October Surprise, Windows 7 is Outstanding!
Denver Abernathy
 When’s the last time you heard something good about a new Microsoft operating system release? I honestly can’t recall a time when I felt comfortable recommending a new desktop operating system before the release of the first service pack. Windows 7 has changed that.
The reviews are in and they are largely positive. We’ve been testing Windows 7 for several months and we’ve found very little to complain about so far. That’s saying a lot because we found plenty to complain about with the first edition of Windows XP and with Windows Vista. Windows XP became a good OS only after Service Pack one and a solid OS after SP2. Vista never made the grade.
Windows 7 is quick to boot and it is faster than Vista and XP even on older equipment. Microsoft applications, like Office 2007 and/or IE 8.0, that you may have struggled with in XP will operate much more quickly and smoothly with Windows 7.
Compatibility was one of the biggest problems with Vista but it shouldn’t be much of an issue with 7. Most drivers will install automatically and most that don’t can be easily found online. As a last resort, 7 has Windows XP compatibility mode for older programs and hardware.
Another annoyance with Windows Vista is the multitude of security pop-ups in nearly every Windows application. This doesn’t appear to be a problem in 7. It remains to be seen, however, how the actual security will hold up under the pressure of the countless hackers who are no doubt already working to exploit any holes in the code.
The issues we are aware of at this point are:
- There is no upgrade from Windows XP. There are, however, good tools available for data migration to a clean Windows 7 installation.
- Upgrades from Windows Vista can sometimes take a very long time depending on the amount of data on the hard drive.
- The licensing is still a mess with at least 12 pricing options for the box copy alone. Add Open License and OEM versions and it is downright confusing even by Microsoft standards.
Most of the improvements that the end user will take advantage of are related to the Aero user interface:
- Aero Peek – allows you to more easily and visually manage open applications and windows using fly-out thumbnails, translucent graphics, etc.
- Aero Shake – minimize all open windows except the one you are working on just by clicking and shaking the titlebar.
- Aero Snap – maximize screens by dragging them to the top of the screen or drag to the upper right or left to fill half the screen with the selected window.
Another great new feature is Quick Display Switching. Type Windows + P and you get this:
[Click for larger image]
If you work with projectors or dual monitors, this feature alone makes it worth the price of admission in our book.
If you have questions about upgrading to Windows 7 or if you’d like more information on the reasons you should or shouldn’t consider upgrading, please give Promethius a call at 317-733-2388.
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 Social Networks Get Local
Tony Valle
I had a unique “cyber experience” the other day. I was banging around a social network that I had just discovered, and I found that I actually knew several of the members personally!! This sort of thing would have been a one-in-a-million story a few years ago, but today it’s not such a stretch. The social network is Smaller Indiana (smallerindiana.ning.com), and it represents a change that is sweeping across cyberspace.
Social networks are going local, and professionals love the power and exposure that these networks bring. Smaller Indiana allows Hoosiers to blog, post job openings, post videos and much more. Members can join any number of specialized groups such as the iPhone User Group, Greener Indiana, and Indiana Photographers. There is even a “Hole in the Wall Eating Club” for those who know the pleasures of the plate. All this power is absolutely free to anyone who wants to sign up for an account.
Perhaps the gold standard of localized social networks is meetup.com. Meetup has been around for several years now but it has only recently matured into a social powerhouse. It does only one thing, but it does it extremely well. Meetup allows you to set up and join special interest groups by location. Want to play dodge ball in Lisle, IL.? No problem. Are you an accountant looking to meet other accountants in Denver, CO? Chances are Meetup.com already has a group established.
Of course simply joining a local network is not going to automatically enhance your business and your life. You have to actually participate. It doesn’t have to take up tons of your time. Pick just two local networks to join in the next twelve months, and then work the heck out of them. Be committed. Be consistent. Most importantly, don’t give up before the miracle happens!
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