As Microsoft approached the end of support for Windows XP it made a significant push to get folks to upgrade to Windows 8, the latest version of its operating system, but some made other choices.

Now I have not been quiet about the fact that I believed Windows 8 got a pretty bad rap in the tech press. That in turn caused many users to move to Windows 7 as they upgraded those Windows XP machines instead of Windows 8 or its subsequent updates Windows 8.1 and Windows 8.1 Update.

So it makes sense that Microsoft has produced a downloadable guide to assist those Windows XP users with their transition to Windows 7 and the host of new features it introduced compared to its predecessors Windows Vista and of course Windows XP.

By the way, I am OK with that decision because it means at least they are on a modern operating system instead of a vulnerable one.

Anyway, the 13 page guide which is provided in a Word .docx file, keys in on these feature areas:

  • Navigating quickly by using the taskbar
  • Using a Jump List to access files
  • Resizing windows
  • Printing from multiple networks
  • Optimizing your display
  • Managing power settings
  • Expanding searches across networks
  • Recording steps for troubleshooting
  • Backing up and restoring data
  • Managing your operating system
  • Using Windows 7 shortcuts

If you are new to Windows 7 this document will be a good reference as you learn the system.

Some additional links in the document will also come in handy:

You can download the Windows 7 New Features Get Started Guide from the Microsoft Download Center.