Windows 7 – New Features
DirectAccess
Active Directory authentication without a VPN connection
Firewall and NAT friendly with most existing network infrastructures
Supports multi-factor authentication
Uses IPv6-over-IPSec and Teredo
Requires Server 2008 R2 back-end with SSTP and RRAS
Can be configured for split-tunnelling if desired
BranchCache
Similar to Cisco’s WAAS
Hosted Cache mode – Server 2008 R2 hosts the files (Host/Client)
Distributed Cache mode – PCs cache the content and distribute to each other (P2P)
HTTP, HTTPS, SMB – passive cache for reads – writes are never cached
Takes advantage of SMB 2.0 with Vista, Windows 7 and Server 2008
BitLocker To Go
USB storage devices can be encrypted
Encryption can be enforced for newly inserted devices
Policies can be set to require password complexity, smart cards, etc
Drive Prep Tool no longer necessary post-install if you want to enable BitLocker at a later date
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Windows 7 – New Features
AppLocker
Rule based application permissions model
Publisher rules are based on application digital signature
Relies on signed applications
Helps prevent unauthorized software installation
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure enhancements
Spanning monitor support with varying resolutions per monitor
Microphone support over RDP
Aero/DirectX/Multimedia/streaming over RDP
Mount VHD files as a drive letters
Boot from VHD files
Management
Credential Manager provides a ‘lock box’ for passwords for sites and services
Remote Assistance vastly improved
Action Center combines Security Center with Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and Recovery Centers
Native Biometric (fingerprint) and Location Sensor (GPS) driver support for many existing devices
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Windows 7 – New Features
HomeGroup
Domain-joined computers can be part of a HomeGroup
Uses a password for fileshares and printer shares
Easy to use
Multi-touch interfaces
Surface-esque control of the desktop
Libraries and enhanced Search
Search for items anywhere on your network with federated Search partners
Where you store files become less important as long as they can be indexed
Miscellaneous
ReadyBoost can be used on multiple devices at once
Desktop Gadgets can roam anywhere on the desktop
“SuperBar” – the controversial task bar replacement
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Windows 7 – The Vista Connection
Device Drivers
Targeting 100% success rate for Vista drivers under W7 – no radical API changes
Device driver support for Vista has improved greatly since RTM – will carry over for W7
You can actually trust drivers and links to OEMs offered by Windows Update
Application Compatibility
No radical departure in W7 compared to the jump from XP to Vista
Application vendors are writing more applications that do not require ‘admin’ access
UAC
4 levels of protection/notification
Many system related prompts eliminated
Considerably less annoying by default
System requirements
Computer systems have caught up with Vista and W7 is streamlined for performance
Componentization of system features continue – makes adding and removing pieces easier
Windows Anytime Upgrade takes minutes instead of hours
Perfect for netbooks and older ACPI hardware
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