What is XP mode and how do I use it?

Windows XP Mode lets you run older Windows XP business software right on your Windows 7 desktop. Designed primarily with small- and medium-sized businesses in mind, Windows XP Mode comes as a separate download and works only with Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate.

Windows XP Mode also requires virtualization software such as Windows Virtual PC. Both are available free on the Microsoft website. For more information see Install and use Windows XP Mode in Windows 7. (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/install-and-use-windows-xp-mode-in-windows-7)

Does XP mode work for every computer?

No, not all computers support Windows Virtual PC with XP Mode. Your computer processor needs to support hardware based virtualization such as AMD V or Intel VT technologies.

Resources:

• For more information about the requirements and supported operating systems, see theWindows Virtual PC product page
• x86 Virtualization - Wikipedia provides a page with information about which processors from Intel and AMD support virtualizationhere
• Virtualization technologies from Intel
• Windows Virtual PC and Windows XP Mode BETA's for Windows 7 Download's now Available
• More information about Windows XP Mode for Windows 7

What's the difference between XP mode and Virtual PC??

Windows XP Mode requires that your processor supports hardware based virtualization such as AMD V or Intel VT technologies.You can check to see if it is available by following these steps to enable hardware virtualization:    - Restart the computer and enter BIOS setup.    - Search virtualization setting in BIOS and enable the setting.    - Save BIOS settings.    - Power off the computer, wait for few seconds and start the computer.

Do I need to install an anti-virus on the XP mode thing? or is having it run on Windows 7 enough?

Users must remember that they are running another computer, which requires maintenance just as the physical machine, which includes installing an Antivirus and keeping it up to date along with keeping the OS updated too.

Couldn't I just load Windows 7, then run everything thing in XP mode?

No, Windows XP Mode is really targeted at individuals and small businesses that need support for legacy applications. You won't find support for games/Direct X 9 games. Virtual XP is probably the solution a lot of users have been looking for, the seamless experience it provides users running legacy applications along side Windows 7 makes the compatibility story a better one. There is a level of complexity involved and at the same time I am disappointed to know this is only an option for certain Windows 7 SKU's. Also, the system requirements still exist, a machine with a minimum 2 GBs of RAM is required, more recommended.Additional resources:http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/springboard/archive/2009/06/16/understanding-xp-mode.aspx

Andre Da Costa http://adacosta.spaces.live.com http://www.activewin.com