You have to use the latest technology available in the market if you wish to stay abreast with your competitors. After the disappointing performance of Windows Vista, Microsoft has tried making amends through its new Operating System called Windows 7. Judging by the response it has received so far, it is safe to say that the OS is way better than Vista. This means that companies have no choice but to migrate from their Windows XP or Vista systems to this new operating system. If your organization is planning on migrating to Windows 7, the following are the points to keep in mind.
Review current software
This is the first step that is required in OS migration. You must conduct a review of the current software used by the systems of your organization so as to ensure that a migration is necessary. At this stage, you can ask for opinions and suggestions of your employees as it is they who are using the software.
Hardware capabilities
By conducting a review you will also be able to figure out any licensing issues or glitches that might have crept in to your information technology infrastructure. Also, you can ascertain whether the existing hardware will be compatible while migrating to Windows 7 or if you will need to purchase new hardware.
Backup of data and user settings
After the review of the software and hardware capabilities, you must create a backup of data and user settings. This is carried out so that you can eliminate the risk of losing important information. As operating system migration can be a bit complicated, it is better to maintain data security by creating such backups of organizational data and user settings.
Imaging software
Once the backup has been made, you should use imaging software to make the images of the operating system and the application settings for the machines. Using these images, you can then deploy them from a centralized location to all the computers. This will lessen the downtime and will help you in saving time and money.
Choose distributor
Once the backup of data and user settings are done, you must choose a reliable and reputed distributor. You can ask your friends, colleagues or search on the internet for good operating system distributors. If you are looking to install the new OS in a number of systems, you might get flexible rates.
Realistic expectations
The most important point to remember while migrating to a new operating system is that you must have realistic expectations. As the new operating system will take some time to get used to, you might have to hold training sessions for your employees to ensure that the transition to the to the new OS is smooth
For those using Windows XP, the process may be a bit more complicated and time consuming as it will require a fresh install. You must remember that migrating to Windows 7 can be a bit of a tedious process. But, it is a necessary process as it will enable your employees to do their work better and faster.
Is now really the time to be migrating an entire organization to Windows 7, just a few months before Windows 8 is expected to come out? I’m using the Windows 8 Consumer Preview now, and have had almost no problems with it. I’d say that it’s just about ready to release.
You should be able to setup a home network pretty easily that would allow you to share all files on both computers – check out the help files on Vista to enable the home network – you will need to have a wireless networj card, or connect both computers to your modem though.