Have you ever questioned the decision to change the name of Microsoft applications "Add / Remove Programs" in Windows XP and previous to "Programs and Features" in Vista? There are likely to consider Microsoft the package management system similar to the various Linux distro (eg, APT in Debian, RPM in Red Hat). System such akan merevolusioner how users interact with Windows applications, while providing some form of security because the benefit only to allow the user to install applications that are secure.

For you who have not been so familiar with the package management system, the system allows users to search, download and install the update applications easily, without having to visit the various Internet site to download the application sought.

Microsoft recently ask the beta testers of Windows 7, to request input from them about the "single place to find and update management for the programs in the PC." The participants are asked to indicate (1 - 9) the importance of the features below for them:

• The ability to install a program on my PC.
• The ability to find the program I want to use on my PC.
• The ability to have all programs on my PC up-to-date.
• The ability for me to update specific programs on my PC at a time that is convenient for me.
• The ability for me to remove a specific program on my PC.
• The ability to set the schedule for updating programs on my PC.
• The ability for a program to automatically configure settings it needs while it is being installed on my PC (e.g. there is no need for me to manually configure the firewall, etc).
• The ability to block a program from being installed on my PC when the program publisher cannot be verified.
• The ability to ensure that only programs on my PC from publishers I choose to trust can automatically stay up-to-date.
• The ability to install programs on my PC from program publishers I trust, without any security prompts or warnings.
• The ability to see security prompts or warnings when trying to install programs from publishers I had not previously chosen to trust.
• The ability to install a program so that all the users sharing a PC can use it.
• The ability to install a program and have it usable almost immediately.
• The ability to install multiple programs on my PC at the same time.
• The ability to install programs without causing any noticeable slow-down to other programs on the PC.
• The ability to install a program without interrupting other activities I am doing on my PC.
• The ability to know that my PC has all the necessary requirements a program needs before installing the program (e.g. memory, hard disk space).
• The ability to know the identity of the company or vendor that created a program installed on my PC.
• The ability to find reviews and ratings about a program before installing it on my PC.
• The ability to quickly find the programs I use most frequently on my PC.
• The ability install or update a program without the need for a reboot.
• The ability to have a single place for finding and managing updates for the programs on my PC.
• The ability to know which programs are causing problems on my PC.
• The ability to restore a program to its original settings and behavior when it malfunctions.
• The ability to install a program to a USB key.
• The ability to discover which programs can be installed.
• The ability to discover which programs can be removed.
• The ability to discover the repair functionality for a malfunctioning program.

Windows XP operating system may be the best that have been owned by Microsoft. Even after Vista is made to replace the XP that does not appear to make a request to the operating system is the ebb. Some of the users and vendors to do their own protest and urged Microsoft to sell licenses to stay and extend support to the operating system is longer. Fortunately Microsoft is willing menyanggupi charges. The facts are talking XP more lightweight, stable and compatible with more devices than Vista.

Microsoft is aware of the many users with XP than Vista, then they throw a unique strategy for menggaet faithful XP users that want to use their latest operating systems, namely Windows 7 to include a feature called XP mode.

Features sebelummnya called Virtual Windows XP this is a virtual environment designed so that users of Windows 7 can run smoothly with applications that have previously run on Windows XP. Version of Windows XP that is used is equipped with SP 3 which was the last update on this operating system. Virtual PC technology that drives into the ability virtualisasinya, Microsoft purchased the technology from Connectix company in 2003.

Unlike other virtualization solutions, virtual environment does not separate with a special window, can run applications that integrates directly with Windows 7. You can see in the screenshot below how the Word 2003 application, which should only be run on the Windows XP version of the maximum, can be run side by side in one place with the Word 2007 environment in Windows 7.

By adding features that are associated with the compatibility problem is the lack of Microsoft would like to improve on the previous Vista, where compatibility problems arise with the application that is designed for operating systems XP and older version other.

Microsoft's Scott Woodgate said through blogs, "Windwos XP mode is designed specifically to help companies / small businesses to switch to Windows 7." Then it is said also, "Windows XP-Mode provides the flexibility to run many applications that have been productive in the old PC-based Windows 7"

Which is unfortunate dibatasinya use XP mode only on this edition of Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise and Ultimate only. And itupun you must first download the application for free.

Microsoft says party will soon release a beta version of Windows XP and Windows Mode Virtual PC 7 for Windows Professional and Windows 7 Ultimate.

Some screenshots taken from the site WinSuperSite.com show how this mode XP installed and how the settings in Win7 and tested with a try to install and run Office 2003 applications. And later you will see how apliaksi running Office 2003 with Office 2007 simultaneously in one screen that shows the singularity of this virtualization technique.