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We have recently finished successful testing of the SC@MS software on Windows 7.
Windows 7 is the latest operating system from Microsoft and will be available for general release from 22 October 2009. By carrying out comprehensive testing in advance of this date, the users of the SC@MS software are able to take advantage of the latest technological developments from Microsoft.
Windows 7 has been built on the MS Vista platform, although according to Microsoft it is quicker to set up and use, it will run smoother and is more responsive. It has been described internally as "the good points in Vista, but without all of the ****!" Time will judge how accurate an assessment this is, however we have already noted a few enhanced features that we believe will be of meaningful benefit to our clients and business users generally. For example, a vastly improved search facility and much quicker ability to compare more than one window side-by-side (“Snap”).
Our testing process has focused on Windows 7 Professional, which we consider to be the most appropriate edition for solicitors practices with network systems. The SC@MS software will function perfectly well in Windows 7 both on its own and in conjunction with MS Office 2000, 2002, 2003 and 2007.
Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate editions have the ability to run programs in what is known as "Windows XP Mode". Whilst this is not strictly necessary for the SC@MS software, any user considering installing Windows XP Mode should be aware that this feature is not available on the Windows 7 Home Premium edition. Furthermore, the workstation on which the operating system is installed must have Hardware Virtualisation Technology both available and enabled (NB - this may not be available in older desktops/laptops/notebooks).
Like its predecessors XP and Vista, Windows 7 has minimum system requirements in order to run satisfactorily. To run Windows 7 alone (NB – without allowing extra resources to run software such as MS Office & SC@MS) Microsoft recommends at least 1 GHz or faster processing speed (32-bit or 64-bit), 2 GB of RAM (3 GB for XP Mode), 16 GB Hard Disk space (31 GB for XP Mode) and a DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver. Small fry perhaps with most modern hardware systems, however the processing speed and memory capability in particular should be checked carefully before any migration to Windows 7.
Click here for Microsoft's summary of Windows 7 including a brief video tour.
Click here for an I.T. Professional’s overview of Windows 7.
SC@MS will, of course, continue to perform perfectly satisfactorily on other Microsoft operating systems, from Windows 95 upwards, and we shall continue to support our clients, existing or new, that are running any of these systems.
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