Look Before Leap into Windows 7

Look Before Leap into Windows 7
October 26, 2009 11:17 AM (Monday) Author: andrew

Things You Need to Know to Before Moving Up to Windows 7

http://www.retrevo.com/my/5875/artic...75?cmpid=Email

Windows 7 has been getting favorable reviews for over a year. It has
been reported that it was running on more than 8 million computers by
the time it officially launched on October 22nd. Upgrading your
computer or buying a new Windows 7 computer seems like a very good
idea however, there are some things you should know about the
different versions and the hardware platforms they can run on before
you invest the time and money.

Cool Features of Windows 7

In case you need more convincing to move up to Windows 7 here are a
few of the cool features you get:

• User Interface improvements including some additions to the Aero
interface introduced in Vista. Windows 7's new task bar is a big
improvement over previous versions, you can "pin" programs to the
taskbar for quick launching and with Aero Peek, you can get a preview
of a window and switch between windows by hovering over the taskbar.
It's almost as fun to use as a Mac (not really).

• More ways to customize the look and feel of your computer with
more wallpapers, themes and customization options.

• Improved performance and power management. Users are reporting
faster boot times, and general performance and battery life
improvements over Vista.

• New improved Media Center has some cool player features while the
whole center environment comes closer to becoming a real home media
server solution

• What would a new OS be without a cool new calculator? Win 7's
calculator not only does statistics and scientific calculations but
also includes a set of real-world templates for things like gas
mileage and hourly wages.



Don't Start With Windows Starter

Windows 7 Starter is the bare bones version that unfortunately will be
shipping with many netbooks. Missing from Starter is:

• Customization features for personalizing your desktop.
• The cool new interface features in Aero.
• DVD playback, which may not be important in a drive-less netbook
unless you want to use an external player.
• Media Center
• Windows XP "compatibility" mode.
• Multi-monitor support
• 64 Bit support

Our advice is look for the Windows Home Premium or higher in any
computer you're considering purchasing.

Problems with Student Version

Microsoft wants every student to use Windows 7 and has made a version
available for $30. Unfortunately students have experienced a few snags
in getting everything to work. The Microsoft Windows forum has some
postings about dealing with installation problems. We're sure they'll
work them out soon but why bother with a $30 upgrade when for the same
price and a .edu email address you can get full install version?
Apparently the offer is good until January 2010. The number to call is
877-696-7786.

64 Bits is Best

We’ve seen reports that say Windows 7 performance improvements are
seen mainly on 64 bit computers. Windows 7 supports both 32 bit and 64
bit instruction sets except for Windows 7 Starter which only runs in
32 bit mode. However, even if you do get Home Premium or a higher
level version you’ll still need 64 bit hardware. Unfortunately, not
all Atom processors implement a 64 bit instruction set. In fact, N and
Z series Atom processors which most netbooks run on can't run the
x86-64 instruction set. If you want 64 bit performance on a netbook
you'll have to look hard for an Atom processor that supports it or go
with a netbook with an AMD 64 bit processor like the Gateway LT3103u.

Check Your System Before Upgrading

First thing you might want to do before upgrading is use a free tool
from Microsoft called the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor which looks at
your system, identifies potential problems and offers solutions for
them.

Tools for Migrating From Windows XP
If you are running Windows Vista, you are going to have a much easier
time upgrading than if you are using Windows XP. In fact, in some
cases you might be better off with a fresh install although you'll
then have to reload all your apps, and data although if you still want
to try an upgrade there are a some ways to make it easier.

Laplink offers a tool called PCMover for $19.95 that takes a lot of
the hassle out of upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7. Here’s a
demo of the tool from Notebooks.com



You can also use Microsoft's Windows Easy Transfer tool that was
originally intended for use for upgrading from Windows XP to Vista but
can be used for Windows 7 by following these instructions.


Users on the web have found another way to ease the upgrade process.
"Borrow" a copy of Vista and do an upgrade from XP to Vista and then
onto Windows 7. You won’t even have to stop and validate Vista.

Best All Around Version

Windows 7 Home Premium offers probably the best value for most
personal computer users. Don't confuse the Premium version with Home
Basic which is not offered in the United States but has some of the
same limitations as Windows Starter. The upgrade version of Home
Premium retails for $119.99 and the full install for $199.99 but we
have already started to see deals and discounts on both products.

Windows 7 Home Premium includes most of the bells and whistles in
Windows 7 like the Aero visual interface, Media Center, and new touch
interface abilities. It supports 64 bit multi-processor hardware and
also comes with the new applets like Snipping Tool, Sticky Notes, Live
Preview and Windows Journal.

What's missing in Home Premium
If having the highest level of security available encryption is
important, then you may want to move up to Windows Professional or
Ultimate. XP mode is also left out of Home Premium. XP Mode allows you
to run older software written for Windows XP.

What the Expensive Versions Buy You

A full install of Windows 7 Professional will cost you $299.99. You
get some file encryption and automatic backups but for the full
BitLocker encryption suite you'll need to move up to the Ultimate
version.

Domain join makes connecting to other groups of computers like those
at work easier. Both Win 7 Pro and Ultimate have the Domain join
feature.

Windows Home includes backup and restore features but only Pro and
Ultimate allow you to backup to a network drive.

You Can Always Wait for Windows 8
Due out in late 2011 or early 2012, Windows 8 is already in
development at Microsoft. Rumors mention better multiple monitor
support, better power management, and better mobile support.

Ablang

On Nov 2, 7:37*am, Ablang <ron...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Look Before Leap into Windows 7
> October 26, 2009 11:17 AM (Monday) Author: andrew
>
> Things You Need to Know to Before Moving Up to Windows 7
>
> http://www.retrevo.com/my/5875/artic...75?cmpid=Email
>
> Windows 7 has been getting favorable reviews for over a year. It has
> been reported that it was running on more than 8 million computers by
> the time it officially launched on October 22nd. Upgrading your
> computer or buying a new Windows 7 computer seems like a very good
> idea however, there are some things you should know about the
> different versions and the hardware platforms they can run on before
> you invest the time and money.
>
> Cool Features of Windows 7
>
> In case you need more convincing to move up to Windows 7 here are a
> few of the cool features you get:
>
> • * *User Interface improvements including some additions to the Aero
> interface introduced in Vista. Windows 7's new task bar is a big
> improvement over previous versions, you can "pin" programs to the
> taskbar for quick launching and with Aero Peek, you can get a preview
> of a window and switch between windows by hovering over the taskbar.
> It's almost as fun to use as a Mac (not really).
>
> • * *More ways to customize the look and feel of your computer with
> more wallpapers, themes and customization options.
>
> • * *Improved performance and power management. Users are reporting
> faster boot times, and general performance and battery life
> improvements over Vista.
>
> • * *New improved Media Center has some cool player features while the
> whole center environment comes closer to becoming a real home media
> server solution
>
> • * *What would a new OS be without a cool new calculator? *Win 7's
> calculator not only does statistics and scientific calculations but
> also includes a set of real-world templates for things like gas
> mileage and hourly wages.
>
> Don't Start With Windows Starter
>
> Windows 7 Starter is the bare bones version that unfortunately will be
> shipping with many netbooks. Missing from Starter is:
>
> • * *Customization features for personalizing your desktop.
> • * *The cool new interface features in Aero.
> • * *DVD playback, which may not be important in a drive-less netbook
> unless you want to use an external player.
> • * *Media Center
> • * *Windows XP "compatibility" mode.
> • * *Multi-monitor support
> • * *64 Bit support
>
> Our advice is look for the Windows Home Premium or higher in any
> computer you're considering purchasing.
>
> Problems with Student Version
>
> Microsoft wants every student to use Windows 7 and has made a version
> available for $30. Unfortunately students have experienced a few snags
> in getting everything to work. The Microsoft Windows forum has some
> postings about dealing with installation problems. We're sure they'll
> work them out soon but why bother with a $30 upgrade when for the same
> price and a .edu email address you can get full install version?
> Apparently the offer is good until January 2010. The number to call is
> 877-696-7786.
>
> 64 Bits is Best
>
> We’ve seen reports that say Windows 7 performance improvements are
> seen mainly on 64 bit computers. Windows 7 supports both 32 bit and 64
> bit instruction sets except for Windows 7 Starter which only runs in
> 32 bit mode. However, even if you do get Home Premium or a higher
> level version you’ll still need 64 bit hardware. Unfortunately, not
> all Atom processors implement a 64 bit instruction set. In fact, N and
> Z series Atom processors which most netbooks run on can't run the
> x86-64 instruction set. If you want 64 bit performance on a netbook
> you'll have to look hard for an Atom processor that supports it or go
> with a netbook with an AMD 64 bit processor like the Gateway LT3103u.
>
> Check Your System Before Upgrading
>
> First thing you might want to do before upgrading is use a free tool
> from Microsoft called the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor which looks at
> your system, identifies potential problems and offers solutions for
> them.
>
> Tools for Migrating From Windows XP
> If you are running Windows Vista, you are going to have a much easier
> time upgrading than if you are using Windows XP. In fact, in some
> cases you might be better off with a fresh install although you'll
> then have to reload all your apps, and data although if you still want
> to try an upgrade there are a some ways to make it easier.
>
> Laplink offers a tool called PCMover for $19.95 that takes a lot of
> the hassle out of upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7. Here’s a
> demo of the tool from Notebooks.com
>
> You can also use Microsoft's Windows Easy Transfer tool that was
> originally intended for use for upgrading from Windows XP to Vista but
> can be used for Windows 7 by following these instructions.
>
> Users on the web have found another way to ease the upgrade process.
> "Borrow" a copy of Vista and do an upgrade from XP to Vista and then
> onto Windows 7. You won’t even have to stop and validate Vista.
>
> Best All Around Version
>
> Windows 7 Home Premium offers probably the best value for most
> personal computer users. Don't confuse the Premium version with Home
> Basic which is not offered in the United States but has some of the
> same limitations as Windows Starter. The upgrade version of Home
> Premium retails for $119.99 and the full install for $199.99 but we
> have already started to see deals and discounts on both products.
>
> Windows 7 Home Premium includes most of the bells and whistles in
> Windows 7 like the Aero visual interface, Media Center, and new touch
> interface abilities. It supports 64 bit multi-processor hardware and
> also comes with the new applets like Snipping Tool, Sticky Notes, Live
> Preview and Windows Journal.
>
> What's missing in Home Premium
> If having the highest level of security available encryption is
> important, then you may want to move up to Windows Professional or
> Ultimate. XP mode is also left out of Home Premium. XP Mode allows you
> to run older software written for Windows XP.
>
> What the Expensive Versions Buy You
>
> A full install of Windows 7 Professional will cost you $299.99. You
> get some file encryption and automatic backups but for the full
> BitLocker encryption suite you'll need to move up to the Ultimate
> version.
>
> Domain join makes connecting to other groups of computers like those
> at work easier. Both Win 7 Pro and Ultimate have the Domain join
> feature.
>
> Windows Home includes backup and restore features but only Pro and
> Ultimate allow you to backup to a network drive.
>
> You Can Always Wait for Windows 8
> Due out in late 2011 or early 2012, Windows 8 is already in
> development at Microsoft. Rumors mention better multiple monitor
> support, better power management, and better mobile support.

Does Windows 7 Home 32 support 16-bit. I heard Windows 8 in 2011 or
Windows 9 in 2013 will have full XP support for 16-bit. Does anyone
know for sure?

Frank

Frank wrote:

Does Windows 7 Home 32 support 16-bit.
No.

I heard Windows 8 in 2011 or Windows 9 in 2013 will have full XP support
for 16-bit. Does anyone know for sure?
No one will know for sure until the OS is published. Any source for
your rumor?

Bobby Johnson

Incorrect. Windows 7 Home (and all 32-bit versions of Windows, up to and
including Windows 7), supports 16-bit. Only 64-bit versions of Windows have
dropped 16-bit support.

And you're absolutely right about one thing, though. NO one knows what will
or won't be a part of Windows vNext, much less vNext.Next. But I'd bet a
fair amount that there won't be any native support for 16-bit in any version
that is 64-bit. MS has drawn that line in the sand. Whether there will even
still BE an "XPMode" is also a big if. XP will be long past support by then.

--
Charlie.
http://msmvps.com/blogs/russel




"Bobby Johnson" <> wrote in message
news:%234A1$o%...
>
>
> Frank wrote:
>
> Does Windows 7 Home 32 support 16-bit.
> No.
>
> I heard Windows 8 in 2011 or Windows 9 in 2013 will have full XP support
> for 16-bit. Does anyone know for sure?
> No one will know for sure until the OS is published. Any source for your
> rumor?

Charlie Russel - MVP

You're 100% correct. I thought after I clicked on Send I had made that
mistake.

Thanks.

Charlie Russel - MVP wrote:
> Incorrect. Windows 7 Home (and all 32-bit versions of Windows, up to and
> including Windows 7), supports 16-bit. Only 64-bit versions of Windows
> have dropped 16-bit support.
>
> And you're absolutely right about one thing, though. NO one knows what
> will or won't be a part of Windows vNext, much less vNext.Next. But I'd
> bet a fair amount that there won't be any native support for 16-bit in
> any version that is 64-bit. MS has drawn that line in the sand. Whether
> there will even still BE an "XPMode" is also a big if. XP will be long
> past support by then.
>

Bobby Johnson wrote:
>
>
> Frank wrote:
>
> Does Windows 7 Home 32 support 16-bit.
> No.
>
> I heard Windows 8 in 2011 or Windows 9 in 2013 will have full XP
support for 16-bit. Does anyone know for sure?
> No one will know for sure until the OS is published. Any source for
your rumor?

Bobby Johnson

"Charlie Russel - MVP" <> wrote in message
news:uBfW$b$...
> Incorrect. Windows 7 Home (and all 32-bit versions of Windows, up to and
> including Windows 7), supports 16-bit. Only 64-bit versions of Windows
> have dropped 16-bit support.
>
> And you're absolutely right about one thing, though. NO one knows what
> will or won't be a part of Windows vNext, much less vNext.Next. But I'd
> bet a fair amount that there won't be any native support for 16-bit in any
> version that is 64-bit. MS has drawn that line in the sand. Whether there
> will even still BE an "XPMode" is also a big if. XP will be long past
> support by then.

XP Mode might be "32-bit Vista" mode by then. Won't that be *interesting*

Rob Moir

Somehow, I doubt it. I expect the landscape to be very different. But I have
no private knowledge one way or another, just WAGs.

--
Charlie.
http://msmvps.com/blogs/russel




"Rob Moir" <> wrote in message
news4E1F157-1D4A-4BF6-91F4-...
>
>
> "Charlie Russel - MVP" <> wrote in message
> news:uBfW$b$...
>> Incorrect. Windows 7 Home (and all 32-bit versions of Windows, up to and
>> including Windows 7), supports 16-bit. Only 64-bit versions of Windows
>> have dropped 16-bit support.
>>
>> And you're absolutely right about one thing, though. NO one knows what
>> will or won't be a part of Windows vNext, much less vNext.Next. But I'd
>> bet a fair amount that there won't be any native support for 16-bit in
>> any version that is 64-bit. MS has drawn that line in the sand. Whether
>> there will even still BE an "XPMode" is also a big if. XP will be long
>> past support by then.
>
> XP Mode might be "32-bit Vista" mode by then. Won't that be *interesting*

Charlie Russel - MVP