My favourite addition to Windows 7 is the XP Compatibility mode, which is essentially a copy of XP Professional running in the background for your application. I’m hoping this new feature will keep the older apps going strong (such as my Quickbooks 2006, which didn’t run properly on the first Windows 7 beta). Some archaic web-based applications require old, insecure browsers such as Internet Explorer 6, which can now be run alongside the packaged Internet Explorer 8.

Microsoft has also confirmed downgrade rights for Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate Edition, in case you need to go to an older version of Winhttp://www.grkmicro.ca/wp-admin/options-general.phpdows for compatibility reasons (or sanity!). Here are a few previous editions they’re allowing:

• Windows Vista Business
• Windows Vista Ultimate
• Windows XP Professional (both 32bit & 64bit)
• Windows XP Tablet PC Edition

Along with preserving downgrade functionality, there’s a few changes and additions to Windows 7 I’m welcoming:

• Autorun only works on optical media (CDs, DVDs), disabled on USB drives
• Pinned applications replace the Quick Launch bar: Shortcuts on the taskbar that are only visible when the program isn’t running
• Increased screen colour depth to 48-bit
• User Account Control (Vista’s cancel-or-allow) provides more options than full or no security, and is disabled by default
• Upgraded utils such as Wordpad (OpenDocument support) and Calculator (now multi-line!)

Of course the new version of Windows does have some downsides. A few things have been removed which may irk some users:

• Classic Start Menu (as opposed to the new version with My Computer, Documents, etc)
• Ability to Hide the Taskbar or disable program grouping
• Network Connection activity in system tray
• Ability to manage multiple programs on the taskbar at once
• The venerable NTBackup utility

Despite the shortfalls, I’m really hoping Windows 7 is the major improvement over Vista as Microsoft is toting.. otherwise how long are we going to be running Windows XP for?

Why should a computer service company have a blog? Good question. For one, it gives me an outlet for news and other things I think you folks would find useful (or get a kick out of at least!). On the other hand, it also gives you some extra interaction with us and others in the community. That’s why we’ve got comments enabled. If you’ve got your own slant on what we’re talking about, you can include it here as well.

What should you expect here? We’ve got tips on keeping your systems up to date, news about new viruses to watch out for, and new technology you may be interested in. We’ll also be keeping you apprised in what’s going on with us in the area.

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That should just about cover it for now. If you’ve got any questions, comments or suggestions, you know where to find us!