Your computer’s operating system is the backbone of everything else in your computer. It allows you to view and launch programs, determines how they run, and provides the support for everything you do on your computer. Whether you’re still using your trusty Windows XP machine or have learned to live with Vista, the idea of “upgrading Windows” can be a daunting prospect. Nonetheless, there are a number of reasons to make the leap.
Let’s be honest – change doesn’t always mean for the better. If you’re using Windows Vista, you probably are all-too-familiar with this. It seems that Microsoft’s latest OS is a dud every decade or so. Before Vista came the nightmare that was ME (Millennium Edition). So of course you have your reasons to be wary about upgrading to Windows 7, but it’s worth it this time – I promise. Here’s why:
First, Microsoft ended their Mainstream Support for XP in 2009 and for Vista earlier this year. While there’s still Extended support to ensure that major security holes will be fixed (eventually), this means that there won’t be any new Security Packs or updates that fix general glitches, bugs, or usability problems. Microsoft hasn’t completely dropped support for these operating systems like they did for older versions such as Windows 98 and Windows 2000, but they are more focused on their current operating system (Windows 7) and their upcoming release, Windows 8.
Second, new programs are being developed for Windows 7, and these programs are much less compatible with previous operating systems. Programs like this include drivers, which are essential to run any of your hardware, such as graphics cards, printers and monitors. Your hardware may work just fine right now, but when it inevitably comes time to buy new parts for your computer, they may not be supported on an older operating system.
Finally, a move to Windows 7 now will make the transition to Windows 8 easier, when it comes out later this fall. You may wonder why bother upgrading to Windows 7 now if 8 will be coming out that soon. Unless Windows 8 is completely flawless when it comes out, which is unlikely, you will probably want to hold off on the upgrade for at least a few months if not a year when all the bugs have been worked out.
So if you’ve decided to make the jump by now, how should you go about doing it? The upgrade process is relatively painless, although it will take a few hours.
First, you’ll need to buy Windows 7, obviously. If you have XP Home or Vista Home, Windows 7 Home will likely work out just fine for you. Unless you know you’ll need different features than before, you will probably want to stick with the same version as before.
Next, before you start the actual upgrade process, consider backing up all your files onto an external hard drive or your cloud service of choice. While the chance of data loss is very small, especially with Windows 7, if you have files you absolutely cannot lose, it’s a smart choice to back them up. Additionally, it’s recommended to back up files regularly even when you aren’t going through a major system upgrade. You should also check to make sure you have all the install disks for your programs that you use, especially if you’re using XP. XP cannot upgrade directly to Windows 7, and therefore you’ll need to reinstall your programs. The Vista to Windows 7 upgrade is much more streamlined and should allow you to keep most, if not all, of your programs installed. Nonetheless, keeping an inventory of your install disks is advisable.
After you’re ready to perform the upgrade, put the disk in your computer. The installer should walk you through the process without pain and only take a couple hours. Windows 7 installs amazingly smooth and quick as compared to previous operating systems.
Once you’ve finished, put your files and programs back, if necessary, and make sure to install any available updates right away. After that, you’ll be good to go on your freshly upgraded Windows 7 machine. You should notice increased performance and functionality right away!
I do agree with people moving to Windows 7, but not Windows 8.
After testing the prerelease and using it (Windows 8) i don’t think it will be a problem moving to it “as in i won’t, it’s not happening, NOWAY” It is a very clunky and not very well thought out OS for the PC. I have tested on several test beds and one of my normal everyday systems and a gaming system. It has way to much of a learning curve for many people, especially Elders who will need some one to show them. Though i hear that it is faster, i have found that not to be true on most everyday systems. it actually takes longer to boot, on my beastly game machine then Windows 7.
Which takes Windows 7, 50 seconds to boot, IT takes 90 to 120 seconds to boot, yeah not the same on boot every time. Shutting it down is a pain to, no start button, no task bar in the main interface, and it looks like it was made for preschoolers. Ubuntu had this type of interface in one of their Distro’s and moved away from it in the next, looks almost like and exact copy.
Another thing is that Microsoft is copying the Mac idea on software, browsers and the like and will make it impossible to install in a normal manner different browsers and other software that people might want. They want apps to be just written strictly for this OS.
It is fine for just browsing the net and reading e-mail but for any serious work you need a machine that can do it, Tablets and even Net books have a ways to go before that will happen. And many of the formats of these types of PC’s aren’t repairable either, or upgradable. And price will be a big big factor in all of this. And Touch still has a ways to go before a lot of people will have it, it’s not in everyday use except on some phones and tablets, and all in one PC’s. Not many of those come across my bench either. As most people don’t get them repaired, and upgrading them isn’t going to happen.
They have lost touch with their User base and what people really want in their OS, they want to shove this down everyone’s throat just because they want to get a piece of the Tablet market. It would have made more sense to have made a version for tablets and one for PC’s. and people would transition right on over to it.
Some of the Good points of the OS should have just been a Service pack upgrade to Windows 7.
It is fine for Tablets, IPhone’s and Touch interfaces. I don’t use or have any need for it. I don’t have Tablets or IPhone’s, nor do i want them. Nor do a lot of people the majority of them don’t have or use Touch. I’ve seen one come across my bench, and that was only in the last two years.
I’m a System builder and work on Customers systems all the time. And have the information i need, and can get the Cert’s for this OS but personally won’t be using it. Nor will i be recommending it to anyone.
Windows 7 works fine. Have 8 systems here that use everything from Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7. and several Linux Distro’s. All x64 Bit systems.
I do see the need for people to move on up to Windows 7. It is much more secure and has a better drivers system, that is true. But many of my people i work with on their systems are very comfortable with it and just don’t want to move. Some just can’t afford it in this economy either. Though would like to move to Windows 7, just can’t afford it.
They are pandering to just a small portion of the people and Business. And most will wait to see what Windows 9 will have in store for them. Now these are my Opinions and many are from years of Beta testing Microsoft products and their OS’s and doing extensive work in this field and dealing with customers or the general public.
I LIKED “Windows 2000 Pro” !
But, because Microsoft quit supporting it…I was forced to finally go to Windows XP (not as good as 2000 in my opinion).
NOW, I’m comfortable with XP and AGAIN Microsoft is forcing me to “upgrade”.
I despise them for this !
I won’t be upgrading to Windows 8….I’m NOT a “touchy-feely” kind of guy.
XP is a decade old. I hear what you’re saying, though. I wouldn’t worry about upgrading. Just wait until you get a new PC with the new OS pre-installed.