Rollout Windows 7 for Faster, Better-Protected Systems
Windows 7 was released October 22nd, 2009.
Many businesses plan to wait until 2010 to upgrade. That gives you time to coordinate a proper rollout, and prepare your systems for their transition to Windows 7.
PlanetMagpie is aware of this trend.
Which is why we're preparing now to take care of our clients' Windows 7 installations.
New Tools in Windows 7 – The Best of XP, Wireless Freedom
Why are we planning ahead? Because several new features in Windows 7 will have a big impact on the way offices run.
- XP Mode
Still keeping some computers on Windows XP so you can use older software? No longer necessary. Windows 7 includes XP Mode, a way to run a version of XP within the Win 7 desktop. (Professional and Ultimate versions.)
- Transfer Wireless Settings
Can't remember your WEP/WPA key? Windows 7 lets you backup your wireless settings to a USB drive and import them to another computer. Not just another Win 7 computer though – you can import wireless settings into XP and Vista systems as well.
--The How-To Geek has a great step-by-step tutorial on how to do this: Backup & Import Your Wireless Settings in Windows 7
- Libraries File Management
Using Libraries in Windows 7 will help out every office manager, systems admin and HR pro out there. Instead of managing files in separate folders everywhere, Win 7 Libraries let you group similar documents (financial sheets, customer records) from various places into one virtual "Library."
Even if those documents are stored in different folders, other drives…even multiple computers.
Windows 7 System Requirements
- 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
- 1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
- 16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
- DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver
Visit
http://windows.microsoft.com/systemrequirements for more detailed requirements.
Improvements Over Previous OS Versions
The biggest complaint with Windows Vista was the seemingly-endless succession of UAC prompts. In Windows 7 this whole system has been redone. Streamlined down to give fewer alerts.
If that's not enough, here's a quick way to reduce the number of UAC prompts in Windows 7:
- Type "uac" into the Start menu search box. You'll be presented with a slider bar.
- Drag the slider down to reduce alert frequency.
- (Note: You may be warned that you're decreasing the computer's security level).
The Enterprise Advantage
You have two advantages when working with PlanetMagpie. First, since we're a Microsoft Gold Partner, we're able to purchase Windows 7 Enterprise for clients. (This version of Windows 7 is only available through
Microsoft Software Assurance.)
Second, our engineers have been testing Windows 7 since it was in beta. So we know the ins and outs for solid deployment, security tests and remote configuration.
PlanetMapgie's Windows 7 Services
Rollout Plans. These are the steps we use in OS rollouts for clients.
- Verify current systems are Windows 7-capable. Recommend hardware upgrades/replacement PCs if some aren't capable.
- The rule of thumb is, if the system can support Vista, it'll support Windows 7. See above for the Windows 7 Systems Requirements.
- Do a software audit, to make sure the applications you use now will work under 7.
- (If not, we'll recommend installing XP Mode on those computers that need to use those applications.)
- Plan schedules for upgrades in shifts, so workplace hours aren't disrupted.
- Deploy Windows 7, and test the newly-upgraded computers afterward for compatibility.
Remote Configuration. Thanks to the new Powershell and remote connections, we can configure dozens of computers to your specifications simultaneously. Set up everyone with their respective network logins. Protect against security leaks and crashes by locking down unnecessary access.
Network Security. If you're planning a Windows Server 2008 or SBS 2008 upgrade at the same time, the network connections between desktop/server (and server/Internet) must be re-established and tested. These are the safest operating systems yet – but they're new. Hackers and viruses will try their hardest to find exploits…if you give them the chance.
MS Partner Support. PlanetMagpie offers monthly SLAs (
Service Level Agreements) to take care of regular support needs – backups, system maintenance, patch deployment, etc.
Call on us to make the Windows 7 upgrade smoother than the Vista upgrade. Call our IT Consulting Department at 408-341-8770 or email us at
ITconsulting@planetmagpie.com.
