Review: Keep XP or Vista as a backup for Windows 7

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Practical Additions

If you have previously worked with Vista, you should find Windows 7 on the same hardware faster and more responsive. Battery life on laptops is also noticeably improved. You can connect multiple PCs with improved file sharing and security measures with the 'Homegroups' function, provided that Windows 7 is installed on all of them. Windows 7 will show these computers clearly in the explorer just like an external hard disk.

Setting up network printers is also simpler; you just have to install the hardware once. All group members automatically get the driver and can use the printer as if it was connected directly.

And Windows 7 has backwards compatibility: All Vista drivers can run under it; and for older programs there's XP mode (available in the Professional, Ultimate and Enterprise versions). You can make tools that are not compatible with Windows 7 run by means of virtualisation.

At the Action Center, you can take care of all your system-level alerts and maintenance tasks: Windows updates, firewall, antivirus and backups.

Then there's virtual Wi-Fi. In theory, this should let you share a Wi-Fi connection with other devices, connect to multiple Wi-Fi networks simultaneously, or create a mesh in which PCs access the network through each other to boost range. But we apparently need new drivers before it can be tested.

Features for Businesses

Windows 7 comes with a few features designed to make corporate deployment easier, most of them available only in the Business and Ultimate editions.

For those running Windows Server 2008 in their corporate environments, Direct Access allows for secure remote connections without the hassle of setting up a Virtual Private Network.

BitLocker To Go offers drive encryption even for removable drives to protect their contents even if they are physically lost. AppLocker lets administrators control which programs are allowed to run on the desktops they control.

Branch Cache is aimed at users on a single network across multiple physical locations: Network resources can be cached locally to eliminate long file transfer times, with branch offices having their own copies of data usually hosted exclusively at the head office.

The Verdict

Windows 7 is satisfied with fewer resources than those required by Vista: Microsoft recommends a 1 GHz CPU and 1 GB of RAM. The Home Premium version is the most suitable for a normal user; it comprises all important things like the HomeGroups functionality, multitouch support and the Media Center. Those who need professional features like the XP mode and AppLocker should go for the Ultimate edition. Whichever you choose, Windows 7 is stable and ready for mass public use. Upgrading from XP is worthwhile in most cases, and even Vista users will appreciate the better handling and new conveniences. 

Bonus Tip

Even if Windows 7 looks appealing enough, you might want to keep your smooth-functioning XP or Vista around as a backup. It is therefore advisable to first install Windows 7 as a second OS. This way, you can test whether your hardware suits the requirements.

See a longer version of this review in Chip's November edition or online