Introduction A number of you have been asking whether you should upgrade to Microsoft Windows 7 once it arrives in stores on 22nd October 2009. Well, our recommendation is different from the negative stance we had on Windows Vista three years ago. Back then, we advised sticking with Windows XP for home and business use, as Vista had a number of issues, most notably hardware & software compatbilility problems, though it was also dogged with performance issues. This time round, we feel Microsoft's latest incarnation of Windows is worth getting, but only in certain circumstances....

What is Windows 7? Windows 7 is the latest version of Microsoft Windows. It's widely known that Windows 7 is based on it's predecessor's code (Windows Vista) and is therefore really just a refined version of Windows Vista rather than a brand new operating system. What are the benefits of Windows 7 over Windows Vista or Windows XP? Windows 7 has been installed on a huge variety of different computers, from low-powered netbooks to high-end gaming PCs. On those computers, it's been compatibility tested, feature analysed and performance rated by almost all of the IT press and although reactions have been mixed, the concensus is roughly as follows :

• Speed...

Windows 7 offers no significant performance gain on Windows Vista when running applications. Windows 7 does boot more quickly than Windows Vista. Across the board though, Windows 7 is significantly slower than Windows XP.

• Compatibility...

Windows 7 will have greater hardware and software than Windows Vista had at its release. This is largely thanks to its ability to use Windows Vista drivers. Compatibility should be largely on par with Windows XP.

• Usability...

The user interface feels much snappier in Windows 7 than it did in Windows Vista. Some major changes have been made to make things more intuitive/ easier to do (dare I say, less frustrating). On this front, we do feel Windows 7 beats Windows XP.

• Features...

A number of features have been stripped out (e.g. there is no longer a built-in email program). However, there have been some nice advancements in areas such as touch, speech and handwriting recognition. All versions of Windows 7 (bar the Starter edition) support fingerprint readers natively, removing the need for us to use the poorly produced software from different fingerprint reader manufacturers (hooray!). The Windows Media Player has been improved to allow video and song streaming to DLNA devices. Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate Editions also support virtualisation, allowing software designed exclusively for Windows XP to run seamlessly on the Desktop.

Our recommendation to businesses Windows XP is going to be supported by Microsoft until 2014. Bearing in mind retraining & upgrade costs, there is a very strong case for sticking with Windows XP in the short term. However, please be aware that new hardware appearing on the market will better be supported by Windows 7. Indeed, manufacturers are (quite rightly) gearing things more towards Windows 7 than Windows XP and hardware drivers for Windows XP are already becoming a bit thin on the ground. Our recommendation to home users

• If you are buying a new PC...

Ensure it has Windows 7 as opposed to Windows Vista. Be aware that the Starter edition is very light on features, so try to pick a tower PC or laptop pre-installed with Windows 7 Home Premium edition unless you like to download & install your own flavour of data backup or encryption software.

• If you have recently bought a new PC with Vista pre-installed...

If your PC came with a “free upgrade to Windows 7” voucher, take the upgrade option. Be aware though, that some PC manufacturers are charging upto £30 to send out the upgrade disks. This charge covers their postage and administration fees. If you didn't get a voucher with your Windows Vista PC, but bought it between 26th June 2009 and 21st January 2010, then we believe you're entitled to upgrade to Windows 7 at no additional cost, other than the postage & admin fees.

• If you have a super-powerful PC...

Windows 7 will likely run on your computer without problem, but please check the Windows 7 Hardware Compatibility List (http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/hcl/default.mspx) before ordering to save any disappointments.

• If you have a fairly standard PC...

Please be aware that Windows 7 does need a “fairly beefy” computer to run smoothly. As a general rule of thumb though, if your laptop or tower PC is currently running Windows Vista then Windows 7 should run without problem on it. However, we cannot and do not accept responsibility or liability if this rule does not hold for you.

• If you are unsure whether your PC will be compatible...

Best use Microsoft's 'Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor'. This can be accessed at the following link: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/upgrade-advisor.aspx

Costs

• Students...

With a .edu email address can take up Microsoft on their offer of Windows 7 Professional for £30 including VAT.

• Families...

With more than one PC can buy a Windows 7 Family Pack license, allowing 3 Windows XP or Vista computers to be upgraded to Windows 7 Home Premium for £65 including VAT.

• Business users...

Should opt for the Professional or Ultimate editions of Windows 7, which can be bought OEM from select suppliers. Undoubtedly though, the most cost effective upgrade option is to buy a new PC after 22nd October 2009 shipping with Windows 7 pre-installed.

Final words Windows 7 comes in a number of different editions, from a Starter edition through to a fully featured Ultimate edition. However, each of these editions also come in two flavours... 32-bit and 64-bit. To help with your new PC or Windows 7 purchase, please also read our article on Windows 7- 32-bit or 64-bit. http://www.resourcefulcomputerhelp.com/content/windows_764_bit_or_32_bit