Review: Windows 7 strong, but don't pay to upgrade

The system requirements for 7 are about the same as they were for XP. Microsoft normally gets bigger and more bloated with each incarnation, but this time it's not the case. If your computer runs XP it should handle 7 just fine. MS had no choice but to slim it down, those $300 netbooks are flying off the shelves, and they can't run bloated Vista. When the netbook makers started shipping them out with Linux on them, Microsoft responded by taking Vista back into the garage and started stripping it down, streamlining it. 7 is the result. The last thing MS wanted is a bunch of users exposed to the superior Linux OS.

 

They should have thought of that before vomiting vista all over us.

 

That's exactly what I am going to do (at least until I get a good look at 7 and make sure all of my essential software works on it.)

 

A big part of the problem was the lack of support and drivers for 64bit XP. I have been using the 64bit VISTA with out any problems for a long while, 64bit Win7 will be good to go.

Mark

 

I get my copy of Win7 on release date from Amazon, cant wait!!!

 

All i need is a gig of ram. What im worried about is running certain programs but it might be handled the same way as vista for xp programs just change the compability but for now i need a new hard drive the one in my desktop sound's like it's dying 7 will wait for another six months for me.

 

Ran across this at a website I frequent, might be of some help to those that are planning to make the jump.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...FamilyID=1b544e90-7659-4bd9-9e51-2497c146af15

The Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor scans your PC for potential compatibility issues and lets you know about your Windows 7 upgrade options. Within minutes, you'll get a report that tells you if your PC meets the system requirements, if any known compatibility issues with your hardware, devices, and installed programs are found, and gives guidance on what to do to before installing Windows 7 on your PC.

 

There shouldn't be any conflicts unless your machine is brand new with the latest hardware (there's always problems with the newest stuff) or ancient beyond all reason (should have died years ago).

 

If your computer is recent like the last several years or even new, hardware wise it shouldn't be a problem. The biggest issue with upgrading to a new OS is older software compatibility, and drivers for peripherals like a sound card, graphics card, printers and so on. If you currently use Vista, then it really should be fairly painless to make the jump to Win7.......I would advise anyone upgrading though to run the free tool they provide to give them a idea of any problem areas.

 

I listen to a tech show podcast about once a week where most of the issues are covered. However, one thing that I did not think of, and wasn't mentioned on anything I read or listened to, is the compatibility of the computer itself. This would apply to laptops for the most part.

I got W7 on pre-order for $50, and it's worth it to me for the extra bit of speed and getting all the junk off my hard drive associated with Vista. But I did not check the website of my laptop manufacturer, Sony, before "upgrading," actually I did a clean install. And they did not send me any alert.

My VAIO laptop is not even 3 years old and it turns out that it is not compatible with W7. I installed it and it runs fine. But the keys on the outside of the computer (volume, shortcut keys) and the built in webcam do not work. I have a laptop stand, and I used the shortcut keys for adjusting brightness, and the volume keys a lot while driving. I could reach over and do it without taking my eyes off the road.

I have used the settings so that the display automatically dims at night after a minute and I can adjust volume on my stereo amp, above my head, but I have to reach further. It's a little inconvenience, but I don't know if I would have installed W7 if I had known this. I don't use the webcam much, but I think I might be able to find some software that will detect it and will be able to use it if I need to.

Just thought I would put this out there for others. If you are planning on going to W7 on your laptop, you might check the manufacturer's website and to know if there are any issues.




VGN-FE880E