Upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7
Microsoft Corporation has already come up with its latest version of operating system and it seems the time is apt for upgrading to Windows 7. Those having a Windows XP must definitely go for Windows 7 upgrade as Microsoft is going to stop support for Windows XP very soon. As for Windows Vista users, there is no immediate urgency as Windows 7 is compatible to all those applications and hardware that Windows Vista is compatible to. But since Windows 7 is the new version of Microsoft’ operating system it is bound to have some features absent in its earlier versions.
Unlike Windows Vista users, Windows XP users have no time to think it through. There are four important reasons for this sense of urgency and they are
● Microsoft’ support for Windows XP is ending in April 2014. After the deadline, the Windows XP users would not be getting any security fixes.
● Applications developed for Windows XP would diminish soon. In addition, there are reports that applications developed in 2012 would not support Windows XP at all.
● A successful migration to Windows 7 might take 18 months. And with clock ticking on Windows XP, Windows XP users have to start moving quickly.
● Downgrade rights from Windows 7 to XP will not last forever, so buying XP for new PCs could eventually get expensive.
However, not all companies feel the need of migrating soon. For instance, Aaron Suzuki, CEO of Seattle-based Prowess Corp says, “Based on the feedback we’ve gotten back from customers, they just don’t have this sense of urgency, and they don’t always feel that a timeline is critical, and a lot of them are just waiting for their ISVs to take care of the issues so that they don’t have to do crazy app compat things and come up with wild workarounds.” What Mr. Suzuki has to say about the migration to Windows 7 is definitely right. Compared to migration of Windows Vista to Windows 7 whose system requirements is similar to that of Windows 7, migration from Windows XP to windows 7 is going to be a pain in the neck for companies and enterprises. The following are some of the pain points associated with migration to Windows 7.
● Windows XP users cannot directly update to Windows 7 as the system requirements of Windows 7 is different from that of Windows XP. Therefore, the only way is to go for a custom or clean installation.
● The downside of custom installation is that it is a long process. The users have to backup entire hard drive, install Windows 7, restore the backup data and reinstall all Windows programs.
● Organizations would take around 18 months of waiting, testing and planning before it can start deploying Windows 7.
● Those using old printers, old graphics card and other outdated devices might face problem, as these devices might not work with Windows 7.
However, since migration to Windows 7 is an inevitable step for all companies and organizations, the best thing that the companies can do is to seek the help of IT service desk and get started soon.
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