User Authentication Control has dramatically improved the security, if you choose to leave the feature enabled. UAC was first introduced in Vista, the previous Windows version. It was not well received and suffered from many problems, which eventually forced many users to disable it entirely. Many early users of Windows 7 have chosen to disable this feature and so have the technicians who work with it.
Windows 7 fully supports modern computers running 64bit architecture. “Oh good” says the average user, as he scratches his head wondering what that means. Basically, today’s hardware has a lot of additional power that a traditional 32bit operating system like Windows XP can’t utilize. Windows 7 will run much faster than Windows XP if you were to install it on similar hardware. Generally a newer version will run slower when installed on the same hardware.
“Great! I want to upgrade today” is your first thought. “I want a faster computer, without buying new hardware.” If only that were true…. As you have probably experienced in the past, it isn’t always that easy. While upgrading may improve performance on your computer, there are a whole bunch of reasons that will make you regret this decision. Windows 7 has great support for older devices (printers, scanners, motherboards), but it’s not going to fully support all devices. There are a lot complications that will quickly drive the labour costs thru the roof on even the most basic upgrade. Users need to be fully prepared to replace almost any equipment that is connected or internal to the computer once they decide to upgrade.
“Yeah, I’ve been there before…fine – I’ll stick with trusty old Windows XP.” This can also cause you problems. New software and devices are being designed for Windows 7. With the wide acceptance, some vendors are not supporting Windows XP. In some cases, it’s impossible to support XP because, at it’s core, Microsoft is not supporting XP anymore. Who do you call when you’re a manufacturer of printers and a new design won’t work in Windows XP?
Ok, couple deep breaths…you’ll be fine! If what you have is working well, then stick with it. As soon as you experience problems, have Northern Computer evaluate your existing setup and work towards a solution. There are many costs to consider beyond the purchase price any time you decide to own a computer for work or for home.
Northern Computer staff have been installing Windows 7 computers since it was released and are familiar with many of the common problems. Be prepared, as you would with any new installation. Recently, I completed an install for a customer. Everything had gone very well, until 30 minutes after I left when they plugged in their digital camera to upload photos…Not supported. The only option was to go back to the old computer, downgrade the new computer to Windows XP or purchase a new camera. Downgrading is a terrible option to choose, so the customer purchased a new digital camera. I’m sure they were not happy with this choice, but given the old system was failed they were out of choices.
-Mark S, Network Support Technician
Northern Computer - Your Trusted Partner
#1 - 495 Banks Road Kelowna, BC V1X 6A2
Phone: 250.762.7753 Fax: 250.861.1861 Toll-Free: 1.877.257.2896
Email: sales@northerncomputer.ca or service@northerncomputer.ca
Web: http://www.northerncomputer.ca
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