5 features to prepare for Windows 7

Network Administration - Over 8 years of age, Windows XP is still used for 71% of PCs, according to a recent report collected from Forrester. That translated for millions of users that Microsoft had to convince them to upgrade to Vista or to the upcoming Windows 7 version .

This has proved to be an easy task, especially in the business sector. The level of satisfaction with Windows XP of IT professionals combined with an economic downturn is dragging this shift. In a recent survey of more than 1,100 IT professionals from Dimensional Research, 72% of them said they were more worried about upgrading to Windows 7 than still using the outdated Windows XP operating system. .

The moment has scored for Windows XP. This operating system will soon be pushed out of mainstream support in a life cycle cycle of each Microsoft product, which means that IT workers need to have Premier support contact with Microsoft to have Get 'non-security' patches and pay for them.

In addition, OEMs and system designers can only obtain copies of Windows XP to pre-load on PCs until June 30, 2009.

Benjamin Gray, an analyst with Forrester Research, wrote in a recent report that ' most independent software vendors are expecting to get additional support for Windows 7 early next year. Companies do not want them to use operating systems that are not mainstreamly supported by their manufacturers . '

Gray advised companies to start planning now by migrating to Vista and considering it as a bridge to north to Windows 7, or at least test applications and hardware compatible with Windows Vista - it will be easier to upgrade to Windows 7 since both operating systems are written on the same code base.

In Forrester's report, he also mentioned five Windows 7 features that people interested in IT need to understand at this time.

DirectAccess : One of the most popular enterprise features in Windows 7, DirectAccess, based on Windows Server 2008 R2, IPv6-over-IPsec technology and the promise to make users connect to any corporate network when they are online - no need to use VPN. Help IT managers better manage remote employees, promising them to be connected to the network more often to update patches and software upgrades.

BranchCache : BranchCache speeds up remote file access for employees in branch offices by storing a copy of local files after employees access them from the corporate network. The BranchCache feature is also based on Windows Server 2008 R2, and will come in two forms: an internal cache configured on the server or on branch computers running Windows directly.

BitLocker To Go : This encryption feature helps extend Vista's BitLocker Drive feature, which encrypts hard drives on laptop computers, securely protects data on USB drives and other external drives. With BitLocker To Go, access to data on removable drives is restricted only to users who authenticate via passwords.

AppLocker : This feature is equipped to limit employees running unauthenticated software that may lead to malware infection. It allows IT administrators to specify through Group Policy exactly what is allowed to run on their systems, allowing users to be confident in the applications and programs they are running. agreement.

Federated search : In Windows 7, the search in Windows Explorer will be expanded with the help of search technology on corporate network and intranet data. Through libraries in Windows 7, search results will also spread across different file types, folders, hard drives and PCs. In addition, the federated search will allow users to create search connector sets for internal and external sites, making it easier to find web applications and documents in SharePoint.