Demystifying the XP Mode of Windows 7
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Every new operating system brings enhancements and additions to all aspects of computing, from the user interface up to performance. However, they often bring problems when it comes to software compatibility. Running applications always relies on the foundation that is the main operating system. XP Mode is a new innovative solution of Microsoft to bundle their proprietary virtualization solution into Windows 7 and alleviate compatibility problems for good. Let’s demystify it.
In this article we won’t get into presenting Windows 7 since everyone and their dog has already heard of it and is anxiously waiting for its official release. Most people have been following the headlines and trying out different beta/RTM versions for months. On the other hand, XP Mode is the feature we want to deeply look into, find out its roots, its limitations, and how it helps eliminate compatibility issues. If it does eliminate those issues, that is.
We must assume that you are familiar with operating system virtualization. If not, please take a moment to read the following article: An Overview of Virtualization Solutions. Non-technically speaking, virtualizing another operating system is creating a virtual environment that behaves exactly like an individual machine. It relies on the hardware of your physical computer, of course. It is an abstract emulated environment.
Virtualization is not something new; it’s been around since the past decade. There are numerous third party solutions—some free, others commercial—that offer a unique set of features and fancy functions, but in essence, they are all the same. Some perform slightly better, others are more user-friendly; you name it. Microsoft has developed their proprietary virtualization solution and it’s called Virtual PC.
Windows Vista was criticized everywhere due to the incompatibilities it brought. Ever since its launch, businesses and large corporations have skipped Vista because they were “afraid” and did not think the costs of making the migration were justified, due to the potential incompatibilities that may happen in the end. Windows 7 is a different beast entirely. Microsoft did not want what happened to Vista to happen with Windows 7.
XP Mode comes to the rescue. Microsoft thought about implementing a stripped- down version of their virtualization solution, the Virtual PC, and make the process of running an instance of Windows XP inside your Windows 7 main OS really seamless. In short, that is what XP Mode is about. Starting on the next page we’ll examine it further.
Next: XP Mode? What? >>
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