Windows 7

Lots of Windows users are hotly awaiting the retail release of Windows 7 on October the 22nd. While some Vista users might have the easy option of upgrading their OS, XP users won’t have a supported upgrade path to Windows 7. This was in an article written in pcmag.com. The article should contain some of the details of upgrading your Windows Vista when the new OS comes, but what about the people who have embraced the wonders of the Windows XP computer? For One thing, it should make sense that there shouldn’t be an upgrade from XP because it’s one OS further down.

It just makes as much sense that an older operating system like Windows 98 shouldn’t have a Microsoft supported upgrade to Vista or 7. I’m sure some might argue that the new system is more akin to XP, because of the sheer look and the familiarity that it has, but as the article says, that doesn’t mean that Microsoft is abandoning the XP customers. As for me, I’m going to stick to my current system since I still don’t have the proper processor to accommodate it. Yes, the appropriate processor is needed to run whatever you think you need to run.

You can just install things that aren’t compatible because you’ll just end up setting your computer on fire. I mean it. You will set your computer on fire because it isn’t equipped to handle what you want it to handle. This is important to remember when you’re out there buying stuff you think would be nifty to have. As for the difficulty in upgrading, I don’t think it should be difficult at all. The article does give the advice of putting the Windows 7 in a different drive and try to go for a multi-boot, which is using two operating systems on one pc, but you really shouldn’t go to the trouble.

You could end up replacing your current OS and reformat the hard disk, which cleans up all your files. In a reformat, all the files and software that are in the disk you format are erased. If you don’t want that trouble back-up your files and don’t look back. It’s so much easier to replace the OS. The recurring trend in technology is that the first release is always dwarfed by the better features of the subsequent release. Sure, you might have the newest thing on the rack, but it might not work the way you want it to. I’d rather wait for the service pack to come out or the laments of the people who actually run it and see if it’s worth getting.

So, my advice is to wait for everything to cool off. I’m sure that the hype will get you going and it’s really okay. I’m sure lots of companies will be running it if it’s as good and as convenient as it presents itself to be, but for now and for several more months, play the waiting game. The results of the future will be well worth the wait.

The author of this article Jego Goldstein is a Computer Analyst who has been testing and developing software for several years. He advocates the need for computer literacy in society and strives to make technology more user friendly. One of his latest projects is My PC Tweaks, a comprehensive and easy to follow guide to understanding your computer.