All of the new features and functionality in Windows 7 are pointless if the system doesn't work with the hardware devices and software applications you already own. Likewise, if the PC crashes or experiences other unreliable behavior, good vibes about new features and user experiences will quickly dissipate. In keeping with its tactics on past Windows versions, Microsoft has imbued Windows 7 with a host of compatibility and reliability functionality. Most of this stuff works in the background and rarely needs to be manually accessed by the user. But it's nice to know that it's there, and if you ever do need it, chances are that Windows 7 can come to the rescue and right the wrongs.