Reasons to Upgrade to Windows 7 or Server 2008

Posted on July 10, 2011

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Why Upgrade to Windows 7?

  • Microsoft Mainstream Support ended in 2009
  • XP is holding you back from utilizing other Microsoft technologies
    • The newly released IE9 which has some greatfeature upgrades isn’t supported by XP
    • XP doesn’t support Live Essentials which is a crucial application suite that allows the user to take full advantage of
      Windows Live and the Cloud
    • The Windows 7 64 Bit edition commits less memory to the operating system, devoting more memory to your running applications and increasing performance
    • Fully protect your files on your laptop in case of theft.  Windows 7 introduces BitLocker.  While XP only implemented
      encryption at the folder level, BitLocker provides blanket encryption at the volume level.  If your laptop is stolen,
      your entire hard drive is protected.
    • Battery life is essential for mobile computers and Windows 7 introduces a core parking scheme that turns off all but one CPU core when there is little computer activity which saves power and preserves battery life.
    • If you utilize Microsoft Remote Desktop, the Windows 7 Remote Desktop client provides a far higher level of security, authenticating the user before a server connection is initiated
    • Windows 7 is designed to maximize the productivity of the user.  With new features like Jump Lists, a host of new User Interface elements as well as Windows Explore enhancements allow users to work more efficiently.
    • The User Account Control feature which was introduced in Windows Vista has been vastly improved in Windows 7.  UAC prevents malware from taking over the operating system and protects your computer.

Why Upgrade to Server 2008?

  • Windows Server 2008 Core Edition, a drastically slimmed down and efficient non GUI version of Server 2008 that runs effectively on limited resources.  Because of its small footprint it is as stable as Linux, requires far fewer patches and updates which limits downtime.  Though Server Core doesn’t work well in some environments, it is ideal for file storage servers, DNS servers or Domain Controllers.  Server Core edition has been repeatedly heralded by critics as the best new feature of Server 2008.
  • If you want to take advantage of IIS 7 for your websites and applications you’ll have to turn to Server 2008 as Server 2003
    does not support it.
  • Server 2008 R2 offers a VPN solution that is second to none, offering ubiquitous access to VPN clients.  With 2008 R2, your VPN clients are always connected to the home network through VPN, no matter where they are without a single mouse click.
  • The New NTBackup Utility available in Server 2008 R2 offers a degree of granularity that up to now one had to depend on
    third party backup applications for.
  • Server 2008 R2 takes now let’s Microsoft compete with VMware in the world of Server Virtualization.  It allows you to create Live Migration Virtual Host clusters that offers a High Availability solution for your virtualization environment.
  • Server 2008 offers a number of new technologies such as core parking that lowers power consumption for the server, thus saving you money.
  • Like Windows 7, Server 2008 includes BitLocker, which provides blanket encryption at the volume level, protecting all of your data.
  • Server Virtualization was the buzzword of the last decade.  VDI is the new buzzword of this one and Server 2008 R2 offers VDI as well as virtual application streaming.
  • Server 2008 includes PowerShell which offers a streamlined method of scripting to manage your server and network
  • Server 2008 introduces Active Directory’s new Active Directory Administration Center which gives you more control of your Active Directory infrastructure
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Posted in: Technical - Servers, The PC User