Microsoft, the software giant has introduced the virtualized version of Windows XP called “XP Mode” formerly called Virtual Windows XP, through which Windows 7 users can run programs that are not compatible with the new operating system. The new software will be a feature of Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise and Windows 7 Ultimate, and it has hit Release To Manufacturing (RTM) status. The initiative of XP mode was announced by Microsoft back in April.

The company has finalized the code for the software and it will be made available on October 22nd for free download, the same day it will launch Windows 7 operating system. Also, various PC vendors will bundle the Windows XP Mode with their systems. According to the company, the Windows XP Mode is specifically designed to help small businesses move to Windows 7, as it offers users to run many older productivity applications on a Windows 7 based PC.

Key features of the Windows XP Mode

The Redmond based giant has introduced various new features in the software. It will offer easy to use set-up, provides one click launch of Windows XP Mode applications and has USB support. However, the consumer must have a machine that features the virtualization chip support. Meanwhile, the XP mode is not Hyper-V (Microsoft’s server-side virtualization platform) for the client, instead it is a host-based virtualization solution like Virtual PC.

The new technology is based on the much hyped Microsoft Virtual PC 7 product line, which requires compatibility from virtual technology enabled processors. Recently, Intel has announced that its Virtualization Technology introduced in 2005 has got its usage in over 100 million chips. Therefore, its VT enable CPUs will support all the versions of Windows 7. Also, the majority of AMD’s processors like Phenom, Phenom II, Athlon 64 and Athlon 64 X2 chips of the F and G families come with AMD-V technology and will support the XP mode.

At its core, XP Mode consists of two things, the Virtual PC-based virtual environment and a fully licensed copy of Windows XP with Service Pack 3 (SP3). The new technology will have to download from the company’s website; hence it will be not included in the Windows 7 pack.

Benefits of the XP mode

XP mode does not require user to run the virtual environment as a separate Windows desktop because the software will be installed in the device and its shortcut will display in the start menu, users can run old applications like Internet Explorer 6 along with Windows 7 applications under a single desktop.

According to the company, the XP mode provides great convenience to corporate users, who can direct the technology through standard Microsoft administration and management technologies like Active Directory and Group Policy.

Microsoft has also permitted its prospective owners of Windows 7 to downgrade the software to Vista, Windows XP or all the way back to Windows 95, with a downgrade licence. However, the company expects with the XP mode, Windows 7 will have almost 100 percent compatibility with all currently running Windows applications.




By: pirumandal

Microsoft, the software giant has introduced the virtualized version of Windows XP called “XP Mode” formerly called Virtual Windows XP, through which Windows 7 users can run programs that are not compatible with the new operating system. The new software will be a feature of Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise and Windows 7 Ultimate, and it has hit Release To Manufacturing (RTM) status. The initiative of XP mode was announced by Microsoft back in April.

 

The company has finalized the code for the software and it will be made available on October 22nd for free download, the same day it will launch Windows 7 operating system. Also, various PC vendors will bundle the Windows XP Mode with their systems. According to the company, the Windows XP Mode is specifically designed to help small businesses move to Windows 7, as it offers users to run many older productivity applications on a Windows 7 based PC.

 

Key features of the Windows XP Mode

The Redmond based giant has introduced various new features in the software. It will offer easy to use set-up, provides one click launch of Windows XP Mode applications and has USB support. However, the consumer must have a machine that features the virtualization chip support. Meanwhile, the XP mode is not Hyper-V (Microsoft’s server-side virtualization platform) for the client, instead it is a host-based virtualization solution like Virtual PC.

The new technology is based on the much hyped Microsoft Virtual PC 7 product line, which requires compatibility from virtual technology enabled processors. Recently, Intel has announced that its Virtualization Technology introduced in 2005 has got its usage in over 100 million chips. Therefore, its VT enable CPUs will support all the versions of Windows 7. Also, the majority of AMD’s processors like Phenom, Phenom II, Athlon 64 and Athlon 64 X2 chips of the F and G families come with AMD-V technology and will support the XP mode.

At its core, XP Mode consists of two things, the Virtual PC-based virtual environment and a fully licensed copy of Windows XP with Service Pack 3 (SP3). The new technology will have to download from the company’s website; hence it will be not included in the Windows 7 pack.

Benefits of the XP mode

XP mode does not require user to run the virtual environment as a separate Windows desktop because the software will be installed in the device and its shortcut will display in the start menu, users can run old applications like Internet Explorer 6 along with Windows 7 applications under a single desktop.

According to the company, the XP mode provides great convenience to corporate users, who can direct the technology through standard Microsoft administration and management technologies like Active Directory and Group Policy.

Microsoft has also permitted its prospective owners of Windows 7 to downgrade the software to Vista, Windows XP or all the way back to Windows 95, with a downgrade licence. However, the company expects with the XP mode, Windows 7 will have almost 100 percent compatibility with all currently running Windows applications.




By: Deepak