Is Windows 7 Right For You?

24. Mar, 2010

windows-7-box You’ve been thinking about it: Can I upgrade to Windows 7? Do I need it? What’s so different?

As computers age, upgrading to Windows 7 is inevitable. But, does Windows 7 make it worth giving up that well-known Windows XP? What are the benefits? Read on for our reasons for upgrading.

You Can Still Use XP Apps. If you need Windows 7 speeds but have applications that only run on eight-year old Windows XP, XP mode can save you. This free, downloadable add-on for the Pro, Enterprise, and Ultimate versions of Windows 7 lets your old programs run as if your system were still running XP. There are other third-party applications that accomplish the same thing, but that will cost you. XP Mode does not cost money and does not require a separate, licensed copy of XP.

Better Search. Search is the most popular application on the web (Google, Yahoo, etc.), and Windows 7 has it built in. Vista integrated a search box throughout the interface to make it easy for you to find files stored on your hard drive; you’ll find one in the Start menu, the control panel, and Windows Explorer. In Windows 7, you can narrow the results when you get too many. Also, the search bar retains a history of what you’ve looked for, so you can quickly find things again. There’s a better preview available for search results as well. You don’t have to worry about being organized when it comes to digital data.

Your Driver Is Here. Have you ever been prompted for a driver for equipment you attached to your computer. Or maybe you’ve had to install the drivers from a disc. Older systems had a hard time with Vista upgrades due to lack of driver support for the hardware. Even newer systems had problems. That’s unlikely to be the case with Windows 7. Windows 7 is designed to have many common drivers pre-installed. Better yet, it will even go directly to the driver download pages of major vendors if a compatible driver is not found.

Better Enterprise Features. Own a small business or work in a home office? There’s a lot of good stuff in Windows 7 Enterprise, specifically for security and management. That includes Bit-Locker, which encrypts your entire hard drive, and BitLocker to Go, which encrypts your removable USB flash drives. AppLocker lets you specify exactly what programs are run on your system, so users can’t bring in games from home. And, more languages are supported.

Less User Annoyance. Anyone who used Vista at all to install a program knows the heart-stopping fear that hit when a screen went blank for a split second. But, it was a features, not a bug. It is part of the User Account Control (UAC) that forces you to approve installation of programs and other things. UAC is still in Windows 7, but it’s far less intrusive. Plus the control panel for UAC got simpler, with just a slider-bar to indicate just how much control it should have.

64 Bits Included. You can get 64-bit versions of Vista and XP, but every box with Windows 7 comes with both the 32- and the 64-bit version inside. You will want the 64-bit version if your hardware can support it. The 64-bit version will work with more than 4GB of RAM; if you’ve got an older system and less RAM than that, stick with the 32-bit version. Even though there are two versions in the box, you only get one activation key. If you happen to put the 64-bit version in your disc drive, your system will let you know that it is not compatible. Microsoft also offers an Upgrade Advisor.

Less Useless Bloatware. Say goodbye to unused extras like Windows Mail or Movie Maker. You’ll have to get them from the Windows live website in the future – if you want them. However, that won’t stop system vendors such as Dell, Sony, etc., from shoveling some paid advertisers software onto your computer if you get them at retail.

More Work Time. PC Magazine tested Windows 7 in their lab and found that Windows 7 boots up several seconds faster than Vista on identical hardware. That’s precious time during which you could be productive! Albeit, that will only last until you install new software and after everyday use. But with the right hardware, Windows 7 should zing along in all uses.

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