ShareThisOne of the most common questions I am getting right now involves how users can install or upgrade from Windows XP or Windows Vista to the new Windows 7, due on retail shelves Oct. 22.
Microsoft has brought this confusion upon itself by releasing a dizzying array of Windows versions. (Remember the good old days of Windows 3.1?) Now there are lots of Windows versions and lots of ways to buy them.
The easiest way, of course, is on a new PC. Most manufacturers are offering free upgrades to Windows 7 if you buy an eligible PC today. That's a common ploy so consumers don't stop buying computers until the new operating system is released. But if you buy a computer now, you'll have to go through the hassle of upgrading its operating system yourself in October.
The trick with installing fresh, of course, is that you will lose all of your data and programs, so be very careful. My favored way of doing that is to purchase a fresh hard drive and to install the new operating system on the new drive and leave the old drive as a second drive. That is a perfect way to make sure you always have your data available.
Otherwise, make sure you purchase the right version of Windows 7. Microsoft has released a complex upgrade chart that will let you compare what operating system you have versus what you want and see if an upgrade is even possible. (If you Google "Windows 7 upgrade chart," you will find it. If you are running Windows XP today, you will need to start fresh; no upgrade is possible.)
However, do make sure your computer has sufficient horsepower to run Windows 7. You need at least a one-gig processor and at least one gig of RAM. (More of both is obviously better.) If your computer is capable of running more than four gigs of RAM and plan to someday, install the 64-bit version of Windows. You will need a DVD drive to install the software or access to a computer on a network that has one.
Don't make the mistake of trying to run Windows 7 on a slow PC. If the PC doesn't run XP like a champ, it's not going to run Windows 7 well. Invest in a new computer or a motherboard/processor combo to bring your old box up to speed.
If your computer takes DDR2 RAM, there is no cheaper or better upgrade you can make right now to improve performance. DDR2 memory is cheap and easy to install. Go get it, install it and see your performance improve significantly. DDR memory is about twice as expensive, but you should also add RAM to a DDR machine if the price/performance ratio is worth it.
(James Derk owns CyberDads, a computer repair firm in Evansville, Ind. E-mail him at jim(at)cyberdads.com.)
COMPUTER CENTRAL
at this time, I really plan
at this time, I really plan to use Windows 7. but, I still think again, because the required specifications, is very high. sometimes, I am still confused with microsoft, why is every new release, always require a more powerful hardware?
Reply
Times are changing and new technology is coming out. In reality, a 1GHz processor with under 1 GB of memory is so slow that you will most likely have problems running modern software applications and even some web applications.
So because of the leaps and bounds being made in technology these days, Microsoft takes advantage of the processing power of modern machines to create a more enjoyable and efficient workspace on your computer.
Computers are like quick evolving cars. Engines are becoming more and more efficient and powerful with newer technologies that make them work better. Some are now electric powered, some hydrogen some ethanol powered. People upgrade to these newer cars because they are more efficient and attractive to them. (would you rather have a 91 toyota corola or a 2008 toyota Prius?) The difference between cars and computers is that a car costs more. Thus the slower adaptation to the public. If they were as cheap and lasted as long as a computer, people would change cars more often.
Microsoft is merely taking advantage of the changes in technology. Why would they create an OS that has the simple operation of Windows 3.1? You would miss a lot trust me. Increased capability requires increased system resources.
Reply
Times are changing and new technology is coming out. In reality, a 1GHz processor with under 1 GB of memory is so slow that you will most likely have problems running modern software applications and even some web applications.
So because of the leaps and bounds being made in technology these days, Microsoft takes advantage of the processing power of modern machines to create a more enjoyable and efficient workspace on your computer.
Computers are like quick evolving cars. Engines are becoming more and more efficient and powerful with newer technologies that make them work better. Some are now electric powered, some hydrogen some ethanol powered. People upgrade to these newer cars because they are more efficient and attractive to them. (would you rather have a 91 toyota corola or a 2008 toyota Prius?) The difference between cars and computers is that a car costs more. Thus the slower adaptation to the public. If they were as cheap and lasted as long as a computer, people would change cars more often.
Microsoft is merely taking advantage of the changes in technology. Why would they create an OS that has the simple operation of Windows 3.1? You would miss a lot trust me. Increased capability requires increased system resources.
windows 7 is faster
i has been tested windows 7 RC 7100.. Wow very fast and heavy,, I like with windows 7.. Many changes with this OS than before..
Luca from Italy
I often confused with the
I often confused with the microsoft. one operating system has not been completed, the new operating system out. for the advanced user, so no problem. but, how to beginner user?
Myspace Play
You're absolutely right, I'm
You're absolutely right, I'm u still trying to fix computer errors on Windows 7 and I've heard that Windows 8 is to be launched by Microsoft.