Microsoft has created a new Application Compatibility List for Windows 7. While they state it is for IT professionals anyone can access it via their website. If you are unsure if applications you need will work (use this link to learn about how to make anything compatible if it is not on the list below) with Windows 7 this is a great place to start:
Windows 7 is Ready for Business
It has been a long time since we’ve recommended an initial release of a Microsoft Operating system for business use but we’ve reached that plateau again with Windows 7. We are encouraging our clients to implement Windows 7 when replacing existing systems. There are of course always exceptions to this recommendation, the most important being resource intensive older software applications such as design and cad software. They need to be evaluated for compatibility prior to making the shift. Your basic business machine will happily function with 7, and worse case you can offer reliable compatibility through the Windows XP Compatibility Mode.
If you are considering upgrading existing machines to Windows 7 or purchasing a new computer with Windows 7 installed feel free to contact us for an honest, experienced opinion on what you might want to consider in the process. You don’t have to be a customer or become one, but we’re pretty confident that once you get to know us you will want to be one.
Windows 7 Application Compatibility and XP Mode
When you purchase a new computer that has Windows 7 installed or upgrade your current PC to Windows 7 you will have more to deal with than just a learning curve. New operating systems present compatibility issues, sometimes this includes hardware compatibility other times it involves software applications. Luckily there are some tools within Windows 7 that provide very broad application support. This video demonstrates how to use two of the tools, the individual application compatibility settings and the all new “XP Mode”. Links to the Microsoft site mentioned in this video are at the bottom of this article after the video.
Resources:
- Microsoft Virtual PC/Application Compatibility Page