Q: I have seen a lot about Microsoft's Windows 7, but will this be the same let down as Vista?

A: Windows 7 is the latest release of Microsoft's operating system and will be available from the 22nd October 2009.

When Vista was first launched it received negative feedback because of compatibility issues and slow speed on some PCs. Over time the technical issues went away but the perception such negative publicity gave it did not.
Windows 7 shares a lot of the core technology of Vista and fixes nearly every bad thing said about Vista. In terms of new technology, Windows 7 does not innovate but gives reliability and confidence as a stable platform.
The biggest improvements made is the user interface enhancements, particularly the expanded search facility allowing users to find documents, files and programs quickly and easily.

There are new features as well including the Windows Taskbar - simplifies working with your applications and files. Jump Lists creates shortcuts to the documents you access frequently and documents you've used recently. The Snap feature allows you to easily compare two documents through dragging the windows to the edges of the screen, automatically filling half the screen.

The hardware requirements are similar to Vista; the first time a new OS that has been launched that does not require significantly more horsepower than the previous one.
In terms of price it is comparable with Vista. If you have purchased a new PC recently you should have been given the opportunity to upgrade to Windows 7 when it becomes available?

Many businesses are still running Windows XP Professional. Should they skip Vista? Well Microsoft will certainly be looking to reduce the level of support they provide to this OS, as they do with all other older technologies, so given the reviews and to future proof their IT, it makes sense to go straight to Windows 7 when they upgrade.

I would say though that before making any IT purchases do talk to your Technology Partner because they should know more about the compatibility of this with your existing environment thus avoiding any performance issues which will impact on your business.