XP-only mode for the PC-upper.

It sounds so good: On Windows 7 are also old XP programs run, a specialized integrated software makes it possible. But is not running on all PCs and it is not all Windows versions included. But alternatives to Microsoft's solution is in sight.

 

Fear is a good reason. For many companies was the fear that after a migration to Windows Vista could possibly be their old Windows XP programs no longer run, the reason her computer is not on Microsoft's current operating system switch. Similar problems to the company to Steve Ballmer at Vista's successor prevent gifts from the PC operating system Windows 7 contained an XP mode, for the old software. Really can use the but not everyone.

The reason: The so-called Windows XP-Mode is based on virtualization technology. This is a difficult word, but actually a very simple thing. As virtualization is referred to it on the PC when a software underprivileged, they would be on a completely different machine.

What is new is this technology not. For years, there is, for example, virtualization software for Apple computers that use Microsoft operating systems, the underprivileged, they would on a PC. As a result, Mac users Apple's next operating system to run Windows in addition. In bearable speed does indeed only, since Apple uses Intel processors.

Above all, it will use virtualization in data centers. Because their powerful server from routine tasks often have little capacity will install the operators nowadays like multiple virtual PCs on one machine. Thus, its utilization increases, the cost-benefit ratio should be improved.

Exactly this technology is now Windows XP on computers with Windows 7 running. The catch is: XP is Microsoft's virtual picky, does not work on any PC. Because, at the best possible connection to the PC hardware to achieve for its uses Microsoft XP mode virtualization capabilities of current PC processors. Intel called the Intel Virtualization Technology (Intel VT), in short AMD AMD-V.

However, not all current processors built one of these techniques. But what can you tell if a chip has those skills? Based on the description or the price is such a knowledge gap at any rate not cram. Fortunately, both offer free CPU manufacturers tools with which to assess whether a processor virtualization features dominated. For Intel, this is the
Processor Identification Utility, a software for AMD their names down here would be too expensive.
You can download it anyway.

It must be the correct Windows

With the identification capabilities of the processor alone is not enough. Also, the right Windows-7-version a must have in order to the XP mode to be able to use. The now free for everyone to test available Release Candidate version is based on the Ultimate version of the operating system, so to speak, the top model that includes all available features.

Most consumer PCs are, however, probably with the slimmed-down and much cheaper Home Premium version of Windows 7 shipped. But the XP-dominated mode. So in the future on Windows XP does not renounce, you need the expensive Pro, Enterprise or Ultimate editions just the upgrade.

Until then, it could have an alternative to buying a Windows-based or processor upgrades give. The American software company Parallels has time for the publication of the current Windows-7-trial the
Beta testing its own virtualization software announced. The yet unnamed product will be just as Microsoft's XP-Mode in a position to older Windows operating systems run under Windows 7. Besides Vista and XP is the same for Windows 2000.

Unlike the Microsoft solution does Parallels to the virtualization capabilities of modern chips to use. That is why the software on older computers and on current models without Intel VT or AMD-V to run - and in the Home Premium version of Windows 7 to work. What restrictions that frugality will bring is yet equally clear how the price that Parallels for the new software will require.

Cheaper than an upgrade from Windows 7 Home Premium to Ultimate Edition, but it should certainly be. In the Vista universe such an upgrade will cost almost 200 euros. The current Parallels virtualization software for Macs is 120 euros cheaper. A Windows XP must then, however, also provide, in Microsoft's XP fashion, it is already included.