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Security Protection - Harry Waldron (CS)

Security Best Practices, Breaking News, & Updates

Windows 7 - Implement now rather than waiting for Service Pack 1

The security, reliability, and performance of Windows 7 have been excellent since it's initial introduction. Traditionally, corporate IT administrators have waited until the first service pack is available prior to implementing new product versions. The eWeek article below shares 10 reasons why it might be better not to wait, especially for new PC deployments:
 
 Ten Reasons Why You Shouldn't Wait for Windows 7 Service Pack 1
 http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Enterprise-Applications/10-Reasons-Why-You-Shouldnt-Wait-for-Windows-7-Service-Pack-1-646963/
 
 QUOTE: In the past, waiting until a service pack was released was typically the best move when it came to Windows. Windows XP was substantially improved when Microsoft delivered the first service pack. Windows Vista enjoyed similar results when its service pack was released. But Windows 7 is a different story altogether. It doesn't have the kind of issues that XP and Vista did when they first hit store shelves. It's a robust operating system that can be relied on even before the first service pack is released. Simply put, users who are on the fence about Windows 7 shouldn't wait for Service Pack 1.   Here are the reasons why:
 
 1. It'll be a small update - According to Microsoft, Service Pack 1 for Windows 7 will be a small update. That's rather interesting news. In previous versions of Windows, the company has released substantial updates to the software that addressed major issues with how the OS performed. Because of that, most folks believed (rightfully so) that it would be a better idea to wait for the first service pack before they jumped to the new operating system.
 
 2. Windows 7 is quite secure- In fact, the operating system boasts most of the security features found in Windows Vista, plus some extras thrown in. It's widely considered one of the most secure operating systems Microsoft has put out. Service Pack 1 will undoubtedly deliver security improvements, but Windows 7 is secure already.
 
 3. Windows XP mode - Users can opt to run a virtual install of Windows XP right in Windows 7. It's one of the better features Microsoft has added to its operating system in a long time.
 
 4. It's not Vista - Windows 7 provides a far more robust experience than Vista. As troubling as its predecessor was, Windows 7 shouldn't be feared the way Vista is feared.
 
 5. Microsoft was smart this time - Rather than release an operating system that it knew would need to be substantially fixed after its release, the company spent more time on the launch version of the operating system. By doing so, it ensured that Windows 7 would be a more capable and reliable operating system than previous versions of the software.
 
 6. It arrived ready for enterprise use - Windows 7 is different. The operating system is ready for enterprise customers. As mentioned above, it provides full compatibility with most legacy products, thanks to Windows XP mode. And with the help of some of the extra security and encryption features built into the operating system, it's a fine choice to use right now.
 
 7. Waiting with Vista isn't a good idea - Microsoft's latest operating system improves upon Vista on far too many fronts for it to be considered a more viable software solution. If users are opting for Vista over Windows 7, it's a mistake.
 
 8. Keeping XP running too long isn't good either - Windows XP computers are starting to get old and unreliable. And due to the success of XP, malicious hackers continue to pelt the old operating system to find holes that would help them exploit users.
 
 9. The Windows 7 deals are going away - From a purely financial perspective, sticking with an older operating system could be expensive. Microsoft works with vendors to offer deals at the beginning of an operating system's availability to drum up demand for the new OS. But as time wears on and folks have no choice but to opt for a new computer featuring Windows 7, all those deals go away.
 
 10. The past is gone - If Microsoft has shown us anything since Windows 7's launch, it's that the company is finally serious about delivering an operating system that people will want to use out of the box.