Microsoft discusses Windows 7s XP mode in-depth
link: original article - section: windows
Earlier this month we reported that Microsoft was on the verge of announcing something major regarding Windows 7, and on April 24th our friend Paul Thurrott finally revealed what we were all waiting for.
Microsoft revealed that one new feature in Windows 7 we are going to see before it RTM's is "Windows XP mode". All those rumors of a new UI or an early (official) RC release were finally put to rest (As if Microsoft would pull something like that).
Today Microsoft finally discussed "Windows XP Mode" in depth in a full QnA press release entitled "Helping Small Businesses With Windows 7 Professional and Windows XP Mode", featuring Scott Woodgate, director of Desktop Virtualization and Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP). Below is the entire QnA session which outlines the fundamentals of this new feature:
PressPass: What are you announcing today?
Woodgate: We are announcing the beta release of Windows XP Mode for Windows 7. Small businesses told us they wanted help upgrading to Windows 7. Windows XP Mode, an optional feature of Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise and Ultimate editions, helps small businesses upgrade to Windows 7 by providing a virtual Windows XP environment capable of running many Windows XP-compatible business and productivity applications. Customers can run many older Windows XP business and productivity applications within Windows XP Mode and launch them from the Windows 7 desktop with just a single click. A beta of Windows XP Mode will be made available on April 30.
PressPass: How does Windows XP Mode work?
Woodgate: Windows XP Mode is the combination of two features. The first part is a pre-packaged virtual Windows XP environment. The second is Windows Virtual PC, which is used to run the virtual Windows XP environment. Customers can install their applications into Windows XP Mode using typical installation processes such as downloading from the Web or using the product CD. Once installed, the applications are automatically available on the Windows 7 Start Menu and can be launched just like any Windows 7 program. Optionally, these Windows XP applications can be pinned to the Windows 7 Task Bar and launched using just a single click from the Windows 7 desktop.
