With an updated, modern design style over its predecessors, Windows 7 Professional is an operating system designed specifically to meet the extra demands of business users. This version includes networking and security features for use by medium and large businesses, including an encrypting file system and the ability for users to join the Windows Domain workgroup. Windows 7 also brought to the market Internet Explorer 8 and Windows Media Player 12. Although Windows 7 Professional has been designed for larger businesses, it can also be used on home computers.
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Encrypting File System (EFS): Designed to aid in the protection against attackers with direct access to the computer, EFS is an advanced security system that enables transparent encryption on user designated files.
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Location Aware Printing: Also known as wireless printing, this feature enables printing from any printer in the area via the use of a wireless signal.
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Backup and Restore Center: This feature gives authorized users the ability to backup and restore files to their network. This enables other authorized users to access and restore the backup files if needed.
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Remote Desktop Connection: Remotely connect to other computers running Windows 7 Professional on the same network via an internet connection.
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Windows Server Domain: Authorized users have access to a remote private network.
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BitLocker/BitLocker To Go: Take peace of mind with extra security encryption in the form of Bitlocker. This feature protects you from offline attacks in the event that your computer is lost or stolen.
Windows XP Mode: Enjoy all of the features of Microsoft Windows XP within Windows 7 Professional.
The minimum system requirements for Windows 7 Professional 32 Bit are:
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Processor: 1 GHz or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
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Hard Disk Space: 16 GB for the 32-bit version and 20 GB for the 64-bit version
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RAM (internal memory): 1 GB for the 32-bit version and 2 GB for the 64-bit version
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Media drive: DVD/CD authoring requires a compatible optical drive
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Graphics Card: DirectX 9 with WDDM 1.0 or higher
Backup and Restore Center. With this feature, authorized users have the ability to backup and restore files right onto their network. This allows other authorized users of the network to access all the backup files and restore them if they need.
Encrypting File System (EFS). This advanced security system enables transparent encryption on files designated by the user. This feature aids in the protection against attackers who have actual hands-on access to the computer.
Location-Aware Printing. This is commonly known as wireless printing (Location Aware Printing sounds so much more fun though). This allows the computer to pick up the wireless signal from any wireless printer in the area for use. This makes printing anywhere effortless.
Remote Desktop Connection. This powerful feature allows the user to connect to a remote computer that is also running Windows 7 Professional, as long as the computers are connected to the same network or have internet service. Users, who have the proper authorization account and password, are able to access this helpful option.
Windows Server Domain. This feature provides a private network for all authorized users. Just like the remote desktop connection allows for connection to a remote device, this feature gives the user access to a remote private network (with the proper account information). A single set of security parameters are set for the entire network, so all the computers on that network have the same amount of security and protection.
Windows XP Mode. There is a complete copy of Windows XP within 7 Professional. This gives you access to all the awesome features of XP, with the absolutely necessary upgrades of Windows 7 Professional.
BitLocker/BitLocker To Go. In the horrifying event that your computer is lost or stolen, BitLocker is extra security encryption. This gives real protection from offline attacks from hackers and those bad people trying to steal your information.