Windows 7 reveals XP mode AKA the IT guy’s wet dream

[Broni]

http://www.crunchgear.com/2009/04/25/windows-7-reveals-xp-mode-aka-the-it-guys-wet-dream/



So there’s going to be an XP mode in Windows 7. What does that mean? For users of Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate - sorry, lower-end users! - you will get a full copy of Windows XP that will run under a virtual processor. However, instead of creating a new desktop environment, the XP mode will bring the application up as a window inside Windows 7. This means you can run applications like IE 6 “natively” without booting a virtual machine.

The virtual machine will also offer a desktop interface but applications you install under XP will show up in the Windows 7 start menu, an interesting move. The XP app will, in short, appear as a Windows 7 app with a bit more loading.



Why is this happening? Mostly because Vista has long been seen as a plaything and not a serious option for IT departments. By adding an XP mode the final argument - “It’s not XP!” - against Windows 7 is dead. I’ve played with Wn7 and am looking forward to it and, as a former IT guy, I can state unequivocally that this is a big deal.

[Griff]

So, correct me if I'm wrong, but basically this is like Unity mode in VMWare, built right into the OS? COOL!!!

[iamtonsoffun247]

Is this available on the beta yet?

[Geek-9pm]

Bloni,  Broni,
Will the CH admin start up a new board called
"Windows XP Forever"
or something like that? 

[patio]

Is this available on the beta yet?

No.

[Computer Hope Admin]

Hehe Windows XP forever. 

Great feature though and I hope something that remains in the final release and not just something for Beta.

[Broni]

So far, it's available in Win 7 RC, but as an extra 456MB .msi download.

[Computer Hope Admin]

So far, it's available in Win 7 RC, but as an extra 456MB .msi download.

So it's likely that will not be part of the actually Windows 7 package but some type of add-on that can be installed.

[x2543]

well windows 7 isn't going to have a lot of the standard apps included. Microsoft I think is going to take away the movie maker, the windows media player and make it a downloadable app so you can have it installed if you want it. I'm assuming Microsoft wants to not be held accountable for any more antitrust problems like EU posted on it in the past.

but at least you can get best of both worlds, windows xp and windows 7.

[Broni]

So it's likely that will not be part of the actually Windows 7 package but some type of add-on that can be installed.

I have no idea what the final outcome will be.

[Computer Hope Admin]

I have no idea what the final outcome will be.

Ohh common Mr. Cleo, make a prediction.

[Broni]

With Micro$oft, even my super crystal ball doesn't help

[Computer Hope Admin]

With Micro$oft, even my super crystal ball doesn't help

Heh sooo true.

[patio]

Ohh common Mr. Cleo, make a prediction.

October 23 of this year....

http://www.techspot.com/news/34520-windows-7-to-launch-on-october-23-according-to-acer.html

[patio]

So far, it's available in Win 7 RC, but as an extra 456MB .msi download.

Actually 2 DLoads...one is the VPC client and the other XP.