Guy Recommends

A solution to monitor, manage and archive thousands of events that are generated by devices across the entire network.
Download FREE trial

Microsoft's Windows Version 7

Review of Microsoft Windows 7

Whereas it was easy to find fault with many aspects of Vista, there has been nothing but praise for Windows 7. Microsoft have soaked up the punishing criticism of Vista and tackled each and every shortcoming with zeal. As a result is it's now a pleasure to use Windows 7, whereas grappling with Vista made many users hanker for their old XP.

Windows Version 7 Topics

Windows 7 New Features

It's worth checking out the full list of new features if only to give you fresh ideas. Guy bets that you will find one item that you did not know existed, and another element that you had forgotten about. In my own case I regarded a number of the features as planting seeds of ideas many of which will germinate over the next few months. Examples, Taskbar has a new look and feel, User Account Control gives a better balance, HomeGroup (Home Network) and AppLocker for domain users. See more on Window 7 New Features

Libraries

This new feature of Folders really does make it easier to find and organize your documents, music and pictures. See more on Windows 7 Libraries.

Windows 7 Upgrade from Vista

The first consideration is to what extent does your existing hardware support Windows version 7? Another key question with Windows version 7 is, 'What to do about 64-bit hardware, software and drivers'. If you are unsure if a computer can be successfully upgraded, then call for the aptly named, Microsoft Assessment and Planning (MAP) Toolkit. See more on upgrading from Vista or XP to Windows 7

Improvements to the UAC (User Account Control)

Understand the goals for elevated privileges and how they have been refined in Windows 7. See how to control the UAC via the control panel.

Ten Executables in Windows7

Windows 7 and PowerShell 2.0.

Windows 7 now has PowerShell 2.0 built-in. No longer to you have to download .Net Framework and PowerShell before you can use this superior command-line configuration language. PowerShell in Windows 7

Windows 7 Registry Tweaks

If you want to combine business with pleasure, merge fun and learning about the registry, then try these Windows 7 registry tweaks: display the build number, check the registered owner.

Guy Recommends: The Orion Network Performance Monitor (NPM) 9.5

Orion's performance monitor is designed for detecting network outages. This NPM will guide you through troubleshooting by indicating whether the root cause is a broken link, faulty equipment or resource overload. Because it produces network-centric views, it is intuitive to navigate, and as result you can see easily what's working and what's not.

Perhaps Orion's best feature is the way it suggests solutions. Moreover, if problems arise out of the blue, then you can configure Orion NPM 9.5 to notify members of your team what's changed and how to fix it.

If you are interested in testing a professional performance monitor on your network, then I recommend that you take advantage of Solarwinds' offer of a download a free trial of Orion's Network Performance Monitor.

Review of Microsoft Virtual PC 2007 SP1

Virtual PC 2007 is an intuitive program, which saves you the bother of buying new hardware. I find it particularly useful for testing new operating systems such as Windows 7.

If you are a newbie trust me; this is an easy and rewarding program, what's more its free.

Windows 7 Milestones

Microsoft started with a master plan for Windows 7. In true project management style they broke the task down into steps, consequently, as the development team delivers a major component, so a milestone is reached. Windows 7 Milestone 3 is likely to be in May 2008 when RC (Release Candidate) will be available to the public.

See more about Microsoft Virtual PC 2007

Versions of Microsoft Windows that I have been involved with:

Windows 7 Ultimate (Build 7600) October 2009
Windows 7 RTM (Build 7600) August 2009
Windows 7 RC (Build 7100) May 2009
Windows 7 Beta (Build 7048) March 2009
Windows 7 Beta (Build 7000) February 2009

Vista SP2 2008
Vista SP1 Beta September 2007
Vista general release of all editions January 30th 2007
Vista Business edition released to manufacturers December 2006
Vista 5728 October 2006
Vista RC2 Build 5600 September 2006
Beta 2 5536 August 2006
Beta 2 5308 March 2006
Beta 2 5270 January 2006
Beta 2 5231 Winter 2005
Beta 1 5112 Summer 2005
(Longhorn 5112)

Microsoft Windows Version 7 Topics

Guy Recommends: Orion's NPM - Network Performance Monitor

Orion's performance monitor is designed for detecting network outages. A network-centric view make it easy to see what's working, and what needs your attention.

This utility guides you through troubleshooting by indicating whether the root cause is faulty equipment or resource overload.

Download a free trial of the Network Performance Monitor

Please report a broken link, or an error.

Guy's Top 10 Free Tools