Information about Windows 7

Jist

Windows 7 is overall better then Windows XP. Windows XP may be a little bit faster in some
areas then Windows 7 but when it comes to overall performance and security Windows 7 is
better. You can NOT upgrade inplace to Windows 7 from XP.To install Windows 7 on an XP partition you need to custom install and wipe the XP instalation. That means you loose all data on that partition, so backup first.Otherwise use another drive or partition.

+ Home Group - This allows for simple networking of computers. All you have to do is give each computer the passcode and then they can share files.
+ You have the ability to "snap" windows to the side and top of the screen just by clicking on the bar and taking your mouse over to the side. This allows you to show two documents side by side.
+ The calculator now has many different modes including scientific, programmer, and statistics.
+ By hitting the windows key on your keyboard and then typing any word you want to search for, Windows 7 will quickly populate all applications and documents that have those words. No longer do you need to browse through multiple files to find the program or document you need.
Play To Option Play music, photos, and videos from your PC to media devices connected to your home network.so you can send media from your PC to other compatible devices in your home.
Windows Touch Option Ever wish you could just point at what you want and move things around with your hand? With a touch-sensitive screen and Windows 7, you can use your fingers to do more with your touch screen PC.

What are (some of) the disadvantages to upgrading and the Windows 7 operating system itself?

Full re-image of all PC’s Many in the IT world who have already had the opportunity to tinker with the RC have advised that it is in the best interests of end-users to completely wipe XP from the machine and begin with Windows 7. I obviously can’t warranty this having not had the opportunity to work with Windows 7 Enterprise, however the concept does not seem too far fetched. Granted, an upgrade from XP is possible, however the surest solution for compatibility will always be a full installation. If the computer had previously been upgraded from an even older version of Windows (i.e. 95, 98, NT, ME, etc.) prior to XP, a complete install in lieu of an upgrade would pretty much be mandatory. Either way, if a firm decides that it is best to start fresh with a Windows 7 install, this can require extensive labor and downtime for end-users. Again, whether a full install occurs or not will be unique to each firm’s IT policies, staff, resources and upgrade path.
“Runs great on…expensive, high end hardware.”I use Linux primarily, however I also run Vista 64-bit and it is lightning fast, applications load instantly and I have never had the system lock-up or crash in 9 months. Why? I have an Intel Extreme Quad Core QX9650 with 8 GB of RAM. With these specifications it should obviously have no problem running smoothly. This type of hardware profile, with all the bells and whistles enabled, is not practical for a law firm to deploy to every end user just to have their operating system run smoothly. It would cost a small fortune to run even a law firm with 50 employees. In order to run Windows 7 at full speed, a firm may have to invest in substantially greater hardware than they are accustomed to or would normally purchase. The Intel Core 2 Duo with 2 GB of RAM that was once so coveted could probably run Vista Basic, but without the effects and gloss that users are really looking for. While Windows 7 has improved upon system performance since the release of Vista, the hardware that once comfortably ran XP may need a tune up.
Vendor, where art thou? Not every vendor can fully support Windows 7 right out of the box, and software conflicts or issues could easily develop (thus, the suggestion that a firm discuss it with their vendors in advance and testing in a VM). Hardware drivers, such as printers, scanners, copiers and digital cameras, will also need to be reviewed for compliance.

Ultimately, what should a firm do?

No matter what direction the firm chooses, I would strongly suggest an 8 month evaluation of Windows 7. While this might seem excessive, for large law firms with hundreds of users (and different machine configurations, remote access, servers, etc.) this is a vital step. It is imperative that an operating system upgrade not be rushed in any capacity, both for end users and the IT infrastructure that must exist in support of it.

First and foremost, purchase a copy of Windows 7 when it is available and test for at least 3 months using VirtualBox or another virtual machine tool. The test should include an installation of all firm related software that could be used by anyone at the firm, to include attorneys, paralegals, IT and litigation support. Build a Concordance database. Test the viewer functionality of IPRO. OCR a batch of documents using LAW. Import a series of transcripts using LiveNote. Test the newest features of CaseMap 8. Create a new set of issues in a Summation iBlaze project. Evaluate Outlook’s performance with the variety of plug-ins and tools currently employed. Basically, test the software within the practical environment that it will live in.

Second, after a thorough testing in the incubator of a VM, deploy a Windows 7 upgrade to a batch of users that represent a solid sampling of the firm. This would include a representative group from every area of the firm, from the computer systems in the mail room to the equity partners and firm administration. Surveys should be conducted before the upgrade to review expectations, and should also be completed incrementally as they gain exposure to the new Windows 7 environment. The duration of this program would depend on the needs of the firm, and this time frame offers an excellent opportunity to review the training program that all users will be provided with. An upgrade to Windows 7 also brings along many other upgrades, such as the latest version of Internet Explorer. The IT Dept. will also benefit from the initial testing, as there are several software upgrades that need to be implemented to maximize the functionality of Windows 7 for end-users. The extra time enables troubleshooting to occur in a limited scope.

Third, speak with all vendors or software providers who have solutions currently deployed and employed within the firm. Will they be supporting Windows 7? When and to what degree? Have they tested their product using the latest RC? Were there any known issues? Do support contracts need to be re-negotiated because of an operating system upgrade? How knowledgeable are their staff in using Windows 7 and what type of training program have they been exposed to? All of these questions are best asked as early in the Windows 7 upgrade process as possible.

Fourth, evaluate existing hardware solutions, review for compliance and discuss with the firm leadership the potential costs associated with the upgrade (i.e. the need to possibly purchase new hardware or upgrades). This is also an extremely important factor for firms that have multiple offices. Many firms might arrive at the conclusion that an upgrade to Windows 7 would be possible and best for their users, however the potential cost in upgrading new equipment may price the solution out of the market.

Recommendation #1: Please keep in mind, an upgrade is not required, at least not until support for XP ends in 2014. However, if your firm is currently using Windows XP and you have decent hardware already in place, upgrade gradually and offer users a variety of training resources (web, print, live).
Recommendation #2: If your firm adopted Vista as a primary solution, an upgrade to Windows 7 will provide a few new features, but it is by no means mandatory. For firms in this position, or one with a mix of both XP and Vista systems, it may be in your best interest to wait until the release of the Windows 7 SP1 or even SP2.

Overall, although an upgrade will take time, money, teamwork, project management and manpower, the ultimate goal of the upgrade must be evaluated against whether or not it provides users with a stronger solution than the one currently in place. Firms will have to decide for themselves and evaluate each factor independently. This is a very exciting time in the world of computing, especially as resources previously thought unfathomable within an operating system are now being included within the product itself. Microsoft is slowly emerging a product that can become a “complete” offering, in the sense that it meets many of the needs others turn to third party providers for. While there are advantages and disadvantages to an upgrade, if Windows 7 is well received, the life of the product could be twice as long as XP.
Ref :-Microsoft , pC world..