Windows 7, now in RTM stage is going to be released on October 22nd. If you intend to install Windows 7 but do not want to lose your personal settings in Vista by doing a fresh installation of the OS, then you have direct in-line upgrade option to the rescue.
Vista users might recall the same upgrade functionality which was available for moving to Vista from XP. However, if you are still on XP and you plan to upgrade to Windows 7 , then there is no upgrade option for you. Microsoft advises for a clean installation for moving to Windows 7 from XP .
Upgrading from Vista to Windows 7
The upgrade option for Vista owners is from the same SKU version of Vista to the same version of Windows 7. One thing users should be aware of is that, they cannot do direct in-line upgrade from a 32-bit Vista version to a 64-bit Windows 7 version.
For doing so, they have to resort to a clean installation. So, if you are having Vista Home Premium, then you'll be able to perform direct in-line upgrade to Windows 7 Home Premium. In case you have bought the upgrade copy for Windows 7 Professional and you currently own Vista Home Premium, then you'll be able to perform a clean installation and not a direct in-line upgrade. Also, do read the advisory articles for Windows 7 as a reference for the hardware suitability.
After you have selected 'This is the old computer' option, the Easy Transfer tool starts saving users' files and settings of the XP system that need to be migrated to Windows 7.
To start the Easy Migration tool, navigate to support\migwiz folder of the Windows 7 DVD and double click on file migsetup.exe.
After you have selected what all user settings and data has to be migrated, you can then save the migration file in a USB drive and also allot a password to it for security.
In the next window after you get the welcome screen, you have to select external hard disk or USB drive as option to transfer medium to migrate the data and settings.
Once all the settings and files have been saved on the external location, you get a transfer complete confirmation window which states where the file has been saved.
Now after installing Windows 7, go to Start> Accessories> System Tools and click Windows Easy Transfer to initiate the process of migrating XP's user settings and files.
After entering the password on the following screen, you can select what user settings and files you want to import into Windows 7.
Once the user settings and files have been migrated, you can see the transfer report to check what all has been migrated and what not.
Select 'This is the new computer' option and then on the following screens, navigate to the location of USB drive where the migration file has been saved.
While doing network based migration from XP to Win 7, you have to pass the Windows Easy Transfer key that was generated on the XP based machine while running the tool on Win 7 machine.
BANGALORE, INDIA: Windows 7, now in RTM stage is going to be released on October 22nd. If you intend to install Windows 7 but do not want to lose your personal settings in Vista by doing a fresh installation of the OS, then you have direct in-line upgrade option to the rescue.
Vista users might recall the same upgrade functionality which was available for moving to Vista from XP. However, if you are still on XP and you plan to upgrade to Windows 7 , then there is no upgrade option for you. Microsoft advises for a clean installation for moving to Windows 7 from XP .
Upgrading from Vista to Windows 7
The upgrade option for Vista owners is from the same SKU version of Vista to the same version of Windows 7. One thing users should be aware of is that, they cannot do direct in-line upgrade from a 32-bit Vista version to a 64-bit Windows 7 version.
For doing so, they have to resort to a clean installation. So, if you are having Vista Home Premium, then you'll be able to perform direct in-line upgrade to Windows 7 Home Premium. In case you have bought the upgrade copy for Windows 7 Professional and you currently own Vista Home Premium, then you'll be able to perform a clean installation and not a direct in-line upgrade. Also, do read the advisory articles for Windows 7 as a reference for the hardware suitability.
After you have selected 'This is the old computer' option, the Easy Transfer tool starts saving users' files and settings of the XP system that need to be migrated to Windows 7.
To start the Easy Migration tool, navigate to support\migwiz folder of the Windows 7 DVD and double click on file migsetup.exe.
After you have selected what all user settings and data has to be migrated, you can then save the migration file in a USB drive and also allot a password to it for security.
In the next window after you get the welcome screen, you have to select external hard disk or USB drive as option to transfer medium to migrate the data and settings.
Once all the settings and files have been saved on the external location, you get a transfer complete confirmation window which states where the file has been saved.
Now after installing Windows 7, go to Start> Accessories> System Tools and click Windows Easy Transfer to initiate the process of migrating XP's user settings and files.
After entering the password on the following screen, you can select what user settings and files you want to import into Windows 7.
Once the user settings and files have been migrated, you can see the transfer report to check what all has been migrated and what not.
Select 'This is the new computer' option and then on the following screens, navigate to the location of USB drive where the migration file has been saved.
While doing network based migration from XP to Win 7, you have to pass the Windows Easy Transfer key that was generated on the XP based machine while running the tool on Win 7 machine.
For a clean installation, Windows 7 requires about 16 GB of free hard disk space, whereas for upgrade, the free hard disk requirement is of only 9GB and the installation will be done on the same partition of your Windows Vista. During the upgrade process, user's data and existing applications will automatically be migrated to the newer version of the operating system.
The old Vista files are preserved from C:\Windows folder to C:\Windows.OLD folder in the hard drive. The upgrade option does not create a dual boot for both Vista and Windows 7, and can only be created with a clean installation. Therefore, if you intend to have a dual-boot on your system, then it is advisable that you do prefer a full copy of Windows 7 over the cheaper upgrade options for Windows 7.
Migrating from XP to Windows 7
Though XP users can't upgrade to Win 7, they can still migrate all their personal settings to it, using a tool called Windows Easy Transfer. With this tool, you can can maintain settings while installing Windows 7 on a XP based machine. You can migrate the files and settings of XP to Windows 7 and later after installing Windows 7, you can reinstall the applications that you had on XP. The settings include desktop and personal document files and the user profile settings.
There are two scenarios in which you can run a Windows Easy Transfer tool. One, when you want to install Windows 7 on the same machine on which XP was installed. In this case, you can save migration settings on an external drive or a USB drive and then after installation, you can import the saved settings. Second, you have an old machine having XP installed on it. Now with time you want to upgrade to newer version, Windows 7 on an upgraded hardware machine. In that case you can migrate the settings and files over the network between the two machines.
Showing posts with label windows 7. Show all posts
Showing posts with label windows 7. Show all posts
Windows 7 Survival Guide: From 32- To 64-Bit
Windows as a whole -- Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7 and the operating system's server editions -- has been shipping in both 32- and 64-bit editions for some time now. That's more than long enough for hardware manufacturers to get on the ball and supply 32/64-bit device drivers for everything they sell.
In fact, most every printer, scanner, video camera, or other hardware device you can buy today comes with drivers for both platforms in the box.
That's great if you're buying a whole new system. But what if you're migrating over a printer, scanner, or webcam -- individual peripheral devices from an age just slightly before the 64-bit years?
That's where things get more difficult.
While 32-bit applications generally run without issues on 64-bit Windows, 32-bit device drivers aren't as lucky. There is so far no mechanism in Windows to take a 32-bit device driver, wrap it in an emulation layer, and use it in Win64. This means that a great deal of hardware, otherwise perfectly useful and totally functional, is doomed to be useless to a whole swath of existing Windows users.
There's no reason to take this situation lying down, though. Depending on your budget, circumstances, and needs, you can go a long way -- sometimes all the way -- toward getting unsupported hardware working again in 64-bit Windows.
Scanners and printers comprise two of the largest classes of devices that have been unfairly marginalized because of the 64-bit switchover. To that end, we'll be looking at both of these (with some occasional digressions) and exploring ways to make them operable.
Why 64-bit, Anyway?
Why use 64-bit Windows in the first place? Desktop machines that ship with more than 3GB of RAM also come with 64-bit Windows installed by default. It's the best possible way to make use of all that memory efficiently.
Individual 32-bit apps may only be able to use so much of that memory at once, but those of us who run a lot of apps side-by-side get a boost from it. Also, applications that perform certain kinds of processing -- encryption, for instance -- run markedly faster as 64-bit binaries.
Not every computing device is bound to go 64-bit. Netbooks, for instance, or low-end PCs that top out at 2-3GB RAM don't bother going 64. But at this point it's safe to say that most any desktop computer (and notebook) from the midrange on up will be 64-bit. As a result, the number of users who encounter legacy device incompatibilities will increase.
At least for the time being. Wait long enough and all of the incompatible hardware ought to fall out of use and be replaced with newer devices. But that's no strategy for those of us who have hardware to be used now.
In fact, most every printer, scanner, video camera, or other hardware device you can buy today comes with drivers for both platforms in the box.
That's great if you're buying a whole new system. But what if you're migrating over a printer, scanner, or webcam -- individual peripheral devices from an age just slightly before the 64-bit years?
That's where things get more difficult.
While 32-bit applications generally run without issues on 64-bit Windows, 32-bit device drivers aren't as lucky. There is so far no mechanism in Windows to take a 32-bit device driver, wrap it in an emulation layer, and use it in Win64. This means that a great deal of hardware, otherwise perfectly useful and totally functional, is doomed to be useless to a whole swath of existing Windows users.
There's no reason to take this situation lying down, though. Depending on your budget, circumstances, and needs, you can go a long way -- sometimes all the way -- toward getting unsupported hardware working again in 64-bit Windows.
Scanners and printers comprise two of the largest classes of devices that have been unfairly marginalized because of the 64-bit switchover. To that end, we'll be looking at both of these (with some occasional digressions) and exploring ways to make them operable.
Why 64-bit, Anyway?
Why use 64-bit Windows in the first place? Desktop machines that ship with more than 3GB of RAM also come with 64-bit Windows installed by default. It's the best possible way to make use of all that memory efficiently.
Individual 32-bit apps may only be able to use so much of that memory at once, but those of us who run a lot of apps side-by-side get a boost from it. Also, applications that perform certain kinds of processing -- encryption, for instance -- run markedly faster as 64-bit binaries.
Not every computing device is bound to go 64-bit. Netbooks, for instance, or low-end PCs that top out at 2-3GB RAM don't bother going 64. But at this point it's safe to say that most any desktop computer (and notebook) from the midrange on up will be 64-bit. As a result, the number of users who encounter legacy device incompatibilities will increase.
At least for the time being. Wait long enough and all of the incompatible hardware ought to fall out of use and be replaced with newer devices. But that's no strategy for those of us who have hardware to be used now.
Windows 7 device experience.
The device experience has been drastically altered in Windows 7 to make it easier for users to work with devices in the new Microsoft operating system. The Windows 7 Devices & Media Team has identified two key areas of improvement and has build a new device experience in Windows 7 build on that premise:
1.User experience features that define how people discover and use devices that are connected to their PC.
Connecting new devices to a previous Windows operating system was not always an easy task. While most could be used after connecting the device and installing the device drivers some required the installation to be the other way round to work properly in the operating system. Other problems that were identified included the presentation of devices in the operating system and access to configuration settings.We wanted to enhance the installation and configuration process by improving enumeration and display of device capabilities, presentation of devices, and access to configuration settings. We also wanted to create a discoverable and enjoyable way of accessing applications and services specific to a device.
From a design perspective, we determined the user experience should support finding and recognizing devices, discovering device capabilities and common tasks, and accessing support services and accessories. Also, the user experience should be natural and have a consistent work flow with little to no learning curve.
2.System and platform features that define how device makers present their devices and related services in Windows.
The value for device makers would come from simplified installation and deployment, clear brand association, prominent placement in the experience, and extensibility and customizability of the experience.
Two of the key features of the new device experience in Windows 7 are Devices and Printers and the Windows 7 Device Stage.
Devices and Printers let users see all connected devices from an option in the Windows 7 Start Menu. Microsoft got rid of modules and components that offer no value to the user and streamlined the experience to only display devices that the user can see (like printers, scanners, modems, routers and so on). Multifunction devices like Multifunction printers show up as a single device in Devices and Printers and not as separate devices like in previous Windows operating systems.
Device Stage is the second new key element in the device experience. It is here that users can interact with connected devices. Device Stage is accessed by double-clicking on a device in Devices and Printers.
Microsoft has created several guiding principals for the Device Stage in Windows 7:
Use your device in seconds: Plug in your device to your PC and use it right away.
Everything you need for your device in one place: Windows 7 makes the device the center of your experience.
Different devices have different usage patterns: A single interaction model doesn’t work for all devices.
It’s our partner’s device experience: Windows device experiences are the embodiment of our partner’s brand & unique device capabilities.
Use your device in seconds: Plug in your device to your PC and use it right away.
If you have ever connected a digital camera to Windows XP and to Windows 7 you may have noticed a difference. The digital camera is usually shown with its own drive letter in Windows XP. Windows 7 on the other hand will recognize the digital camera and offer to import photos automatically. Windows XP users who want that functionality usually have to install drivers provided by the hardware developer to create a similar experience.
What we did: The first thing we did was work to improve the reliability of the experience. To qualify for a fully branded Device Stage experience, devices must be certified to meet our minimum requirements. This usually means devices need to earn the Compatible with Windows Logo certification and that their drivers ship in box with Windows or are available from Windows Update. This quality check makes sure that the device is compatible with Windows and that it will have a good experience when connecting to Windows. In the document device case, an in box driver distribution program for printers, scanners, and multifunction printers provides a similar quality check, so it’s also a basis for certification.
The next step was to provide a device experience on connect. To do this, we added a “baseline” feature to Device Stage. When connected for the first time, a device that has opted to use the baseline feature has immediate support in Device Stage. The baseline device experience provides quick access to the core features of the device.
Finally, we needed to support an upgrade mechanism from the baseline to the custom device experience. As users work with the baseline experience, Windows 7 also checks online to see if the device maker has provided a custom device experience for the device. If available, Windows 7 downloads and installs it, and then offers the user the opportunity to upgrade. The result is an effortless first-connect experience-you plug in your device, and moments later you are interacting with a fully branded experience designed explicitly for you device.
Everything you need for your device in one place: Windows 7 makes the device the center of your experience.
The focus of the device experience in previous Windows operating systems was applications, not the device itself. Users needed to know which applications to use with their devices and there was only limited help available in the process.
What we did: In Windows 7, we flipped the device experience model on its head. Instead of making applications the focus of the device experience, we chose to make the device the center of attention. To improve discoverability, we created Devices and Printers within which every device connected to a PC appears. We also enabled device makers to provide photorealistic icons of their device to help customers recognize their device in Windows. If the device maker has opted-in to Device Stage, double-clicking on the device icon navigates to the device’s Device Stage window.
Improving device discoverability was just the first step. We still needed to provide an easy way to access the applications, content, and services for a device. This requirement led us to the model for making device tasks available from within the shell, along with partner customized services and links in a single Window.
Different devices have different usage patterns: A single interaction model doesn’t work for all devices.
Devices have different use patterns. Printers, routers or scanners for example are usually always connected to the computer system while mobile device are not. Mobile devices like digital cameras, mp3 players or USB flash drives are on the other hand heavily utilized when they are connected.
What we did: One example of a device-specific behavior is the behavior of Windows when a portable device connects to and disconnects from a PC. When you connect a portable device to the PC, you’ll notice that its icon automatically appears in the taskbar. Since the device is likely the focus of the user’s attention, this provides quick access to the device while it’s connected. Hovering over the device taskbar icon will show you its status, and right-clicking will display a jump list of its frequently-used tasks.
Placing the device icon on the taskbar helps discoverability and access to tasks while the device is connected – but what happens when it disconnects? Because portable devices come and go, we also wanted to make sure it was easy to remove a device from Windows. Disconnecting a portable device removes it from the taskbar and automatically closes all Device Stage windows, ensuring that the desktop remains clean and uncluttered.
It’s our partner’s device experience: Windows device experiences are the embodiment of our partner’s brand & unique device capabilities.
What we did: We provided a platform to enable the look and feel as well as the contents of the experience to be almost entirely up to the device maker. Device makers can develop custom tasks so that device experiences are specifically tailored to particular devices. Custom tasks could include links to product manuals, shopping sites for compatible accessories, and sites for getting technical support, or even online services that interact directly with the connected device.
Devices and Printers and the new Device Stage will have a huge impact on user perception and workflow. The new device experience makes it easier and more natural for users to work with devices in the operating system.
How is your experience with the new device experience in Windows 7 so far?
1.User experience features that define how people discover and use devices that are connected to their PC.
Connecting new devices to a previous Windows operating system was not always an easy task. While most could be used after connecting the device and installing the device drivers some required the installation to be the other way round to work properly in the operating system. Other problems that were identified included the presentation of devices in the operating system and access to configuration settings.We wanted to enhance the installation and configuration process by improving enumeration and display of device capabilities, presentation of devices, and access to configuration settings. We also wanted to create a discoverable and enjoyable way of accessing applications and services specific to a device.
From a design perspective, we determined the user experience should support finding and recognizing devices, discovering device capabilities and common tasks, and accessing support services and accessories. Also, the user experience should be natural and have a consistent work flow with little to no learning curve.
2.System and platform features that define how device makers present their devices and related services in Windows.
The value for device makers would come from simplified installation and deployment, clear brand association, prominent placement in the experience, and extensibility and customizability of the experience.
Two of the key features of the new device experience in Windows 7 are Devices and Printers and the Windows 7 Device Stage.
Devices and Printers let users see all connected devices from an option in the Windows 7 Start Menu. Microsoft got rid of modules and components that offer no value to the user and streamlined the experience to only display devices that the user can see (like printers, scanners, modems, routers and so on). Multifunction devices like Multifunction printers show up as a single device in Devices and Printers and not as separate devices like in previous Windows operating systems.
Device Stage is the second new key element in the device experience. It is here that users can interact with connected devices. Device Stage is accessed by double-clicking on a device in Devices and Printers.
Microsoft has created several guiding principals for the Device Stage in Windows 7:
Use your device in seconds: Plug in your device to your PC and use it right away.
Everything you need for your device in one place: Windows 7 makes the device the center of your experience.
Different devices have different usage patterns: A single interaction model doesn’t work for all devices.
It’s our partner’s device experience: Windows device experiences are the embodiment of our partner’s brand & unique device capabilities.
Use your device in seconds: Plug in your device to your PC and use it right away.
If you have ever connected a digital camera to Windows XP and to Windows 7 you may have noticed a difference. The digital camera is usually shown with its own drive letter in Windows XP. Windows 7 on the other hand will recognize the digital camera and offer to import photos automatically. Windows XP users who want that functionality usually have to install drivers provided by the hardware developer to create a similar experience.
What we did: The first thing we did was work to improve the reliability of the experience. To qualify for a fully branded Device Stage experience, devices must be certified to meet our minimum requirements. This usually means devices need to earn the Compatible with Windows Logo certification and that their drivers ship in box with Windows or are available from Windows Update. This quality check makes sure that the device is compatible with Windows and that it will have a good experience when connecting to Windows. In the document device case, an in box driver distribution program for printers, scanners, and multifunction printers provides a similar quality check, so it’s also a basis for certification.
The next step was to provide a device experience on connect. To do this, we added a “baseline” feature to Device Stage. When connected for the first time, a device that has opted to use the baseline feature has immediate support in Device Stage. The baseline device experience provides quick access to the core features of the device.
Finally, we needed to support an upgrade mechanism from the baseline to the custom device experience. As users work with the baseline experience, Windows 7 also checks online to see if the device maker has provided a custom device experience for the device. If available, Windows 7 downloads and installs it, and then offers the user the opportunity to upgrade. The result is an effortless first-connect experience-you plug in your device, and moments later you are interacting with a fully branded experience designed explicitly for you device.
Everything you need for your device in one place: Windows 7 makes the device the center of your experience.
The focus of the device experience in previous Windows operating systems was applications, not the device itself. Users needed to know which applications to use with their devices and there was only limited help available in the process.
What we did: In Windows 7, we flipped the device experience model on its head. Instead of making applications the focus of the device experience, we chose to make the device the center of attention. To improve discoverability, we created Devices and Printers within which every device connected to a PC appears. We also enabled device makers to provide photorealistic icons of their device to help customers recognize their device in Windows. If the device maker has opted-in to Device Stage, double-clicking on the device icon navigates to the device’s Device Stage window.
Improving device discoverability was just the first step. We still needed to provide an easy way to access the applications, content, and services for a device. This requirement led us to the model for making device tasks available from within the shell, along with partner customized services and links in a single Window.
Different devices have different usage patterns: A single interaction model doesn’t work for all devices.
Devices have different use patterns. Printers, routers or scanners for example are usually always connected to the computer system while mobile device are not. Mobile devices like digital cameras, mp3 players or USB flash drives are on the other hand heavily utilized when they are connected.
What we did: One example of a device-specific behavior is the behavior of Windows when a portable device connects to and disconnects from a PC. When you connect a portable device to the PC, you’ll notice that its icon automatically appears in the taskbar. Since the device is likely the focus of the user’s attention, this provides quick access to the device while it’s connected. Hovering over the device taskbar icon will show you its status, and right-clicking will display a jump list of its frequently-used tasks.
Placing the device icon on the taskbar helps discoverability and access to tasks while the device is connected – but what happens when it disconnects? Because portable devices come and go, we also wanted to make sure it was easy to remove a device from Windows. Disconnecting a portable device removes it from the taskbar and automatically closes all Device Stage windows, ensuring that the desktop remains clean and uncluttered.
It’s our partner’s device experience: Windows device experiences are the embodiment of our partner’s brand & unique device capabilities.
What we did: We provided a platform to enable the look and feel as well as the contents of the experience to be almost entirely up to the device maker. Device makers can develop custom tasks so that device experiences are specifically tailored to particular devices. Custom tasks could include links to product manuals, shopping sites for compatible accessories, and sites for getting technical support, or even online services that interact directly with the connected device.
Devices and Printers and the new Device Stage will have a huge impact on user perception and workflow. The new device experience makes it easier and more natural for users to work with devices in the operating system.
How is your experience with the new device experience in Windows 7 so far?
windows 7 Boots in 11 seconds
Microsoft and Intel have been going on the charm offensive this week, talking up Windows 7. According to the BBC, both firms said they collaborated more closely then ever to deliver a product they are proud of. At the same joint press event, wintel put on demonstrations of Windows 7’s improved battery life and quicker boot times.
The improvements in Windows 7 battery life are well documented, but not the improvements in Windows 7 boot times. At the event, wintel showed a windows 7 system that booted up in 11 seconds. The system in use was pretty impressive (quad-core i7 CPU + SSD drive), but I’m still a bit amazed by an 11 second boot time. The amazing Windows 7 boot time was achieved by the boot process running across all four cores and all eight threads of the i7 processor:
“It’s an Intel reference design,” Microsoft’s Panabaker said. “But with high-performance hardware, this shows what system manufacturers can do.”
I was pretty impressed with my non-SSD Windows 7 system that boots up in under a minute, but I now might have to dip into the bank account and buy a SSD drive! I’m holding off doing an upgrade just yet, as I think I’m going to build a whole new Windows 7 power rig next year and give my current machine to my wife.
The improvements in Windows 7 battery life are well documented, but not the improvements in Windows 7 boot times. At the event, wintel showed a windows 7 system that booted up in 11 seconds. The system in use was pretty impressive (quad-core i7 CPU + SSD drive), but I’m still a bit amazed by an 11 second boot time. The amazing Windows 7 boot time was achieved by the boot process running across all four cores and all eight threads of the i7 processor:
“It’s an Intel reference design,” Microsoft’s Panabaker said. “But with high-performance hardware, this shows what system manufacturers can do.”
I was pretty impressed with my non-SSD Windows 7 system that boots up in under a minute, but I now might have to dip into the bank account and buy a SSD drive! I’m holding off doing an upgrade just yet, as I think I’m going to build a whole new Windows 7 power rig next year and give my current machine to my wife.
eSobi is now compatible with Windows 7
TAIPEI, TAIWAN: esobi Inc., an innovative Internet information navigator has announced that its integrated Internet tool eSobi is now "Compatible with the Windows 7," the successor of the Windows Vista operating system (OS).
Users of eSobi can easily upgrade their eSobi for free to enjoy the enhanced personal Internet experience on Windows 7 when it arrives later this year.
Windows 7 is an old technology says Apple
By passing the Microsoft-designed tests to meet all of the technical requirements to be compatible with Windows 7, eSobi is ensured to be free of malware, install easily, and run reliably with the minimal number of hangs, crashes, or restarts with Windows 7 including the 64 bit edition.
For eSobi's support for OPML file format to group multiple RSS feeds into a single portable file, users can easily share their subscribed news channels between different PCs in order to stay updated with their favorite news sources across multiple computers without extra effort.
"eSobi has earned its global reputation on making it more efficient and personal to utilize Internet resources in daily life," said Wen Lee, chairman of esobi Inc.
"By working with Microsoft and as the very first company in our category to receive the Compatible with Windows 7 logo, eSobi customers can have confidence of the compatibility, reliability, security, and performance of eSobi on their Windows 7-based computers," added Lee.
eSobi is a web 2.0 software program offering a highly customizable news reader and search tool to help deliver web content that best meets users' interests. A document library for central, integrated Internet data management is also included.
eSobi is now the software partner of Acer, Transcend and MSI worldwide and supports 15 global languages. Currently eSobi already supports Windows 7 RC. Users of eSobi and eSobi News Center on all Acer PCs will receive free upgrade to the latest compatible version of eSobi in the future when Windows 7 is released.
Users of eSobi can easily upgrade their eSobi for free to enjoy the enhanced personal Internet experience on Windows 7 when it arrives later this year.
Windows 7 is an old technology says Apple
By passing the Microsoft-designed tests to meet all of the technical requirements to be compatible with Windows 7, eSobi is ensured to be free of malware, install easily, and run reliably with the minimal number of hangs, crashes, or restarts with Windows 7 including the 64 bit edition.
For eSobi's support for OPML file format to group multiple RSS feeds into a single portable file, users can easily share their subscribed news channels between different PCs in order to stay updated with their favorite news sources across multiple computers without extra effort.
"eSobi has earned its global reputation on making it more efficient and personal to utilize Internet resources in daily life," said Wen Lee, chairman of esobi Inc.
"By working with Microsoft and as the very first company in our category to receive the Compatible with Windows 7 logo, eSobi customers can have confidence of the compatibility, reliability, security, and performance of eSobi on their Windows 7-based computers," added Lee.
eSobi is a web 2.0 software program offering a highly customizable news reader and search tool to help deliver web content that best meets users' interests. A document library for central, integrated Internet data management is also included.
eSobi is now the software partner of Acer, Transcend and MSI worldwide and supports 15 global languages. Currently eSobi already supports Windows 7 RC. Users of eSobi and eSobi News Center on all Acer PCs will receive free upgrade to the latest compatible version of eSobi in the future when Windows 7 is released.
Win A Free Copy of Windows 7 Ultimate and A Windows 7 T-Shirt
Here is a great offer from TechNet blog. You can now grab a copy of Windows 7 Ultimate and an awesome Windows 7 T-shirt for free! Are you ready? Read on to know more.
All you have to do is, fill out a small survey here. Note that this great offer closes early next week, so hurry up to the survey page. Windows 7 is will be released on October 22, and you will get a copy (if you win) only after the release date.
All you have to do is, fill out a small survey here. Note that this great offer closes early next week, so hurry up to the survey page. Windows 7 is will be released on October 22, and you will get a copy (if you win) only after the release date.
Windows 7 To be Available From April 30th 2009
Microsoft Corp said on Friday a version of its long awaited Windows 7 operating system will be made available from next week. The version, known as a 'release candidate', or RC, essentially means the world's largest software company is in the final stages of completing the operating system, the successor to the unpopular Windows Vista.
Microsoft said the RC will be available for download by program developers and IT professionals subscribing to the MSDN and TechNet networks on April 30 and available more broadly on May 5. The company has still not said when the finished version would begin to be installed on PCs or available to buy in shops, but the company's chief financial officer said on Thursday it could be as early as July.
Microsoft Streamlines Windows 7 Options
Microsoft Corp. said it will heavily promote two main versions of the next Windows operating system in an attempt to avoid the problems it faced by marketing four tiers of the Windows Vista system.
But while the Redmond-based company said Tuesday it will simplify its message, it did not give up the multitiered approach with Windows 7, which is officially expected at the end of January 2010. All told, there will be at least six different versions.
Microsoft said the primary version for consumers will be called Windows 7 Home Premium, and the one for businesses will be called Windows 7 Professional. Prices have not yet been disclosed.
In addition, it will sell two lower-end versions, Home Basic and Starter edition, to PC makers. The Home Basic edition is intended for sale in developing countries, while computer makers can install the Starter edition on PCs intended for sale anywhere in the world. Neither sport the sleeker appearance introduced with Vista, which is getting a makeover in Windows 7.
The company will also sell a top-end Enterprise version for big corporate customers and a similar Ultimate version for consumers. Those versions will include security features and a few other tools not available in the two main versions.
When Microsoft started widely selling Windows Vista in January 2007, it offered four options: Home Basic, Home Premium, Business and Ultimate. Some people who purchased Home Basic complained that they did not realize it lacked the updated user interface.
In the months before Vista was released, Microsoft and PC maker partners promoted certain computers as capable of running the new system. They were disappointed to learn that while their new machines could be upgraded to run the dialed-back Home Basic, they were not powerful enough for the better-looking Home Premium or Ultimate versions, which led to a class action lawsuit.
Microsoft said in a statement that changes to the way it communicates about Windows 7 should "make these choices as simple and clear as possible for customers and partners."
Microsoft also said all versions of Windows 7 will run well on netbooks, a fast-growing category of small, low-powered laptops meant mostly for surfing the Web and checking e-mail.
But while the Redmond-based company said Tuesday it will simplify its message, it did not give up the multitiered approach with Windows 7, which is officially expected at the end of January 2010. All told, there will be at least six different versions.
Microsoft said the primary version for consumers will be called Windows 7 Home Premium, and the one for businesses will be called Windows 7 Professional. Prices have not yet been disclosed.
In addition, it will sell two lower-end versions, Home Basic and Starter edition, to PC makers. The Home Basic edition is intended for sale in developing countries, while computer makers can install the Starter edition on PCs intended for sale anywhere in the world. Neither sport the sleeker appearance introduced with Vista, which is getting a makeover in Windows 7.
The company will also sell a top-end Enterprise version for big corporate customers and a similar Ultimate version for consumers. Those versions will include security features and a few other tools not available in the two main versions.
When Microsoft started widely selling Windows Vista in January 2007, it offered four options: Home Basic, Home Premium, Business and Ultimate. Some people who purchased Home Basic complained that they did not realize it lacked the updated user interface.
In the months before Vista was released, Microsoft and PC maker partners promoted certain computers as capable of running the new system. They were disappointed to learn that while their new machines could be upgraded to run the dialed-back Home Basic, they were not powerful enough for the better-looking Home Premium or Ultimate versions, which led to a class action lawsuit.
Microsoft said in a statement that changes to the way it communicates about Windows 7 should "make these choices as simple and clear as possible for customers and partners."
Microsoft also said all versions of Windows 7 will run well on netbooks, a fast-growing category of small, low-powered laptops meant mostly for surfing the Web and checking e-mail.
