ShareThisWith the beta of Windows 7 released it wasn't but a day before the questions started to arrive about it. So I installed it on a spare desktop to see what the fuss was about. So I will answer your questions.
First of all, this is the time to go 64-bit if you have the hardware for it. With the 32-bit version of Windows you are limited to 4 gigs of memory (and even then you're only using about 3.3 of that) so in the future you're going to want to go 64-bit. That said, you're going to want a newer 64-bit processor like Intel's Dual Core or Core 2 Duo.
There was a time when drivers for hardware were harder to find for 64-bit Windows but these days I often find no problems finding the right drivers. Older stuff may not work but that often is the case with newer operating systems (and that's why I keep an old XP system lying around.)
In terms of applications, the kind of applications I run always work in 64-bit world. If not, you can try the 32-bit versions and often they will install and work in emulation mode.
The Windows 7 beta experience is pretty nice. Some users are calling it a repackaged Vista but it clearly is more than that. The first thing users will notice is the new Apple-like task bar, which replaces the familiar Windows taskbar that we've all known and used since Windows 95. (This perhaps is not the best idea in the bunch.)
It is larger and not as pretty as the Apple implementation and may undergo some changes in the months to come before the final release but as of now it could use some additional work. That's because there is little difference between what applications are actually running and what applications you have "docked" there like the Apple. It's pretty silly and I hope there is way to go back to the old way.
There also is a new feature called "Libraries" that are designed to help users save and store files in easy to find locations. It takes some getting used to but it could prove valuable for first-time users. Experienced users will find the feature unneeded.
Users who do download the beta will need to keep some things in mind. One, it comes as an ISO file, which will need to be burned to a DVD. When you download it from Microsoft you will be given a key, which is good for one install. The install expires on August 1, by which Microsoft may release the real software or an additional upgrade.
The warning: This is beta software meaning it is NOT ready for release. It is buggy and not designed for your main machine. If you do install it on an existing machine you will lose your data, so don't install it on a machine where you have existing data. Once the real version is released you will want to uninstall the beta and totally wipe the machine, so again, don't install it on a machine you like.
You can download the beta at www.microsoft.com.
(James Derk is owner of CyberDads, a computer repair firm and a tech columnist for Scripps Howard News Service. His e-mail address is jim(at)cyberdads.com)
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