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Windows 7 guide: Before, during and after migration
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Article
Advice for Windows XP to Windows 7 migration stragglers
If your shop is one of the many that still hasn't moved off XP yet, take this sage advice under consideration: Focus on migrating applications, user data and system compatibility, rather than on the OS itself). Read Now
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Article
Gearing up for an XP-to-7 migration
Before you dive into a migration off Windows XP to Windows 7, it's important to understand why migrating is a good idea, what hurdles you'll have to overcome, and how you'll need to prep your staff, infrastructure and users. Read Now
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Best practices for migrating off XP to Windows 7 or 8
It's time to start looking at an alternative to Windows XP whether you're planning to migrate to Windows 7 or Windows 8. Consider best practices such as upgrading older hardware, prioritizing applications and data, and finding ways to incorporate new technology into your business. Read Now
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Tools to ease migrations to Windows 7
Migrations are never easy, but various tools at different price points can make migrating to Windows 7 a little easier. Options include Laplink PC mover, Zinstall and Microsoft Windows Automated Installation Kit. Read Now
Editor's note
As the end of support for Windows XP approaches and IT shops and users debate the merits and shortcomings of Windows 8, many organizations have found Windows 7 to be reliable even if it's not without challenges. We've gathered advice in this Windows 7 guide on how to migrate from Windows XP, deploy Windows 7 and assess whether Microsoft's operating system meets your needs.
Read tips on Windows 7 troubleshooting, third-party tools and security, and bone up on relevant terminology. Is there any coverage of Windows 7 or other desktop and endpoint technology you'd like us to cover? Email us at editor@searchenterprisedesktop.com.
1Windows 7 tips and tricks
Now that you're running Windows 7, you probably have some questions: How can I automate deployment? How do I require users to enter Ctl-Alt-Delete to log in? How can I recreate SteadyState? Does the operating system live up to its promises? Check out these tips and tricks to find what you're looking for in Windows 7 and create the user experience that you want.
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Hype vs. reality: Windows 7 improvements
When Windows 7 launched, it came with a lot of promises. Now that the OS has put down roots, does it really deliver on its performance, interface and other features? Read Now
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Strategies for automating Windows 7 deployment
You can roll out Windows 7 in five easy steps. Start with a plan, then select components and build reference images. Read Now
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Replicating SteadyState in Windows 7
SteadyState doesn't work in Windows 7, but there are several ways to recreate its functionality, such as creating a limited user profile that automatically resets when users log out. Read Now
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Article
Five registry keys for Windows 7
When you're trying to create a specific user experience in Windows 7, keys for User Account Control, Automatic Update and more can come in handy. Check out the top five most useful registry keys. Read Now
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Article
How users can troubleshoot Windows 7 on their own
Windows 7 comes with tools -- such as the Action Center and Problem Steps Recorder -- that can help users troubleshoot OS and application problems Read Now
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Using third-party patching tools to secure Windows 7
Let's face it: Patching is kind of boring. But that doesn't mean it's not important. To help keep Windows 7 secure and simultaneously prevent you from falling asleep at your desk, take a look at the many third-party alternatives. Read Now
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Consider these third-party Windows desktop management tools
Group Policy and System Center don't always cut the mustard (or fit budgets) when it comes to desktop management. Vendors such as ManageEngine and Quest Software have stepped up to fill the void. Read Now
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Article
Ten Windows 7 features you'll miss in Windows 8
Windows 8 and Windows 7 are substantially different, and there are a lot of features of Windows 7 that you'll be nostalgic for, such as the single interface and unified control panel. Read Now
2Windows 7 glossary
Brush up on your Windows terminology and dive deeper into the operating system with these definitions.
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Definition
Active Directory domain
An Active Directory domain is a collection of objects within a Microsoft Active Directory network. An object can be a single user or a group or it can be a hardware component, such as a computer or printer. Read Now
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Definition
BitLocker
BitLocker is an operating system-level extension to Vista that combines on-disk encryption and special key management techniques... (Continued) Read Now
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Definition
cmdlet
A cmdlet (pronounced "command-let") is a lightweight Windows PowerShell script that performs a single function. Read Now
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Definition
Group Policy
Group Policy is a hierarchical infrastructure that allows a network administrator in charge of Microsoft's Active Directory to implement specific configurations for users and computers. Group policy is primarily a security tool, and can be used to apply security settings to users and computers. Read Now
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Definition
Group Policy Management Console
The Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) is an interface that enables Active Directory administrators to manage Group Policy Objects (GPOs) from one console. Read Now
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Definition
Microsoft Windows File Manager
The Microsoft Windows File Manager is the graphical user interface through which users could see and manipulate files and folders on early-version Windows computers. Read Now
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Definition
Microsoft Windows Task Manager
Microsoft Windows Task Manager is a component of Microsoft Windows intended to assist administrators or advanced system users in monitoring, managing and troubleshooting a Windows computer system. Read Now
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Definition
Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2
Windows Server 2012 R2 is the second iteration of Windows Server 2012. Read Now
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Definition
PowerShell v3
PowerShell v3 is a task-automation framework found in client and server versions of Windows Read Now
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Definition
registry key
In the Windows 98, CE, NT, and 2000 operating systems, a registry key is an organizational unit in the Windows registry. To a lay person, a registry key looks just like any other Windows folder. Read Now
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Definition
Vista
Vista, formerly code named Longhorn, isa Microsoft Windows desktop operating systems.... (Continued) Read Now
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Definition
Windows 7
Windows 7 is the Microsoft Windows operating system (OS) released commercially in October 2009 as the successor to Windows Vista. Read Now
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Definition
Windows 8
Windows 8 is a personal computer operating system that is part of the Windows NT family. It introduced fundamental changes to the Windows platform that emphasized mobility. Read Now