Windows 7 will have to be compatible with legacy software to please most users out of the gate.
One of the biggest concerns with using a new operating system is software compatibility.
After making a considerable investment in money to buy the software, then time to learn how to use it, the last thing you want to do is start all over again.
You may have some software that just isn’t available any more at any price. Then what do you do?
The solution is “compatibility mode” – a method of running legacy software in a way that simulates an older compatible operating system.
This sounds good, and it is. Windows 7 will run legacy software.
The problem is that Microsoft developers have chosen to use a clumsy method to handle legacy software. They are using a virtual machine solution, which is relatively hard to install for the average user, shutting out the impatient and the technically challenged.
The legacy software system is also quite separate from the main Windows 7 desktop.
This means you can not drag and drop text, files and other objects between Windows 7 applications, and legacy applications.
Legacy applications do not have their own taskbar icons. Instead, there is a single taskbar icon for all legacy applications currently running, and there is no live preview of legacy applications.
This is a shame, as Microsoft does have better technology available to it.
Theoretically, you can run legacy software. In practice, you may find it more trouble than it is worth, depending on your needs and technical savvy.
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