One of the biggest flaws with Vista was that programs which worked in XP, just work properly. But it seems Microsoft have learnt from a few of their mistakes, as they will offer a virtualised “Windows XP Mode” in Windows 7 Proffesional and Ultimate editions. This seems to be a brilliant move and could potentially do wonders for Windows 7.
It won’t be put directly onto the release candidate due to come out on May 5th, but instead will be available as a free downloadable plug-in.
What is XP mode and how does it work? Essentially, its a licensed virtualized copy of Windows XP SP 3. Your Windows 7 Pro/Enterprise/Ultimate licensees will receive access to download this plug-in and it will run inside Windows’ own Virtual PC framework. Anyone wanting to run a XP program has to simply install it while XP mode is on. You can then run in the future as a virtualised program, without having to resort to further hassle.
According to Paul Thurrott, Microsoft claims nearly 100% compatibility with current Windows XP applications in XPM. But we have to wait and see how smoothly Virtual PC can be integrated into 7 itself. We also have to wait and see how XP Mode will be liscenced and provided. Will it be restriced only to corporate liscences, or will it be available to retail customers as well?
Overall, this may be an extremely smart move from Microsoft. For adminstrators, the cost of upgrading may be an issue, but compatibility problems are also a major issue. XP mode might get rid of this issue and convince enough adminstrators to upgrade. Windows needs 7 to be successful, and XP Mode will certainly contribute.
What are your thoughts? How does the promise of a licensed, virtualized XP running inside Windows 7 change your view on the OS? Feel free to leave your opinion on the comments.
I think that there are a lot of drawbacks to the scheme:
- For Win 7 pro only
- What about virtualized 3D & Video acceleration?
- What about legacy peripherals?
- What about memory usage?
More here: http://tech-no-media.blogspot.com/2009/04/windows-7-compatibility-mode-not-for.html
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