If you have your own business, one of the toughest parts of what you do can be developing proposals to try and get work. One of the frustrating things about developing proposals is that you could develop one and not get the work, but in order to develop a good proposal, you have to think like you’re already doing the job. This takes time and effort, but it’s worth it if you get the job. The ideas that are written down are very important, but the presentation of the info is also important. Bidsketch is all about improving the proposal process from beginning to end and it’s made for designers.

While Bidsketch won’t come up with the proposal details for you, it will help you to put your proposals together and keep track of them so that you just have to worry about what’s included. You can see what your success rate is, mix and match sections from your proposals, and encourage your clients to comment on the proposals through the online sharing functionality. Go close some deals, folks!

• BMV Quantum Subliminal CD Confidence in Business Meetings (Ultrasonic Subliminal Series)
• A Simple Curve
• 15 - Presenting For Profit by Richard Mulvey
• Contractors Proposal Form
• The Only Grant-Writing Book You'll Ever Need: Top Grant Writers and Grant Givers Share Their Secrets (Only Grant-Writing Book You'll Ever Need: Top Grant Writers &)
• Grant Writing For Dummies (For Dummies (Career/Education))
• Book Proposals That Sell: 21 SECRETS TO SPEED YOUR SUCCESS
• Dockers Men's Proposal Moc Run Off Toe Slip On
• Government Funding and You: Video Course
• Results-Oriented Business Writing on 12 CD-ROMs
• Government Funding: Grants, Business Plans and RFPs Quick Start CD-ROM

Take the role of Patty Montanari, a real life Mafia mom, as she struggles to track down her son from the world of the Wiseguys.

Follow the clues as they guide you through the seedy Mafia underworld. Based on the hit TV movie. Drawing on the past of a “Wisegal,” you must find objects and piece together evidence to save her son.

Be loyal to the family, but devoted to your own!

[Download free trial of Wisegal]
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eGreetings!

If you could choose any one geeky gift this holiday season, what would it be? Money is no object. Let’s just close our eyes, and pretend that someone out there has very deep pockets, and wants to buy us each the gift of our dreams. How do you narrow down your list? Do you know what you’d want? Is it possible to choose just one thing?

For me, I honestly couldn’t choose. There are a lot of geeky things I want. Many of them are expensive, which is why I don’t already own them! Even if I were rich, I still couldn’t afford to keep myself happy with all of the gadgets, gizmos, devices, and toys that are out there for sale. Places like ThinkGeek taunt me with all of the cool stuff they have. How could I ever decide?

It seems a lot of you are getting into the holiday spirit. I came across several posts on our sites today revolving around Thanksgiving and even Christmas. It put me in such a holiday mood that I turned on some Christmas music earlier, and let it play over my live stream. I listened to it and hummed along as I caught up on everything going on in our community.

My new HP Photosmart Premium all-in-one machine connects to my entire network — and prints coupons for me!

There are five exercises you can do to reduce the pain and tension in your shoulders and neck after spending hours at your computer.

Help come up with a new teaser for Geeks!

The Sony DSC-WX1 may just be the coolest — and most functional — camera I’ve ever owned.

Newspaper subscriptions are continuing to decline. Do you still receive a printed copy?

Are you looking for an easy way to come up with a great new domain name?

New research explains why the bird flu has not reached pandemic proportions.

SWATting is using technology to hurt others.

Are you already using Dropbox to transfer files?

Could Chrome have a new competitor?

What types of computer deals will you find at Walmart for Black Friday?

GoToAssist can help you provide instant support to clients, friends, or family members.

How do you handle file indexing issues within Windows 7?

My teeth are yellow and falling out! (And yes, I love LEGO a little too much!)

Healthy Life Network is looking for your recipes.

Chrome operating system — is stateless the way to go?

Will there be a real estate book from Google?

Check out the hottest new freeware and shareware.

Take back parental control with freeware that allows you to decide what Web sites can be accessed from your family’s computers.

Apple is sounding off on the iPhone worm.

Post your funnies on bLaugh!

Managing your mobile device isn’t as difficult as you may think it is.

What types of punishments work best for today’s kids?

Customize System Restore in Windows 7.

Rediscover your computer’s true potential and performance by running a regular scan with Optimize 3.0! This little piece of software will now do more than ever before to boost your speed, increase your stability and enhance your security.

Every year, I try to pull together the best deals that I possibly can to pass along to you. This year is no exception. With the economy as tough as it is, everyone needs a helping hand — especially for the holidays. Some of the biggest software companies have come forward to offer all of you amazing discounts!

If a particular offer needs a coupon code, it is listed within the bolded offer title. If no coupon is needed, that is left out. Also, please pay close attention to each offer date, as each one has varied starting and ending dates and times.

Let us know if you hear of any deals we may have missed for software. Also, leave us a note and let us know if we were able to help you save a little money. It’s always good to hear that all of our hard work has paid off — for you!

avast!

• 20% off of avast! - No coupon code is needed. Offer good from November 5th until December 5th, 2009.

Transparent Language

• 25% off on Black Friday only - November 27, 2009. Use coupon code: BLACKFRIDAY.
• 25% off on Cyber Monday only - November 30, 2009. Use coupon code: CYBERMONDAY.

Trend Micro

• 20% off of Trend Micro Internet Security Suite using coupon code: holidays20. - Offer good Nov 27, 2009 until Dec 25, 2009.
• 20% off of Trend Micros Anti-Virus plus Anti-Spyware using coupon code: holidays20. - Offer good Nov 27, 2009 until Dec 25, 2009.
• 40% off of Internet Security Pro using coupon code: trendholiday. - Offer good Nov 27, 2009 until Dec 2, 2009.

Symantec

• 20% off of Norten AntiVirus 2010 from Nov 23, 2009 until Nov 25, 2009. - No coupon code is needed for this purchase.

20% off of Norten Internet Security 2010 from Nov 26, 2009 until Nov 30, 2009. - No coupon code is needed for this purchase.

Kaspersky

• Save $30 on Kaspersky Internet Security for 3 computers. - This is a steal at only $49.95 for all three machines for an entire year. No coupon code is needed. This offer is good from Nov 29, 2009 until Dec 1, 2009.
• Save $20 on Kaspersky AntiVirus for 2 computers. - You’ll only pay $39.95 for both machines for a full year. No coupon code is needed, and the offer is good from Nov 29, 2009 until Dec 1, 2009.
• Buy Kaspersky Internet Security, and receive 10GB free online backup from SugarSync. - Offer good from Nov 6, 2009 until Nov 28, 2009. No coupon code is needed.
• Purchase Kaspersky AntiVirus and receive IDVault for free. - No coupon code is necessary, and the offer is good from Nov 9, 2009 until Dec 30, 2009.
• Purchase Kaspersky Internet Security and receive IDVault for free. - No coupon code is necessary, and the offer is good from Nov 9, 2009 until Dec 30, 2009.

Smith Micro

• Save $35 on Morpheus Photo Animation Suite (Hybrid). - Offer good from Nov 24, 2009 until Dec 1, 2009. No coupon code is needed for this purchase.
• Save $50 on Rapid Weaver for Mac OS X. - Offer good from Nov 24, 2009 until Dec 1, 2009. No coupon code is needed for this purchase.
• Save $25 on Aquazone Oceans of the World for Windows. - Offer good from Nov 24, 2009 until Dec 1, 2009. No coupon code is needed for this purchase.
• Save $20 on Manga Studio Debut. - Offer good from Nov 24, 2009 until Dec 1, 2009. No coupon code is needed for this purchase.
• Save $20 on CheckIT Cleaner. - Offer good from Nov 24, 2009 until Dec 1, 2009. No coupon code is needed for this purchase.
• Save $10 on ArtRage. - Offer good from Nov 24, 2009 until Dec 1, 2009. No coupon code is needed for this purchase.

ACDSee

• Save over $60 on the ACDSee Pro 3 + Storage space + extra 6 months of storage space Bundle. - No coupon code is needed. This offer is good from Nov 13, 2009 until Jan 7, 2009.
• Save $25 on ACDSee Photo Manager 2009. - No coupon code is needed. Offer good from Nov 29, 2009 until Jan 8, 2009.

Pinnacle

• Save $30 on PTE Key Studio, and receive a free copy of Groovy Music City. - No coupon code is needed. Offer good from Nov 24, 2009 until Dec 1, 2009.
• Save $20 on DVD Maker Deluxe. - No coupon code is needed. Offer good from Nov 24, 2009 until Dec 1, 2009.
• Purchase Studio HD and get a free Creative Pack component ($29.99 value). - No coupon code is needed. Offer good from Nov 24, 2009 until Dec 1, 2009.
• Purchase Studio Ultimate or Ultimate Collection and get the entire volume for free ($79 value). - No coupon code is needed. Offer good from Nov 24, 2009 until Dec 1, 2009.
• Save on Studio Bundle. - No coupon code is needed. Offer good from Nov 24, 2009 until Dec 1, 2009.

Nuance

• Save 10% off PDF Converter 6 using coupon code: xi2btxaje - Offer good Nov 23 - Nov 25, 2009.
• Save 10% off of Dragon NaturallySpeaking 10 Standard using coupon code: bzwyh2a36 - Offer good Nov 23, 2009 - Nov 25, 2009.
• Save 30% off of Dragon NaturallySpeaking 10 Preferred using coupon code: giahh897e - Offer good from Nov 26, 2009 until Nov 30, 2009.
• Save 30% off of Dragon NaturallySpeaking 10 Standard using coupon code: 2r22fbz7z - Offer good from Nov 26, 2009 until Nov 30, 2009.
• Save 30% off of PDF Converter Pro 6 using coupon code: j2bm26xoo - Offer good from Nov 26, 2009 until Nov 30, 2009.
• Save 40% off of OmniPage 17 using coupon code: jzw6dbqo9 - Offer good from Nov 26, 2009 until Nov 30, 2009.
• Save 40% off of OmniPage Pro 17 using coupon code: f2rie4nf9 - Offer good from Nov 26, 2009 until Nov 30, 2009.
• Save 40% off of PaperPort 12 Standard using coupon code: oa73vq4zg - Offer good from Nov 26, 2009 until Nov 30, 2009.
• Save 40% off of PaperPort Pro 12 using coupon code: 6z2oh4b27 - Offer good from Nov 26, 2009 until Nov 30, 2009.

Kodak

• Free Standard Shipping on orders over $99 + FREE 2 GB SD Memory Card w/ Cameras or Frames. - This offer is good from Nov 24 until Dec 24, 2009 and no coupon code is needed.
• 3 Days, 3 Ways to Save - 10% off camera bags, 20% off memory cards, 30% off batteries and chargers at the KODAK Store - Offer starts on November 24 and ends November 27, 2009. No coupon is needed.
• KODAK EASYSHARE W820 Wireless Digital Frame for $99.95 - Save $100! - Starts 7am ET on November 27, and ends at 7am ET on November 28th, 2009 while supplies last. No coupon code is needed.
• Save 10% on KODAK EASYSHARE M Series & Z Series Digital Cameras (exclusions apply). - This offer begins at 7am ET on Nov 28th, and ends at 7am ET on November 30th, 2009. No coupon code is needed.
• One Day Only! Get the KODAK Zi6 Pocket Video Camera for $99.95, while supplies last. - This sale begins at 7am ET on Nov 30th, and ends at 7am ET on December 1st, 2009. No coupon code is needed for this offer.

Summitsoft

• Save $10 off of all new products using coupon code: cymon - This offer is valid from Nov 23 until Nov 30, 2009.
• Save 50% off of Logo Design Studio using coupon code: lds50 - This offer is valid from Nov 23 until Nov 30, 2009.

Macware

• 40% off of Mac TuneUp using coupon code: cytune - Offer good from Nov 23 until Nov 30, 2009.
• Save $10 off of MacFonts 3 and 4 using coupon code: mfcmon - Offer good from Nov 23 until Nov 30, 2009.

RoboForm

• Save 33% off of your first license of RoboForm Pro using coupon code: ROBO-VMWX-THRT - This offer is good from October 1, 2009 until December 7, 2009.

Xilisoft

• Save 20% off of Video Converter Ultimate for Mac using coupon code: XILI-VMWX - Offer good from Nov 23 until Nov 30, 2009.
• Save 20% off of Video Converter Platinum using coupon code: XILI-RI5I - Offer good from Nov 23 until Nov 30, 2009.
• Save 20% off of DVD Creator using coupon code: XILI-O2RQ - Offer good from Nov 23 until Nov 30, 2009.
• Save 25% off of DVD Toolkit for Mac using coupon code: XILI-I5IO - Offer good from Nov 23 until Nov 30, 2009.

Sonic Roxio

• Save $50 off of Creator 2010 (normally $99.99) + USB Capture Device (normally $49.99). - Total cost for both is only $99.99. This offer is good from Nov 23 until Dec 1, 2009.
• Save $60 off of Creator 2010 Pro (normally $129.99) + USB Capture Device (normally $49.99). Total cost for both is only $119.99. This offer is good from Nov 23 until Dec 1, 2009.
• Save $10 off of Easy VHS to DVD. - This offer is good from Nov 23 until Dec 1, 2009.
• Save $20 off of Easy LP to MP3. - This offer is good from Nov 23 until Dec 1, 2009.
• Save $50 on Toast 10 Titanium (normally $99.99) + USB Capture Device (normally $49.99). - Total cost for both is only $99.99 from Nov 23 until Dec 1, 2009.
• Save $70 on Toast 10 Pro (normally $149.99) + USB Capture Device (normally $49.99).- Total cost for both is only $129.99 from Nov 23 until Dec 1, 2009.
• Save $10 off of Easy VHS to DVD using coupon code: 10VHSDVDM - This offer is good from Nov 23 until Dec 1, 2009.
• Save $10 off of Popcorn 4. - This offer is good from Nov 23 until Dec 1, 2009.

PC Tools

• Save 30% off of all software from PC Tools using coupon code: PCTOOLS30 - This offer is good from Nov 23, 2009 until Dec 1, 2009.

Tenebril

• Save 50% off of GhostSurf. - This offer is valid from Nov 23 until Dec 1, 2009.
• Save 50% off of GhostSurf Platinum 5.5 - This offer is valid from Nov 23 until Dec 1, 2009.
• Save 50% off of GhostMyMail 1.0 - This offer is valid from Nov 23 until Dec 1, 2009.
• Save 50% off of StickyNote 9. - This offer is valid from Nov 23 until Dec 1, 2009.

Individual Software

• Save 15% off of ProfessorTeaches and select downloads on IndividualSoftware using coupon code: cyber15 - This offer is good from Nov 23 until Nov 30, 2009.

Avanquest

• Save $15 off of SystemSuite Professional. - Offer good Nov 23 until Dec 1, 2009.
• Save $10 off of Fix-It Utilities. - Offer good Nov 23 until Dec 1, 2009.
• Save $10 off of WebEasy Professional. - Offer good Nov 23 until Dec 1, 2009.
• Save 10% off of PowerDesk Pro. - Offer good Nov 23 until Dec 1, 2009.

Disk Doctors

• Save 30% off site-wide using coupon code: DISK-XRI5 - This offer is good from Nov 26 until Dec 1, 2009.
• Buy One license and Get Two Free on Disk Doctors File Shredder using coupon code: DISK-IO2R - This offer is good from Nov 26 until Dec 1, 2009.
• Buy One license and Get Two Free on Disk Doctors Drive Manager using coupon code: DISK-QC58 - This offer is good from Nov 26 until Dec 1, 2009.

Puresight

• Save 50% off of Puresight PC- Child Friendly Internet using coupon code: BLACKFRIDAY - This offer is good from Nov 23 until Nov 30, 2009.

Capcom

• Save 20% off of all Digital Titles (Includes Resident Evil 5 and Street Fighter 4). - Offer is valid from Nov 27 until Nov 30, 2009.
• Free Shipping (Economy and UPS ground - US only) on all orders $24 and up. - Offer is valid from Nov 27 until Nov 30, 2009.
• Save 50% off of Street Fighter IV PC Digital Download. - Offer is valid from Nov 27 until Nov 30, 2009.
• Save 50% off of MotoGP 08 Dig Download. - Offer is valid from Nov 27 until Nov 30, 2009.
• Save 75% off of Age of Booty Dig Download. - Offer is valid from Nov 27 until Nov 30, 2009.
• Save 66% off of flock dig download. - Offer is valid from Nov 27 until Nov 30, 2009.
• Save 50% off of Neopets dig Download. - Offer is valid from Nov 27 until Nov 30, 2009.

Encore/HOYLE

• Save 50% off of everything site-wide using coupon code: cybermonday50 - This offer is ONLY valid on Monday, November 30th, 2009.

Winamp

• Save 15% off of Winamp Pro using coupon code: Offer421 - This offer is good now through Dec 30, 2009.

CyberPatrol

• Save 50% off of Parental Controls.

Software Store

• Receive the Education Super Bundle for only $39.99.
• Save $65 on a combination purchase of Lojack Pro, Panda Pro 2010 & Roxio Creator 2010.
• Save $45 on a bundle of Lojack & Panda Pro 2010.
• Save 50% off of Ubisoft; Call of Duty 4 PC Download.

CA

• Save 30% off of CA AntiVirus Plus, Internet Security Suite using coupon code: blackfriday - This offer is good from Nov 23 until Dec 2, 2009.

Parallels

• Save $10 off of Parallels Desktop 5.0 for Mac OS X. - This offer is valid from Nov 26 until December 1st, 2009.

VMWare

• Save 15% off of Fusion3 and Workstation7 (valid on full single licenses and upgrades) using coupon code: 15offws7f3 - This offer is good from Nov 23 until Nov 25, 2009.
• Save 20% off of Fusion3 and Workstation7 (valid on full single licenses and upgrades) using coupon code: dsktp20sale - This offer is good from Nov 26 until Nov 29, 2009.

By default, Windows 7 displays icons only on the Taskbar. This means that there are no labels for any open files or applications. Some people may find it difficult to know what is what just based on the icon. If so, you can configure Windows 7 to display a button label, the same as previous versions of Windows, on the Taskbar.

To display labels on the Taskbar in Windows 7:

1. Right-click an empty area on the Taskbar and select Properties.
2. Under the Taskbar buttons section and use the drop down arrow to select the Always combine, hide labels to Never combine option.

• PART #5630 CARBIDE-TIP STILE OGEE PROFILE ROUTER BIT 1-1/4 LARGE DIA X 1/2" SHANK X 2-1/2" OAL
• 6000E CARBIDE-TIP 3 WING COVE STYLE RAISED PANEL ROUTER BIT 3-3/8 DIA X 1-7/16" REVEAL X 1/2" SH
• 6046 CARBIDE-TIP WINDOW SILL EDGE/FINGER PULL ROUTER BIT 3/8 RADIUS X 1-1/8" PROFILE LENGTH
• Targus 15W Universal Auto/Dual Digital Device Dc Adapter W/4 Power Tips
• Windows 7 Tweaks: A Comprehensive Guide on Customizing, Increasing Performance, and Securing Microsoft Windows 7
• Windows 7 Visual Quick Tips
• Windows 7 Annoyances: Tips, Secrets, and Hacks for the Cranky Consumer
• Belkin F5L028 Laptop Cooling Lounge (White)
• Kensington Wall Notebook Power Adapter K33404US
• Kensington Auto Power Adapter with USB Power Port K33418US
• Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 - Collaboration Features - Computer Based Training DVD Rom - Learn MS Office Share Point 2007 with 7 Hours of Lessons on CD That Are Well Organized From Basic to Advanced Features. Over 230 Collaboration Features Explained By an Experienced Instructor: Teams, Social Networking, etc... Brush up on Your Computer Software Skills with CBT Training
• Microsoft SharePoint Services 3.0 Computer Based Training DVD Rom - Learn MS Windows Share Point 3.0 with 7 Hours of Lessons on CD That Are Well Organized From Basic to Advanced Features. Over 200 SharePoint Features Explained By an Experienced Instructor: Brush up on Your Computer Software Skills with CBT Training
• Targus Universal 70W Power Notebook Adapter With Tips

You can stop being a slave to old, slow, archaic writing rituals and methods.

You’ve got great ideas. Your characters are in your head. You know how you want the ending to be.

You’re a great writer… so why are you still staring at a blank computer screen or sheet of paper? If you’ve ever tried to write a novel (or even just thought about it), you know the routine. You just can’t put everything together. You’ve got to work step by step to write a great book, right?

Not anymore!

NewNovelist software has turned the writing process on its head. With this revolutionary software, you can write your novel the way you want to.

Platform: Windows - New Apps

Music Organiser 3.92

Organise music automatically with the user-friendly Music Organiser. [more in Audio & Multimedia > Other]

Aktiv Download Manager 1.7.0

Aktiv Download Manager is developed to manage downloads, pause and resume downloads, queue downloads, or search for downloads. This software comes with an adaptive download accelerator, dynamic file segmentation, and multipart downloading technology to considerably improve the download process. [more in Network & Internet > Download Managers]

Sharetastic 1.5.0

Sharetastic is a straightforward, solid file sharing program that loads up exceptional features such as ghost ratings, a completely user-configurable queue area, and multinetwork. This application supports Gnutella2, Gnutella, eDonkey, and BitTorrent networks. You’ll have no problem installing it (in seconds) and then managing it - searching, checking the network status, customizing the interface couldn’t be easier. [more in Network & Internet > File Sharing/Peer to Peer]

Aktiv CD Ripper 1.5.0

Aktiv CD Ripper is a great tool for creating direct digital copies of all your audio CDs and saving them as various popular formats including MP3s, WMAs, OGGs, or WAVs. The software is extremely easy to use and will allow you to compile your favourite artists and albums faster than many of its kind! You will be able to copy your CDs and save your music collection on your hard with as little effort as clicking a button. [more in Audio & Multimedia > Audio File Recorders]

Torrent Monster 1.6.0

Torrent Monster has easily entered the top of the most stylish, solid and least cluttered p2p clients around. Torrent Monster is a reliable file sharing app that allows you to download any digital file such as images, music, movies, applications, documents, etc. fast and accurate. Running on the largest decentralized sharing network - Gnutella file network, speeds up the whole download process. [more in Network & Internet > File Sharing/Peer to Peer]

I read so much text on the Internet each day that sometimes it’s nice to be able to listen to some audio or watch a video online instead of having to read information about something. That may sound lazy, but audio and video add layers of meaning and personalization to what’s being discussed in a way that text just can’t do. While I don’t have very many opportunities to travel, I do enjoy hearing from people all over the world. Woices is a service that enables people to share audio recordings that are tied to geographic locations.

In other words, instead of just listening to audio, Woices provides audio recordings about a geographic location that may have even been recorded at that location. The service seems to be used in a variety of ways and in a number of different languages, but I can imagine something like this becoming a great way to get travel information from people that have been to the locations that you’re interested in. Is anyone up for interactive walking tours?

• KitchenAid Professional 600 Series 6-Quart Stand Mixers
• Saeco Nina Traditional Espresso Machine
• Infinity Instruments 24-Inch Resin Wall Clock
• Take Me Home
• Take Me Home
• Act Two
• Cantors - A Faith in Song: Benzion Miller, Alberto Mizahi & Naftali Herstik [VHS]
• The Irish Tenors - Ellis Island [VHS]
• Solas Live [VHS]
• Come West Along the Road - Irish Traditional Music
• The Dubliners - Live
• Sennheiser PXC 250 Active Noise Canceling Headphones
• Targus TBC023US Zip-Thru 15.4-Inch Traditional Laptop Case (Black)
• Traditional PC Notebook Case - Fits Up To 15.4" Screens
• Sennheiser HD 457 Traditional Open Hi-Fi Stereo Headphones (Silver)
• NEW FOR 2008 Gold Label Mr. Christmas World's Fair Super Slide Ride Music Box
• "To Everything There is a Season": Pete Seeger and the Power of Song (New Narratives in American History)
• Joy to the World: The Stories Behind Your Favorite Christmas Carols
• The Rough Guide to World Music (Vol 2, 3rd Edition): Europe and Asia (Rough Guide Music Reference)
• Timex Men's Ironman Traditional 30-Lap Watch #T5H591
• Kirtan: The Art and Practice of Ecstatic Chant

Mix, manage, and mingle your way through a series of colorful parties as Bashville’s party planner extraordinaire.

Help Pepper plan a backyard BBQ, sun and surf at the beach, a glittering art show, an upscale gala event, and many more. Pick the perfect decorations, drinks, snacks, and entertainment.

Keep the mood festive, the guests happy and the conversations flowing with special power-ups to make sure everything runs smoothly!

[Download free trial of Party Planner]
[Buy Party Planner]

Q: What exactly is Windows 7’s XP mode and what’s it used for? – Brian

A: Microsoft knew that it was going to have a tough time convincing hardcore Windows XP users to migrate to Windows 7 because some older applications and hardware (like scanners) that required Windows XP could not be updated to work in Windows 7.

This scenario is more likely to play itself out in business environments, but some consumers may also have special software or older peripherals that would benefit from this feature.

For those that tried to migrate to Windows Vista in the past and ran into a compatibility issue, this feature was specifically added to address your situation.

Certain versions of Windows 7 have an optional feature called Windows XP mode, which, unlike the ‘XP Compatibility mode’ that was in Windows Vista, is an actual complete copy of Windows XP with SP3 (Service Pack 3) that can run as a ‘virtual’ system within Windows 7.

This means that older or outdated applications and peripherals that would only work in Windows XP can run in a virtual session that will appear as just another icon in Windows 7 (and it’s really cool how smoothly it works).

But before you get too worked up about this creative approach to migrating older users and applications, there are some ‘requirements’ that you should know about.

If you have old XP based applications, then you probably have old XP level hardware, which isn’t likely to support this new feature.

In order to support XP Mode, you will need a newer computer with a processor capable of ‘hardware virtualization’ (AMD-V or Intel VT), at least 2 GB of RAM and a recommended 15 GB of free drive space.

Note: Hardware virtualization support must be turned on in the computer’s BIOS, which is generally off by default.

If you want to see if your computer is capable of supporting Windows XP Mode, you can run Microsoft’s Hardware-Assisted Virtualization Detection tool.

In addition, the only versions of Windows 7 that support XP Mode are Professional, Ultimate, and Enterprise editions, which means that if you get the Home Premium version — the least expensive — you don’t have this option.

The reality is, you won’t need this feature to simply surf the Web, exchange emails, and write some letters. It’s only for those with special programs and older peripherals.

Microsoft did a much better job of addressing the compatibility issues that were created when it released Vista and has an easy to use Windows 7 Compatibility Center that allows you to check the compatibility of most popular hardware components and software programs here.

The XP Mode feature is a godsend to corporate IT departments as it provides a much more comprehensive way to migrate to Windows 7 without the expense of updating old custom programs that were designed to run in Windows XP.

What is very important to understand is that this is not a replacement for Windows 7 and should only be used for specific programs or devices that won’t work in Windows 7.

For instance, if you plan on using XP Mode, you wouldn’t want to surf the Internet from within the XP session because it would expose you to all of the vulnerabilities that Windows XP has.

Windows 7 is significantly more secure for Web browsing in today’s hostile Internet environment (keep in mind, Windows XP was designed to deal with security threats that existed in 2001), so minimizing what you do in XP Mode is prudent.

As you may have already realized, this feature is not designed to be set up by the casual user, so if you think you might have a need for the feature, consult a knowledgeable technical resource or your local computer expert to review your specific situation before you spend the money on something you don’t actually need!

Ken Colburn
Data Doctors Computer Services
Data Doctors Data Recovery Labs
Data Doctors Franchise Systems, Inc.
Weekly video tech contributor to CNN.com
Host of the award-winning “Computer Corner” radio show