Windows 7 - What you need to know...
Top 12 things that apply to you!
By Christopher Diachok, MCP, MCSE, MCT, MCTS: BDD, MCTS: Hyper-V MCTS: Vista, MCITP: EST, MCITP: EA
With the Release Candidate of Windows 7 now available, CMS Senior Consultant Christopher Diachok, takes you through the top reasons why Windows 7 is important and what you should know when looking at the software as a possible solution for your organization.
Get to know what’s in it for you - Christopher lists the key features and capabilities in this new desktop operating system.
1. BitLocker and BitLocker To Go
BitLocker To Go offers data protection on portable storage, such as USB flash drives. In addition, BitLocker Drive Encryption and BitLocker To Go can be managed via Group Policy, placing more control over sensitive information in the hands of IT.
2. AppLocker
A new capability that allows IT administrators to specify which applications are permitted to run on a PC. This capability helps you manage license compliance and control access to programs, but also helps reduce the chance of malware running on client PCs.
3. Application Compatibility
Windows 7 is built on the same basic architecture as Windows Vista, so most applications will retain their compatibility between these operating systems. This alone will make adopting Windows 7 much less challenging than migrating from Windows XP to Windows Vista.
4. Hardware Requirements
Windows 7 was designed to perform well on the same hardware that runs Windows Vista well, while delivering additional performance and reliability improvements. In operation, you will find that Windows 7 boots faster and has a smaller memory footprint than Windows Vista.
5. Device Experience
The device experience has been altered in Windows 7 to make it easier for users to work with devices in the new Microsoft operating system. Devices and Printers let users see all connected devices from an option in the Windows 7 Start Menu. Multifunction devices like Multifunction printers show up as a single device in Devices and Printers and not as separate devices like in previous Windows operating systems.
6. Search Federation
Windows 7 enables users to search remote document repositories, SharePoint sites, and Web applications as easily as they search their desktops—through the familiar Windows interface. Windows 7 Search Federation uses an existing public standard named OpenSearch. Users can select which sites are available for searching, or IT can populate the list by Group Policy. Federated search results are presented in Windows explorer much like local files, with rich views, file details, and previews.
7. The Problem Steps Recorder
The Problem Steps Recorder allows end users to reproduce and record their experience with an application failure, with each step recorded as a screen shot along with accompanying logs and software configuration data. A compressed file is then created that can be forwarded to support staff to help troubleshoot the problem.
8. Easier User State Migration
In Windows 7, USMT 4.0 adds a hardlink migration feature for computer refresh scenarios, a capability that stores user data and settings in a common place on a drive, eliminating the need to “physically” move the files during a clean install.
9. Streamlined User Account Control
You can fine-tune the level of notification, warnings, and confirmation prompts you receive when changes are made to your computer that requires administrator-level permission. A slider bar is used to set the desired level and recommendations are provided for each based on the level of security desired.
10. Deploy More Efficiently
Windows 7 includes several tools to streamline the creation and servicing of the deployment image, and to get users up and running as quickly as possible. The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool can perform many functions: mount and unmount system images; add, remove, and enumerate packages and drivers; enable or disable Windows features; configure international settings, and maintain an inventory of offline images that contain drivers, packages features, and software updates. Windows 7 also enables the same processes and tools to be used when managing virtual machine (VHD) and native file-based (WIM) image files.
11. DirectAccess
Windows 7, together with Windows Server 2008 R2, introduces DirectAccess, a new solution that enables users to have the same experience working remotely as they would working in the office. Taking advantage of technologies such as IPv6 and IPSec, DirectAccess provides remote computers with automatic, seamless access to the internal network across the Internet without connecting to a Virtual Private Network (VPN), while providing secure and flexible network infrastructure for enterprises.
12. BranchCache
Windows 7 introduces BranchCache, a technology that caches frequently accessed content from remote file and Web servers in the branch location, so users can access this information more quickly. The cache can be hosted centrally on a server in the branch location, or can be distributed across user PCs. To take advantage of BranchCache, you will need to deploy Windows Server 2008 R2 on the related servers.
Interested in having CMS demonstrate Windows 7?
For a better understanding of the capabilities offered when leveraging Windows 7, CMS Consulting delivers effective demonstrations to all levels of the organization. Contact CMS Consulting today to arrange a demonstration and empower your organization in the decision making process.
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