Windows 7 Anyone?

Microsoft has just pushed out it's new operating system -Windows 7. As you all know, Vista, did not make as big of a splash as they would like to have seen. Is Windows 7 any better than Vista and will people finally move from XP to Windows 7?

Windows 7- What's Your Greatest Fear?

Money and fear can hold people back from buying. Money is pretty much self-explanatory, but the most ominous fear for anyone buying a new operating system is: "Is it going to be another, "Compatibility Problem" with Windows 7, like we had with Vista?"

A new operating system is never completely compatible with your old system. But it looks like for XP users they have included a Windows XP mode, which gives you a way in which to run programs that were compatible with XP.

However, this unique feature is only available with Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise and Ultimate. And...there is also another catch...It an optional 350MB download which requires you to have Microsoft's free virtual PC software installed...And, only Microsoft's free virtual PC software only works on PCs with Intel or AMD virtualization technology enable in the BIOS.

If you have Vista, you should not have any serious problems with the download.

What doesn't come with Microsoft Windows 7

What comes with Microsoft Windows 7. Some of the accessory programs such as, managing software, editing videos, reading PDF documents, chatting online or writing e-mail doesn't come with Windows 7. Instead you will have to download the free apps from the Microsoft website. But it still comes with IE. Maybe their idea is to save space for it's users. If you need it, download it, if not-you haven't wasted the space.

It does come with Internet Explorer, Media Player, Media Center etc. They also have Windows Security Essentials, which is a set of malware/anti-virus software that is free. You can download that software at Microsoft's Download.live.

What's Your Options

There are always options, aren't there? Well, you can choose to:

1) wait til all the bugs come to the surface, that way most software and hardware fixes will be in; or...
2) wait til you are ready to buy another computer

If you're biting at the bit to purchase the new operating system, take some time and check Microsoft's Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor to determine whether your computer is compatible with the Windows 7 operating system.

Microsoft Windows 7 Versions

There are six versions of Windows 7:

Starter
Home Premium
Professional
Ultimate
OEM
Enterprise

Windows 7 supports both 32 bit and 64 bit.

32-bit systems require:
1GHz processor,
1 GB RAM
16GB available hard-disk space
DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver

64 bit systems require:
1 GHz processor, 2 GB RAM, 20 GB of free space on your hard drive
and a DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver.

Microsoft Windows 7 Starter

I thought I would elaborate on the Windows 7 Starter Operating System that comes with many netbooks.

First, the Windows 7 Starter edition is offered only in the US and is designed for entry
level PCs. The starter edition is a good option for customers who want a small notebook for very basic tasks. Like checking email, browsing the web and/or personal uses.

The Windows 7 Starter does not include all the features that are offered in the Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional, etc. operating systems. So what is not available with the Windows 7 Starter Operating System?

What Microsoft Windows 7 Starter does not include:

1. You can only use "Windows Basic" or other opaque themes.
2. Taskbar Previews
3. Features that allow you to personalize your computer. Such as: changing desktop backgrounds, window colors, or sound schemes.
4. The ability to switch between users
5. DVD playback
6. Windows Media Center
7. Remove Media Streaming
8. Domain support for business customers
9. XP mode for those who are running Windows XP programs on Windows 7.

If you are wanting to be able to to all the things that you can do with a "traditional" PC, begin your search with Microsoft Windows 7 Home Addition.