The new Windows 7.jpg)
(AP Photo/Microsoft Corp.)
I have been using the Windows Beta version of Windows 7 for months now. Ever since I decided to build a machine for a friend. I had decided that it would be better to see how the machine worked under the upcoming operating system even if it meant reinstalling Windows 7 from scratch when it came out.
From Microsoft's Blog:
"So here’s the low-down on pricing for Windows 7. The estimated retail prices for upgrade packaged retail product of Windows 7 in the U.S. are:"
* Windows 7 Home Premium (Upgrade): $119.99
* Windows 7 Professional (Upgrade): $199.99
* Windows 7 Ultimate (Upgrade): $219.99
And the estimated retail prices for full packaged retail product of Windows 7 in the U.S. are:
* Windows 7 Home Premium (Full): $199.99
* Windows 7 Professional (Full): $299.99
* Windows 7 Ultimate (Full): $319.99
An upgrade to Windows 7 should work like the other upgrades, in that Windows looks At a and saves all of the compatible settings from your computer and installs Windows 7.
Microsoft has a Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor ready for download now to help you to know if your system can be upgraded. Here is the link: www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/upgrade-advisor.aspx
The feature list for the three versions of Windows 7 are available on their site here: store.microsoft.com/microsoft/Windows-Windows-7/category/102
Windows 7 runs faster than Vista. It works with many non Vista programs very well. I was running the 64bit version of Windows 7 as it manages the new processors and memory to a higher level of performance.
There are tricky things too. Windows secures the files from the "unauthorized user". That means that when you copy files in from another PC, you may have to change the security so that you can use them. This process is not complicated to do, but can be confusing to a everyday user who never opens the properties of a file.
I have also noticed that even with the open testing of Windows 7 beta, there are no magazines dedicated to the operating system.
I recommend all Vista users to get the Upgrade. I think you will like this new Operating system.
Comments
Informative article. I'm hoping that Microsoft will continue to support XP for at least two or three years since I have 3 PC's with it on it. Any answers to that?
To Dave: XP will be supported until 2014, so long as SP3 is installed. XP SP2 support ends next year.
yeah buy windows 7 don't be cheap Microsoft has done a lot of work on it they really do deserve your support trust me windows 7 is fast
I really think that they need to stop this premium, ultimate professional stuff. Just give us 1 OS that has everything instead of charging for every little thing. Its so easy for mac users. Why not PC?
To Steve: I had read that releasing one version was one of the options. Microsoft didn't do that and I am surprised.
To farmers: Thanks for the information on the support date.
The quote from Microsoft is: "You can still buy new PCs and use Windows XP. Windows Vista Business and Windows Vista Ultimate have downgrade rights that let you return your operating system to Windows XP. We plan to provide support for Windows XP until 2014."
microsoft.com/windows/windows-xp/future.aspx
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