A snapshot of the Windows 7 Interface (credit: Wikimedia commons)
Today was the official launch of Windows 7. Its many new features and additions have a high appeal for many wishing to upgrade over Vista. Its faster speed and more responsive interface will be highly usable by many. However, there some users that have questions about Windows 7 and its hardware requirements for older computers. Recently I wrote an article on the hardware requirements of Windows 7 and made a case for having a more up to date system than the bare requirements posted by Microsoft. When looking at the requirements, they appear to be very minimal, allowing many to beleive that Windows 7 will run on even older machines well past their prime. This is in fact true.
Microsoft took great pains to ensure that their new consumer OS would run on slower machines including Netbooks. It was created to help cover a wide range of compatible systems and to provide greaeter basic funcationality.
Recent independent experiments running WIndows 7 does provide support for the idea that it will run on many older computers, including some that might be deemed too obsolete. Matthew Humprhies on Geek.com wrote an article entitled "Windows 7 runs on a Pentium II with 96mb ram" that detailed a another user's experiment with running Windows 7 on a very old machine. Suprising it ran even with the limited memory. Not only will Windows 7 run, it will run fairly well on many older machines, especially when compared to Windows Vista.
However, if one is seriously thinking about running Windows 7 on an older computer, there are several issues that may arise. In my other article on the hardware requirements, Windows 7 may run but offer limitations on some features. Its WIndows XP module may or may not run without enough memory. Some programs may not run without the WIndows XP simulator. Another problem may be a lack of driver support for older components such as old radeon GPU chips. If one wants to run games then there may be further troubles. However, if one has realistic expectations on possible limiations on performance and features with an old computer then Windows 7 might be a viable upgrade. If one wants to fully utilize its features then one may want to thinking about upgrading their computer hardware.
For more articles about Windows 7:
Hardware requirements for Windows 7
OEM version of Windows 7 on sale
Microsoft hardware launch event for Windows 7
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