A long goodbye from XP
Nine editions, three service packs, millions of PCs worldwide – Windows XP has seen plenty in eight years. Its era ended on June 30, 2008, when Microsoft stopped retail sales of XP. Mainstream support was offered until April 2009, with security updates, hot fixes and technical support. The service packs included new features during this period. Extended support began in April 2009 and will run until April 2014. In this phase, Microsoft will offer technical support and security updates. With one exception: customers with a paid support contract can also request non-security patches. All told, XP users should be safe until 2014. They should, however, make sure to switch to Service Pack 3 by July 13, 2010. Support for Service Pack 2 ends on that date.
New toolkit on board
Windows 7 offers a multitude of clever built-in tools. Now instead of implementing expensive, non-supported external software, organizations can use the features that come standard with Windows. Each tool eliminates an unnecessary source of faults and extra licensing costs. And it makes life easier for system integrators.
- With Direct Access, users can log into their corporate networks over the next-generation Internet Protocol (IPv6).
- AppLocker lets administrators specify which programs are allowed to run on a user’s desktop and restrict unauthorized software.
- BitLocker is an automatic hard-drive encryption tool. It prevents thieves from launching another operating system or running a tool to bypass Windows 7’s file and system encryption.
- BitLocker To Go is an enhancement for encrypting USB devices such as USB flash drives or hard drives. That plugs one of the main security gaps found at major corporations: insecure USB devices.
- Enhanced automation and built-in troubleshooting simplify installation and reduce administrative costs. Windows 7 enables remote troubleshooting.
- Even mobile workers who are not directly connected to the corporate network enjoy secure, reliable, uninterrupted access to the head office.
