Assignment 2: Windows 7 Upgrade

On Thursday October 22, 2009 Microsoft launched its new operating system called Windows 7. Its key features are:
· Home Group (Shares files)
· Jump List
· Snap (resizes windows)
· Windows Live Essentials (7 programs to choose from)
· Window Search
· Window Taskbar (less cluttered )
· Full 64 bit Support
· More personal Desktop Themes
· Performance improvements (wakes up and shuts down faster)
· Play to Play Media on other PC’s
· Remote Media Streaming
· Windows Touch

Microsoft Windows XP’s key features are:
· Security
· Reliability
· Compatibility
· Performance
· Extensibility
· Portability
· International Support

Windows 7 has some unique features that Windows XP does not have. You can open programs and files you use most in just a click or two if you are using Windows 7. You can navigate lots of open windows more quickly and resize the open windows that you cannot do in Window XP. Windows 7 is designed for faster sleep and wake-up mode than the slow-to-wake-up mode of Windows XP. Windows 7 has Home Group that allows for easy share files among multiple PCs at home and it simplifies managing printers, cameras and other devices. A really nifty feature is the ability to touch and tap the screen with rather than point and click with a mouse using XP. You can also play or stream music, videos and photos around your house to other devices such as TVs or other computers. Windows 7 has more personalized desktop themes and gadgets than Windows X. Finally you can connect to music and photos on your home PC while away from home when using Windows 7.
XP can do the main things Windows 7 can do like communicate and share photos, emails and IM programs. You can browse the web easily with both systems, run lots of programs at once, and watch and record TV on your PC.

According to PC World magazine there are a few things one should be aware of before upgrading to Windows 7. You can’t upgrade directly from Windows XP to Windows 7. However, you can upgrade from Windows Vista. If you download a free version of Windows Vista for a 30-day trial period you can use it to migrate from Vista to Windows 7. They do state that it is always recommended that you do a clean install rather than this two-step migration. If you have an old printer and other equipment that you use with your computer you should use Windows 7 Upgrade Advisory Tool. Windows 7 also offers an Easy Transfer Tool to transfer all your data.


In three years Microsoft will debut create a new operating system called Windows 8 in 2012. I think this constant changing in software, operating systems and technology in general really keeps school technology programs on their toes. I am not sure at this time I would recommend an upgrade to Windows 7 operating system for two reasons. I am not sure that schools need to have the new and improved operating systems to teach the students the skills they need to teach them for the 21st Century Learning. I think Windows XP or Windows Vista will get the job done just as well. Most learners today are able to easily transfer skills from one system to another. They are used to figuring out how things work and many have access to new system upgrades at home. I think the changes in the operating system seem to be easily learned and Windows XP offers the basics of Windows to teach students and prepare them for the technology world.

Sites:
Windows 7: Fact Sheet
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/presskits/windows7/docs/Win7EndUserFS.doc

PC World : Things you should Know about Upgrading
http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/174282/five_things_you_should_know_about_upgrading_from_xp_to_windows_7.html


NetWork World: Five Things You Should Know http://www.networkworld.com/news/2009/102909-five-things-you-should-know.html


Livebinders: EDU 5250 Assignment 2http://livebinders.com/play/play?id=4736

EDU 5250 Assignment 2 Windows 7 stack