Microsoft today released the release candidate of the Windows 7 XP Mode add-on, which offers Windows 7 users a virtualized XP environment to work in if there are any
"Windows XP Mode provides what we like to call that 'last mile' compatibility technology for those cases when a Windows XP productivity application isn't compatible with Windows 7," according to Microsoft spokesperson Brandon LeBlanc.
The free download may not be necessary for regular users, but it'll be great for companies looking to make the switch from XP to Windows 7 and have compatibility concerns. Microsoft said XP Mode is more of a last alternative type of application, and is urging companies to run as many programs as they can natively through Windows 7.
In fact, Microsoft previously stated most XP programs should work "just fine" if installed on Windows 7 machines.
I haven't personally tested it yet, but several of my colleagues said they ran into serious problems while testing the XP Mode beta several months ago. I'm looking forward to hearing what they think of the RC, and I'll also take it for a spin later this week.
There were many reported cases of compatibility issues when home users and companies made a transition from XP to Windows Vista, but Microsoft said it has worked with software and hardware partners -- a move that will hopefully help minimize the number of issues when the OS launches on Oct. 22.
The XP Mode RC is available for download on the Microsoft web site.
