Windows 7 XP Mode Offers Some Advantages and Limitations
Anyone who is heavily invested in Microsoft Windows knows that newer versions introduce fresh incompatibilities that may break existing applications. Microsoft's response to such functionality gaps is compatibility modes, settings that make the newer version of Windows behave more like its predecessors. Many Windows 7 adopters are upgrading from XP, but if your needs require some of XP's functionality, here are some points to keep in mind before choosing to rely on the new XP compatibility mode of Windows 7. For one thing, it lets you run legacy XP apps under Windows 7. For many, XP represents a stable version of Windows, which despite its age, was relied upon for a number of critical tasks. As such, continual use of XP apps on Windows 7 is a need for many. Windows XP mode is also a cleanly integrated virtualization platform. One common way of running legacy apps on a newer platform involves using a virtualization tool such as VMWare or VirtualBox that, while robust, adds a layer of complexity beyond the capability of many users.
XP mode integrates directly into the start menu and storage facilities of the hosting computer such that most users will not even know that they are using virtualization technology, or indeed what virtualization is. Windows 7 XP mode is great for testing, or for rapid re-deployment. If an app corrupts your XP mode install, re-installing the environment can be done separately from the host operating system. For those who rely heavily on XP applications, this may create a cleaner setup that does not require a complete OS re-installation, as is commonly required with Windows. These are all great advantages, though there are certain caveats of which you should be aware before deploying XP mode. Here are just a few. XP mode requires hardware virtualization. While this is quite common on modern CPUs, it is not universal, and sometimes must be enabled from the BIOS. Before you activate Windows 7 XP mode, you should first ensure that your processor supports the instruction set needed for virtualization. Most modern high-end desktops will have no problems running it, though lower-end systems may struggle. In addition, running XP apps in a virtualized environment requires more resources than does running them natively, so migration away from XP for its own sake is likely not a good path. XP mode is slow. As it requires a separate virtualization environment, your first use of an XP application may take a minute or two to start while the mode is loaded. Subsequent apps will usually start quickly, but the resource intensity and lower speed rules out games and other graphics-heavy apps as candidates for virtualization. XP mode requires Windows 7 Professional. While personal and home-based deployments can certainly benefit from virtualization technologies, Microsoft chose not to make it available in these settings. If you require XP mode then be prepared to upgrade to higher-priced versions of Windows 7. Windows 7 XP mode is a great tool for those needing the added functionality of a newer version of Windows but the ability to run legacy XP apps. Should your business need this functionality, XP mode represents a good investment to ensure the continued use of the apps you rely upon daily.
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