Windows Seven

Microsoft will soon (October 22, 2009) release“Windows 7”, the latest version of their operating system for personal computers.  It will replace the Vista operating system that has been criticized by many users and ridiculed in Apple Computers “I’m a PC, I’m a Mac” advertisements.

Advantages
According to several reviews, the new version is faster, more reliable and more user-friendly than Vista, while retaining many features that were added when Vista replaced Windows XP.  It includes the latest versions of Internet Explorer (version 8) and Windows Media Player (version 12).  It has an improved security firewall and makes it easier to set up a home network.

Disadvantages
It does not include an E-mail program (like the old Outlook Express), but a free one can be downloaded from the “Windows Live Essentials” section of the Microsoft website.  It also does not include any anti-virus software.

Versions
Windows 7 will come in four versions. The Home Premium edition is suitable for individual home computers.  The Professional edition is more suitable for offices and adds the ability to encrypt files and back them up on a network.  The Ultimate edition adds encryption for USB devices and support for 35 different languages.  The Starter edition will only be pre-installed on small netbook computers.

Hardware Requirements
The hardware requirements for Windows 7 are similar to those for Vista.  The Central Processor Unit (CPU) must have a speed of one gigahertz or faster.  There must be at least one gigabyte of random access memory (RAM).  The hard drive should have a capacity of at least sixteen gigabytes.  The graphics card should be DX9-compatible with the WDDM 1.0 driver.  To determine if your current computer is capable of running Windows 7, download and run the free “Upgrade Advisor” program from the Microsoft website.

Hardware and Software Compatibility
With any new operating system, there are always a few problems with running older hardware and software.  Before upgrading, check with the manufacturers to ensure that your current version is compatible with the Windows 7.

Buying a New Computer
If you plan to buy a new computer soon, your choices include a PC-type or an Apple that runs the new “Snow Leopard” operating system.  If you prefer a PC, wait until you can buy one with Windows 7 pre-installed. This avoids any problems with upgrading from Vista to Windows 7.

Upgrading from Vista
If your current computer already runs Vista, it will likely be capable of running Windows 7.  A back-up of programs and data is apparently not required, but will ensure against loss of important data.

Upgrading from Windows XP
Upgrading from XP requires users to back up all programs and data to an external device and then re-install them later.  Users can download the free “Easy Transfer” program from the Microsoft website to backup files and program settings to an external storage device.

If your computer was purchased before 2007, it may not be capable of running Windows 7.  In that case, be sure to download all recent updates to XP, including Service Pack Three, because Microsoft will eventually stop supporting XP and older versions of Windows.

Further Information
Microsoft
Search for “Windows 7”, “Upgrade Advisor”, “Easy Transfer” or “Windows Live Essentials”.

Google
Search for “Windows 7 review”.

PC Magazine
Windows 7 review articles.

PC World
Windows 7 review articles.