eGuard Tech BLOG

Win 7 or Lose 7:

Once again, we are faced with a new operating system by Microsoft that promises many of the technical enhancements that have been promised but not quite delivered in the past.

Windows version 7 will be officially released to the public for sale on Oct 22, 2009.  The promise is that it will deliver many of the enhancements that was promised by Vista, but without the bugs and the bloated operating system core that crippled Vista to a failed operating system.

At eGuard Tech, we have a best practice approach to identifying technology that should be implemented in the small to medium business networks.  Our main objective for recommending a specific software, hardware or technology, is always based on whether or not it will increase efficiency in the workplace or will it cause more troubleshooting headaches.  With regards to software, we usually recommend to wait until the first patch is released.   With Microsoft software technologies, we recommend to wait until the first SP1 is released.  What does SP1 really mean?  It is based on patches that are written to fix the major bugs of the initial release of the software.

Since we are a Microsoft Certified Gold Partner, we have received a copy of Windows 7 for some time now and have been testing it in different network environments.  We have been reviewing Windows 7 stability in our labs as well as on our technician computers for a few months now.   Surprisingly, we have been very impressed with the current performance of the software as well as how compatible it has been with the older versions of software packages.   I believe one of the main reasons why Win 7 is so much more reliable compared to Vista is based on the core technology of Win 7.   The core software is built from Vista, with the modification being designed around the weaknesses of Vista.   So, in essence, the latest version of Windows operating system is basically a very solid and efficient SP1 version of Vista.

There are many good features that make Win 7 a very enticing upgrade for the small and medium business network.   One of the most important enhancements is the additional security that is built into the operating system that will allow for a more secure environment that will reduce the possibility of Malware and Virus infections on the desktop.   One of the major challenges faced by small business networks is the constant fight to keep the network safe of intrusion by hackers and Malware.  Windows 7 will give the small business network an upper hand in this fight.

The infamous “Blue Screen” on Windows XP machines has been addressed in Win 7 with better memory and program management.  It also provides technicians that work on your PCs and network more information for troubleshooting.

As of today, we are VERY  optimistic about the new release of the operating system.  We are still not recommending the OS for businesses until the latest Service Pack (SP1) is released.