Technology Solutions That Work

Technology Solutions That Work

If your business systems crashed today, would you still be in business tomorrow? Protect your investment in your equipment and your data. Kingdom Computer Solutions has innovative solutions to keep your computers running, your team connected, and your mind at ease, so you can focus more on managing your business.


Computer Solutions for Home

Computer Solutions for Home

Solutions to fit your busy lifestyle!  With all you do to keep your household running, like dropping off and picking up kids, juggling finances, and working a full time job, the least we can do is make sure your computer works when you need it. We'll even come to you!



Dynamic Web Development

Dynamic Web Development

Make your mark on the web with a dynamic website for your business to give you the attention you deserve! Whether you need a new website to promote your business, or your existing site is in desperate need of a facelift, Kingdom Computer Solutions can build a custom, professional, content-managed website to fit your budget and your business.


"End of Life for Windows XP? Maybe Not..."

Submitted by Myk Robinson on February 7, 2011 - 10:22am

Windows XP DeadWindows 7 has been on the market now since around October of 2009. Its hard to believe that its been available that long, as it seems that it is just now starting to be embraced by the masses. Its definitely more stable than its predecessor, Windows Vista. Driver support is much better and close to on par with Linux since so many devices are supported out of the box, including many wireless network interfaces. Its so nice to be able to get online without having to hunt down a driver (which, coincidentally you can't do without the ability to get online).

But what about Windows XP? Many businesses, as well as home users, are still hanging on to Windows XP for dear life because of certain "legacy" applications that don't play nicely with Vista or Windows 7. But as fate would have it, at some point older hardware dies and must be replaced with new hardware. If you haven't noticed, practically every computer on store shelves comes with Windows 7 preloaded, with the exception of a few leftovers or refurbs with Windows Vista. As of late January, those of us in the "business" can't even buy computers with XP preloaded, whereas just two months ago in December, Dell, HP, and other manufacturers would still allow us to "downgrade" systems to XP. But now it looks like Microsoft has finally pulled the plug and issues an order to no longer sell preloaded XP machines to the major manufacturers.

So what is one to do in order to continue using the software they want to use? It just doesn't seem fair to be forced to upgrade to something that won't do what you need it to do. For the first time in a while, I have to applaud Microsoft for listening to its customers and doing what just seems out of line for the Redmond, WA software giant. Are you sitting down? They are offering Windows XP for... wait for it... FREE! You heard it right. There is a minor catch. It is in the form of a virtual machine. This is not a bad thing.

Here's how it works. Anyone using a computer loaded with Windows 7 can download "Windows XP Mode", which is essentially a preconfigured Windows XP virtual machine that will run all (read "most") of your legacy applications right inside of Windows 7. What's a virtual machine, you ask? A virtual machine, in its most basic form, is a "guest" operating system, in this case Windows XP, running in a windows inside a "host" operating system, Windows 7. So, Windows XP will run as an application inside of Windows 7. Think of it like picture-in-picture on a TV. Windows XP will be able to access all resources of the computer, so it can share the printer that Windows 7 is running natively. It can be assigned a network address in the same subnet so that your virtual machine, the host computer, and other computers on the network can interact with the virtual machine as if it were a real computer on the network. If you attach a USB flash drive, you may tell it to attach either to Windows 7 or to the virtual machine. And if you're a real hardcore Windows XP zealot, you can even run the virtual machine in full screen mode and pretend you are working with a real Windows XP machine! To use your older software, simply insert the CD and install the application in the virtual machine instead of in Windows 7, as the CD/DVD drive can be read in the virtual machine as well.

Now, the same caveats apply as with an actual Windows XP computer. You will need to install antivirus software and use common sense to protect yourself online. The virtual machine is susceptible to the same things a native machine would be.  That said, I'm sure your next question is "where can I get it?" Ask and you shall receive. To get your free Windows XP virtual machine, go to http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/download.aspx and follow the onscreen directions. If you have good internet speeds, you should be up and running in no time.

Hope this helps someone. Keep checking back with us for more tips and tricks to help get the most out of your computer. And if you're in need of assistance, Kingdom Computer Solutions is here to help. Give us a call at 731.215.0390.

God bless,
-myk

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