With last month's launch of Windows 7, IT shops now have a desktop operating system they can look forward to, plus, they gain a handful of administration tools. This Windows Digest has some helpful tips and resources on migrating to Windows 7, as well as a look at some of its new features.
Migration
The hardware requirements of migrating from XP to Windows 7 may fuel desktop virtualization adoption. Either way, Windows 7 migration is all but inevitable for most organizations, and with the right approach, your migration can be seamless.
While Windows 7 won't be difficult for users and administrators familiar with Vista to learn, power users and admins used to Windows XP might need help converting from Windows XP to Windows 7. And while your Windows XP applications may not be compatible with Windows 7, there are ways to make them work.
Features
Windows 7 boasts a bevy of new features and administration tools designed to make life easier for Windows admins. It can even help organizations manage their power consumption.
Desktop image management once required multiple Microsoft tools, but the Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool in Windows 7 can help with tasks such as adding device drivers.
AppLocker in Windows 7 will also help IT shops, as it enables administrators to automate rules generation; however, proceed slowly to get a feel for its whitelisting capabilities.
Microsoft followed its Windows 7 launch with a new version of its Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP) that includes an App-V service pack.
