 is already the fastest-selling version of Microsoft Windows to ever come to market. In just 8 months’ time, Microsoft estimates that over 150,000 (million!) copies have been sold or shipped installed on new computers since October 22, 2009.

By comparison, over 600 million copies of Windows XP have been sold since its introduction in 1991, and even as late as last month (June, 2010) it was still the most prevalent operating system in use worldwide, being used in nearly 55% of all systems.

Poor market reception of XP’s successor, Windows Vista, along with the coincident economic downturn of the last several years have left users, both small business and large corporations in an unusual technological predicament – having held on to an aging and often vulverable operating system much longer than they would have in a more ‘normal’ technological enhancement cycle. So, it’s little wonder that some estimate 75% or more of enterprises are evaluating Windows 7, and small business owners are nearly as willing to go with Windows 7 too.

I have been installing and servicing Windows since before Windows 3.0 came out in 1990 (it was hiding under early versions of Excel back then), and am always surprised that some clients believe they can continue to use the same software FOREVER, and only upgrade because they can no longer buy a computer with the old stuff on it. Equally perplexing is the lack of understanding, and sometimes frustration or even anger (!) that old computer hardware will not support new versions of Windows or the applications that most people really do care about.

If an analogy is any help, we certainly expect to replace automobiles, home entertainment systems, and household appliances, even power tools, as new developments in safety, reliability, energy-savings, convenience or features come along. Think about the cell phone you have today versus the one you had 3-4 years ago, or even 9 years ago…a big difference, eh?

So, let’s look at what really is behind the move to Windows 7.  Let me summarize what I think are the most important reasons to plan to move to Windows 7 before the end of the year:

1. It is much faster to start and shut down Windows 7 than XP, much less Vista. This is a real concern for laptop and netbook users, and most desktop users, too.
2. All the new PCs and peripherals (printers, scanners, all-in-one units, 3/4G mobile adapters, monitors, cordless keyboards, broadband routers, digital cameras, smart phones, touch-screens) come with Windows 7 drivers or built-in support from Microsoft. Connecting to projectors and wireless networks has never been easier.
   You can expect would-be iPad competitors to use Windows 7, too because of the built-in touch-screen support.
3. Online security has always been an issue with Windows XP, while Windows 7 has controls to greatly reduce vulnerabilities to many insidious virus attacks (Fake AntiVirus Pop-ups anyone?) that plague XP, despite constant updates to try to patch the holes.
4. Support – As of July 13, 2010 there is no more support for Windows XP Service Pack 2 from Microsoft, and SP3 support ends in 2014. Sure, few users ever call Microsoft directly, but most all my clients expect updates to address the issues that pop up in Windows XP. So, for users that need to move to SP3 now, it’s a great chance to spend time and money more effectively by moving to Windows 7.
5. Migration assistance: The “XP Mode” in business-class versions of Windows 7 can be used to run older applications that you still need for your business with very little complication…if you must. This is most important for those that need to use multiple, older versions of QuickBooks, or legal time-and-billing software, for example.
   Also, Microsoft makes available, for free, the Windows 7 Easy Transfer tool, which actually can pick up almost all your files AND personalized settings, even all of your Outlook e-mail accounts and messages, from either Windows XP or Vista, and bring them into Windows 7.
   I’ve used this myself and it work remarkably well, greatly reducing the time it takes to move to Windows 7.

In future posts, I’ll discuss the specific requirements for a computer to run Windows 7 – both the minimum and the “real” requirements, along with some of the features that I and my client are finding clever, helpful and even fun to use.

MTH

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Not every location and every application lends itself to this über-cool technology, however. I just wanted to give a couple of do’s and don’ts of wireless technology:

DO
Purchase the fastest (RangeMax, MiMo, SpeedBooster) router and adapters (USB, PCI
or PCCard) that you can afford. Those with the spec “802.11g or 802.11n” are the
best, as they provide greater coverage and stronger reception than 802.11b
Have encryption enabled on both the router and adapters — unless you want all your
neighbors to use your high-speed Internet connection for free!
Configure your Windows or Mac networks to have a workgroup name different from
the defaults (MSHome, Workgroup, etc.), so others cannot easily hack in
Purchase a router with built-in firewall functionality – or – enable the built-in firewall
in later versions of Windows (XP) and MacOS – or – purchase an add-on firewall
software product from McAfee, Norton/Symantec, Panda, Trend, etc.
Use range extenders or repeaters to propagate signals to harder-to-reach spots;
there are several products that either stand alone, or even work through the
electrical wiring to boost signals or overcome building obstacles
Have at least one computer in your network connected to the router by Ethernet
cable

DON’T
Expect the same degree of reliability on the wireless net as with Ethernet cabling
Use free firewall or spyware software downloaded from the Internet
Expect good reception in old buildings with heavy wooden beams, lath-and-plaster
walls, concrete floors between stories, through kitchens with metal appliances,
or rooms with floor-to-ceiling metal file cabinets, safes, A/C equipment
Be afraid to mix wired and wireless networking. A working wired network that is
neat looking can be augmented with wireless workstations just fine
Pick an encryption key that you cannot remember! WEP-64 keys are 10 digits long,
which is the same length as a standard telephone number. Other schemes use
“passphrases” to generate keys, which might be easier to disseminate
Forget that an unsecured network, while convenient for you, creates an
attractive opportunity for computer bad guys to compromise security

There’s much more to know about wireless networks, and I’d like to invite you and your referrals to call us at (415) 531-4656 to set up an appointment to investigate the use of wireless networks in your own location.

… Mike