5 Cool Things to Know about Windows 7

By now, most resellers have had a chance to utilize Beta versions of Windows 7 to become more familiar with the new operating system. With most of the focus being centered on the more visible interface changes such as the redesigned taskbar and features like Auto Shake, it’s important to note that there are many more less obvious improvements that resellers should be made aware.

We have outlined 5 of the more unique and less commonly mentioned features of Windows 7 that were not available in Vista.

XP Mode

One of the biggest concerns many businesses have particularly the small to medium size organizations, that lack full time IT staff, is whether their business critical XP Applications will run properly or run at all under a new operating system such as Windows 7. For these specialized programs that won’t run under Windows 7, users can download XP Mode free from the Microsoft website and run XP applications in an emulated XP environment in Windows 7.

Problem Steps Recorder – Also a Training Tool

One of the best features of Windows 7 that was not available in Vista is the 'Problem Steps Recorder' which lets users record a particular problem they are having with their PC in a series of screens shots which are captured with every mouse click or key stroke so the information can be sent to someone who can help resolve the problem. This is a great feature particularly when you consider the difficulty most people have in describing their particular problem. With the ability to add comments between HTML screen shots, the Problem Steps Recorder can also be used as a training tool to help show users how to perform a particular task or function.

An easier and quicker way to adjust multiple displays

Windows Mobility Center (Win key + P) is another great tool that makes it easier to show your desktop when switching from different displays like external monitors or projectors. This is particularly useful for laptop users who use their notebook to conduct trainings or other types of presentations. Not only can you easily switch between display options but you can also preset your computer to presentation mode which automatically disables your screensaver, sets your wallpaper to neutral, and puts your instant messenger to “Do not disturb” status.
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Biometric device management

In earlier versions of Windows, biometric authentication and management of biometric devices (fingerprint sensors) required third-party software that might or might not integrate well with the OS. Now it’s built in so Windows 7 includes the Windows Biometric Framework, which gives developers an API they can use to build biometrics into applications. Makers of fingerprint sensor hardware, such as UPEK and AuthenTec, worked with Microsoft on the development of the Framework allowing biometric devices to be managed through a Control Panel applet

Faster Boot Times – Better Performance

One of the biggest complaints about Vista was related to the amount of time it took to boot so Microsoft took significant steps to improve this with Windows 7. By reducing the number of system critical services, reducing CPU, RAM, and hard disk overhead as well as by improving prefetching Microsoft dramatically improved the performance of Windows 7.