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1029usr078198
Forum Admin
USA
333 Posts |
 Posted - November 02 2009 : 21:16:44
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Listen now. or Download the archive.
Windows 7 Is Here!
We couldn't fit it all into one week, so here's week 2's notes about Windows 7:
"Homegroups" is a feature that makes networking easier. You choose what you want to share, add a password, and other Windows 7 computers can join the homegroup. When they do, all that stuff you wanted to share instantly becomes available to them. For security, you can choose whether other people are allowed to change your stuff or not.
OK, you can use the libraries and homegroups features to enjoy music and videos on other Windows 7 computers while you're at home. What if you're not at home? In that case, you can use the remote media streaming feature to listen to your favorite tunes from a hotel room. It takes a little bit of setup the first time you use it, but after that, it just works.
When you have problems, can you describe what you were doing before it happened? With the new Windows 7 Problem Steps Recorder, you can record how to reproduce the problem you're having and then email that result to someone like me who can help you fix it. That way, if you don't know all the right words to accurately communicate your problem, it doesn't matter so much because when your computer guy gets the recorder's report, he can see what you did. The Problem Steps Recorder doesn't record your keystrokes, so if the problem you're having only happens when you type certain things, you'll have to either annotate the report or just tell the technician.
Finally, and there are more features than we could cover in a month, many people didn't upgrade from Windows XP to Vista because they were concerned about compatibility. These concerns were warranted in Vista's early days, and still are but to a much lesser extent now. The main thing seems to be drivers for the 64-bit versions. But, if programs won't run right in Vista, or websites don't look right with Internet Explorer 8, and you have Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate, you can download Windows XP Mode. In this mode, you can seamlessly run Windows XP programs in Windows XP! This is not a downgrade, it's a simulated second computer running regular, everyday Windows XP. So there's no reason I can think of not to upgrade as long as you have the right hardware. For Windows Vista owners, I'd say this is a no-brainer. If you bought a new computer recently that came with Vista and a free upgrade voucher, now's the time to redeem that voucher. They'll only be honored until I believe March of 2010, and are on a first come, first served basis. Now, how to upgrade: If you have Vista, you can do an actual upgrade as long as you're going from 32-bit Vista to 32-bit Windows 7 or from 64-bit Vista to 64-bit Windows 7. Don't worry which one you have, both editions are in the retail upgrade version box. There's a special family pack of Windows 7 Home Premium, available on Microsoft's website, and also in retail stores. The family pack lets you upgrade three computers in your house to Windows 7 Home Premium for only $30 more than the cost of a single copy. If you have Windows XP, you'll have to migrate to Windows 7 rather than upgrade to it. An upgrade is not an available option. Upgrading means you install Windows 7 and all your files and settings are there when you get done. Migrating means that you have to make a backup of your files and settings prior to the installation. After you install Windows 7, you put those files and settings back where they came from. Check the show notes for links to everything we've talked about, both this week and last.
Links
Remote Media Streaming:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/features/remote-media-streaming
Problem Steps Recorder:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/How-do-I-use-Problem-Steps-Recorder
Windows 7's XP Mode:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/features/windows-xp-mode
Upgrading From Windows XP to Windows 7:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/help/upgrading-from-windows-xp-to-windows-7
Upgrading From Windows Vista to Windows 7:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/help/upgrading-from-windows-vista-to-windows-7
Windows 7 System Requirements:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/system-requirements
Windows Help Site (General):
http://www.windows.com/help
Windows 7 Help Site:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/help |
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10/30/2009-Windows 7 Spectacular, Pt. 2
