Windows 7 Virtual XP Mode has six major flaws

Windows 7 XP Mode is a hot topic recently. XP Mode is a Windows 7 add-on feature that allows users to run Windows XP programs in a virtual machine. The famous columnist Adrian Kingsley-Hughes tried to use the XP mode for a while, and the author pointed out six major problems in the XP mode:

1. The lack of virtual tools

If you have used a commercial product like VMware Workstation, you will feel that the XP mode is very basic. XP mode cannot copy virtual operating systems or create snapshots, and the advantages of virtual operating systems are exactly here, but XP mode does not provide these tools.

2. Managing two systems at the same time

More serious, companies using XP mode need to manage twice the number of desktop operating systems. Anyone who migrates to Windows 7 and uses XP mode will encounter this problem. If XP mode can manage XP installations, the situation may not be so bad, but XP mode does not.

3. XP Mode Threat Host System

The virtual operating system is the sandbox of the host operating system. This is an advantage of virtualization technology, which means that if the virtual operating system is attacked by a virus, The host operating system is still secure. In XP mode, the virtual operating system seems to always access the file system of the host operating system, so the security of the host operating system is difficult to guarantee.

4. Increased security costs

In order to ensure the security of the two systems, users need to install anti-virus software and firewall for each system. This is not just a matter of cost, but users also need to upgrade their security software on a regular basis.

5. Configuration troubles

Running XP mode is higher than running Windows 7 or XP alone. The minimum memory is 2GB. The chip is limited to Intel and AMD.

In order to run XP mode, the user has to configure a CPU that supports virtual technology. Intel CPUs require VT-x technology, and AMD CPUs require AMD-V technology. After the CPU is equipped, users also need to consider the configuration of BiOS.

6. What is the focus?

If your business is currently using XP, what is the key to migrating to Windows 7? After all, whether you use XP mode or not, XP extensions Support will end in 2014, and XP mode is nothing more than a temporary measure.

When we argue that XP mode is good or bad, do we think of using other systems? Linux or Mac? In fact, Windows does not have to be used as a host.

It is reported that genuine users of Windows 7 Professional, Windows 7 Enterprise and Windows 7 Ultimate can download and use XP mode for free. The beta version of XP will be released publicly along with the Windows 7 RC version. Microsoft said that the final release of the XP model will be based on beta feedback.