New WINDOWS 7 - Find out here !

Microsoft has revealed details of Windows 7, the next version of its desktop platform. It has loads of user interface improvements, plus features to make the operating system easier to setup and manage for corporate I.C.T departments.

Windows 7 tries to make the use of networks easier and improves the way people use devices and peripherals. It gives better performance than Vista on the same hardware, say Microsoft.

Microsoft have accepted that Vista hasn't went down as well as they had hoped which is why everything is different with Windows 7.

Drivers and other program compatibility just wasn't there in time for Vista. System requirements for Windows 7 are yet undisclosed. Apparently Windows 7 gives pleasing performance even on netbooks with an Atom processor and 1GB memory.

Windows 7 has a cleaner user interface designed to let users get tasks done faster. There are far less annoying pop-ups and notifications, and users can control what appears in their Task Bar and System Tray.

A touch-based user interface extends Tablet PC technology to let users control their PC using a fingertip and gestures reminiscent of those supported by Apple's iPhone.

The user interface of Windows 7 will be less complicated looking than Vista and gone is the Windows Sidebar which allows users to place Gadgets anywhere on the desktop.

Windows 7 PCs will also be able to "see each other" and access each other's resources on a home network easily with the new Home Group feature, but corporate laptops brought home will not allow this, so as to protect sensitive data which is great.

Windows 7 will support streaming to network-enabled media players, and many more media formats are supported, such as the Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) used by iTunes, Divx and new HD camcorder formats.

Connecting to Wi-Fi networks is also easier. In the system tray, Windows shows the wireless LANs available and you can just pick one, supplying credentials when needed.

Microsoft has also overhauled the way devices work with Windows 7 PCs. Device Stage provides an all-in-one view of a device and what it can do.

With a multi-function printer, users will be able to scan, print, fax, and even access any built-in storage from Device Stage, for example.

For corporate users, BitLocker now encrypts USB Flash drives, and administrators can configure a policy so the user must encrypt one before data can be copied to one from a company PC. AppLocker enables administrators to apply a white list of applications users are allowed to run, while Windows 7 will also enable an image to be applied to a system without losing user files and data.

Do you need antivirus and/or antispyware?

I have many people asking me this question daily. Most pc users only have antivirus installed and most of the times it is not regularly updated. You should always have a good antivirus AND antispyware installed at all times. This will maximise protection against many forms of threats. Remember we recommend AVG 8 or above AND Adaware 2009 or above.

AVG link:http://free.avg.com/
AdAware:http://www.lavasoft.com/products/ad_aware_free.php

Security Tools namely ZoneAlarm

ZoneAlarm has been proven and tested. It's makers Zone labs have been in the firewall business for longer than most so the product is fully tested and trusted. During installation there will be a little configuring to do, however when it is fully active it does literally show quite dodgy looking processes. ZoneAlarm works away discreetly in the background to protect your computer. It has many more features that Windows firewall and best of all it's FREE. Remember to go to the bottom right and look for the free version.

And heres the link: http://www.zonealarm.com/security/en-us/home.htm