With the release of Windows 7, you have probably noticed that there is a new look along with some pretty cool new features. If you are hesitating to make the transition to Windows 7, call us and we will answer any questions you might have about this new operating system.
Windows 7 is loaded with changes including a jumplist, new taskbar, and a better Windows Media Player. What’s more, it has new and improved features you might be unaware of, but are definitely worth knowing:
Security. Windows 7 firewall is now more secure and easier to use. When you connect to a network for the first time, you are prompted to select the type of network you are going to use (Home, Work, or Public). Select the appropriate one, and the firewall settings are automatic and appropriate for that network.
Performance. Windows 7 is faster than XP and Vista, and requires less powerful hardware for better performance. We have loaded Windows 7 on old laptops and desktops that did not work well with Vista and they work great now. The benefit to businesses is that you can adopt Windows 7 without looking at a big hardware upgrade bill.
Laptop Features. Finally, when you tell your laptop to hibernate, shut down, or sleep, it does what you want, unlike XP and Vista (which must have a random action generator built in as a joke!). Battery life and startup times have improved as well. This is a great laptop operating system.
Upgrade Cost. There are many different versions of Windows 7 on the market. We recommend that businesses buy new machines that have Windows 7 Professional, or upgrade existing machines to Professional. The good news is that the cost per desktop for 7 Professional is under $200 per machine, making it a no-brainer upgrade from a cost perspective. All of the systems that we provide to our managed clients as upgrades or desktop replacements come with Windows 7 Professional.
Taskbar. The very much improved taskbar has some very nice features, including preview panes to reveal an X which allows you to close the window. If you hold your cursor over one of these windows, it will automatically increase to a full-sized preview of the program or website. Pinned programs that feature larger icons let you put programs you frequently use on the taskbar and ‘pin’ them there.
Sticky notes. Windows 7 has updated the tradition sticky note by going digital with their Sticky Notes. They can be put on your desktop as little reminders, or even sent through email. The Sticky Notes app can be found by clicking the start button and typing in “sticky”. A new note will appear on your desktop. You can change the font, size, color, and even flip through a number of sticky notes.
Children’s Security Settings. Windows 7 allows you to create different accounts with set restrictions for different users, like your children. You have the ability to set specific times of day the computer can be used, how long it can be used for, and what games each family member can play (based on game ratings). You can also set up filters so they will get an error message if they attempt to access an “adult” rated game. To set up these accounts, go to the Control Panel and click Change User Account Settings.
Calculator. Windows 7 amped up their bare-bones calculator and can be operated in four modes: Standard, Scientific, Programmer, and Statistics. It can convert Celsius to Fahrenheit, ounces to grams, and joules to BTUs. Furthermore, it has templates for calculating miles per gallon, auto leases, mortgage payments and a unit conversion utility for measurements such as area length, time, velocity, and weight.
Device Stage. The Device Stage allows you to simplify connections to a camera, printer, or cell phone to your PC. Instead of the generic device icon in the system tray, a screen with color pictures of the device pops up and displays all of its applications and services, in addition to helpful links, user manuals, and the device homepage. You can then minimize the device to the Taskbar and access information by right-clicking and using Jump Lists. The Device Stage works for Windows 7 compatible devices connected using USB, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi.
Problem Steps Recorder. This new feature is for the IT pro or tech-savvy user who often helps co-workers or friends with their computer problems. Problem Steps Recorder can record, step-by-step, what a user is trying to do and then creates an HTML slideshow of the actions, with descriptions of what took place. The file can then be sent through email to the person who needs help. This app can be found by searching “PSR” in the Start search field.
Desktop Themes. Windows 7 introduced a plethora of new background, screen savers, border colors, and sounds from artists all over the world. The themes range from stunning landscapes, architecture, and nature, and have more downloadable themes that include Pepsi, Ferrari, and the new Avatar movie. To access themes, right click anywhere on the desktop and click “Personalize.”
Netflix. If you have a Netflix membership, you can watch movies in the Windows Media Center. The Netflix option should be in your Windows 7 Media Center, but if it isn’t, you can go to Task > Settings> General > Automatic Download Options to manually install it. You can sign up there and try Netflix for free if you aren’t already a member. You can scroll through streaming movies in your Instant Queue and watch them in Windows Media Center. Windows Silverlight is required to take advantage of this feature.
If you would like to know how Windows 7 can help your business be more productive and secure, or have equipment that needs to be upgraded or replaced, give us a call and we can share how some of our clients have used our programs to do low cost, or no-cost upgrades to Windows 7 with us. Δ