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By right-clicking "My Computer" or "Computer" in XP or Vista
and selecting "Properties," you can view basic information about
your PC's basic hardware. (Click to enlarge)
Apparently Microsoft heard its customers' requests loud and clear this time in response to the next Windows version soon to hit store shelves on October 22. Windows 7, the newest operating system from Microsoft, will come with a full, licensed version of Windows XP SP3 for customers needing compatibility with older hardware and software. This includes the versions of Windows 7 Business, Windows 7 Professional, and Windows 7 Ultimate for those who need it.
However, as I have been testing the software myself, it requires some pretty stiff hardware to even support the XP version, which I plan to go over here in this article.
This "XP Mode" uses what is known as virtualization technology to run both Windows 7 and Windows XP at the same time on the same PC, which only certain hardware and processors support. Virtualization allows you to run both Windows 7 and Windows XP at the same time while using the same PC without having to reboot into XP mode itself. This means you can work in Windows 7 normally while using XP to run specific software you need in it.
This said, the required hardware can be a little steep for those who don't have a newer PC let's say, within the past year or so. First off, according to CNET News.com, the version requires a hefty 2GB of RAM just to load the virtualization on the computer, including an additional 15GB of hard drive space in itself of the software. Why? Because considering XP and 7, you must run and install programs into XP itself rather than Windows 7, as it runs just like a "mini-PC" within your Windows 7 environment. Therefore, the additional memory is required to use both at the same time and still keep a PC running smoothly.
Another important note includes what is known as "virtualization technology". That spiffy term is a specific mode your processor must support in order to even run XP mode within Windows 7. Most newer Intel and AMD processors support them but are usually turned off by default to save system resources. Please see my other article below for further information about virtualization technology and how to check if your system supports it.
The best way to determine your system resources is to check Windows itself. To do this, right-click the "My Computer" icon in your Start Menu or the word "Computer" in Windows Vista, and select Properties. Your system's RAM will show here along with further information about your PC.
For more information, see these links:
CNET News.com - Windows 7's XP Mode
Tom's Hardware Review - XP Mode System Requirements
Ter's Article on Virtualization
Follow me at Twitter.com @terrokkin, or e-mail me at terrokkin@gmail.com with any questions or concerns.
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