Windows 7 ''XP Mode'' Finalized

Will arrive with Win 7 on Oct 23rd

Software giant Microsoft  revealed today that the company has "finalized the code" for the 'XP Mode' in its upcoming Windows 7 which releases on the 23rd of this month.

Like in Windows Vista, some older programs and softwares are not compatible with Windows 7, but the 'XP mode' will allow users to run those programs by switching to XP mode. "We expect many Windows XP applications to be compatible Windows 7 however Windows XP Mode is meant to serve as an added safety net so small and mid-sized businesses can migrate and run Windows 7 without any road blocks," said Microsoft's Brandon LeBlanc. "Windows 7 Professional is designed to meet the needs of small and mid-sized businesses."

On the downside the XP Mode will be available with only three versions of Windows 7 - Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate. Also, your computer needs to have chip-level virtualization support activated to run the XP mode.

Microsoft has agreed to allow prospective owners of Windows 7 to downgrade the software to Vista and Windows XP. While Microsoft has allowed people to downgrade their software to a predecessor it is the first time it has allowed a downgrade licence to the operating system before. In fact it is technically possible that you could take the licence, in the way that it is worded, all the way back to Windows 95.

Microsoft Releases Free Anti-Virus Software

Lighter, faster than Norton/McAfee

It is the year of Microsoft - the software giant has just released Security Essentials software that will help protect your computer from pesky viruses, spyware, and other malicious programs.

But what's the big deal, you say, there are dozens of other anti virus programs? Just that Microsoft's Security Essentials is fully integrated with windows 7 and runs quietly in the background without popping up any annoying messages. What's more, its free!

Another aim of the Security Essentials is to make casual users aware of viruses and spyware to stay protected. Other famous anti-virus programs such as Norton are notorious for being too heavy and hogging too much memory, slowing down the computer. Microsoft's Security Essentials does just the opposite and still provides adequate security to you PC.

The Security Essentials will automatically download updates and your virus definitions will always be up to date. Like Norton and McAfee, the Security Essentials can be utilized to schedule full or quick system scans, exclude certain file types of processes from being scanned, and designate how you are alerted of various actions and what you want the default step to be.

You can download Security Essentials for free without signing up or registering; all you need is a genuine copy of Windows XP SP2 or SP3, Windows Vista (Windows Vista), or the upcoming Windows 7. Also, if you're planning on running Windows XP mode in Windows 7 you don't need to worry since Security Essentials will also run simultaneously in XP mode without affecting the computer's performance.

Although if you wish to install Microsoft Security Essentials, make sure you uninstall your previous anti-virus programs.