We strive to stay abreast of trends and lead with knowledge for our clients. As a Microsoft Gold Partner, we received advanced licensing of Windows 7 Enterprise and upgraded this month. Since 2006, we’ve run Vista and had no issues even though it was much maligned by the media – swaying the general public.

The following are some recommendations and tips:

Windows Server 2008 and Vista/Windows 7 go together. The main reason is the networking for both has been rewritten from the ground up and provides much more speed. There is no issue in mixing desktops or servers to access Windows Server 2003 or 2008. Note, that Windows Server 2008 R2 has the Windows 7 interface and the plain Windows Server 2008 has the Vista interface.

Seasoned administrators who manage environments with Group Policy will quickly recognize that folder redirection is done for “Documents” and not “My Documents” as in Windows XP.

For most, you’ll want Windows 7 Professional on new hardware if you currently have Windows XP or you can upgrade from Vista in approximately 30 minutes. Stay with the 32bit version unless you have applications that support 64bit.

The quickest way to find a program is to start typing on the find menu, rather than the slow and tired Start/Programs/etc. of Windows XP.

Learn to pin common shortcuts and programs to the jump list for quick access and you can preview a Window by simply hovering over it in the taskbar.

If you have to provide directions often, use the Snippet Tool and you’ll be amazed.

Try the XP Mode if you have a legacy application that doesn’t seem to run, but we haven’t found one yet.

Do you remember 2001? Well that was when Windows XP was released. In terms of technology, that’s a lifetime. Mac/Linux may be as vocal and witty as ever, but they still have tiny market share because of mainstream incompatibility, lacking manageability, significant learning curve, and emerging security issues. Give Windows 7 a try on your next PC.

Published by Kevin Fream

Many people don't understand their current situation and become frustrated in business and life, so I created the Delta Method and wrote the #1 Best-Seller "Change Your Game" - as featured at Harvard and NASDAQ as well as national TV news. Streamline your technology for competitive advantage using vetted IT support and take a divergent approach to personal growth. View all posts by Kevin Fream