We've been installing replacement desktops in a number of companies over the course of the summer. The main question has still been 'shall we upgrade to Windows 7 or stick with XP?' In some cases it may still be worth downgrading...

Compared to the XP / Vista debate, a decision is not so easy in choosing the correct operating system for new computers. Depending on software used on a network, printers available on the network and a number of other factors the decision is a little more blurred.

Microsoft has done is research and integration much better for Windows 7 than it did for Vista. There is a special compatability mode in Windows 7 which can be used to ensure that programs can still be run on Windows 7 machines. Windows 7 looks cleaner, and has more useful functions than Vista and XP. However we are still finding a few cases where downgrading a new machine to XP is quicker and has less hassles than choosing the Windows 7 route.

So what is the best decision for your business? In our minds clearly consideration has to be made for the following factors:

• The software running on your network. If it's fairly Microsoft led, then choosing Windows 7 will be the preferred option. The speed and reliability and future compatability would make a clear winner. However if other software programs which require 3rd party drivers, more research will be needed.
• The hardware on the rest of the network. Old printers or other hardware may not have the driver support for Windows 7 without the loss of features. In these cases, each of the hardware components on the network should be researched before making a decision.

However, one major advantage in making the decision can be done through virtualisation. Instead of having to get hardware configured for WIndows 7 and then run on the network, machines running virtual operating systems can be added to a network and testing with all the software and hardware components without having to make expensive hardware / software purchases.

Essentially a number of hardware vendors are still choosing to provide Windows 7 / XP drivers making the decision less critical. However as time moves on these routes will become harder, forcing the Windows 7 upgrade route, when you are maybe not convinced.

Our recommendation is to take time over the next couple of months to consider your current hardware requirements before being forced down a route you may not wish to take...