|
November 25, 2009 - Microsoft has launched their next
operating system, Windows 7, and you may be asking “Should I
consider upgrading my Windows XP or Vista to Windows 7?”
After struggling with the problem-plagued Vista, many people are wary
about going to yet another new Microsoft operating system.
If your current computer system is working well, and you don’t
need to add any hardware or software that specifically requires Windows
7, stick with what works. But if you’re thinking of an
upgrade anyway, I definitely recommend going to Windows 7.
Here’s why:
Windows 7 is what Vista should have been. It’s still got
the sleek new look, but with fewer bugs and difficulties with older
hardware and software. It runs best on newer, faster computers
with lots of memory and a good video card, but it’s also capable
of downgrading itself to work with slower hardware.
I installed Windows 7 from scratch on one of my desktop computers, and
not only was the installation easy and trouble-free, it actually
detected my ancient parallel-port laser printer and gracefully
installed it. After struggling with the inadequate drivers in
Vista, I was shocked and delighted.
You may have heard about the initial grief suffered by users who tried
to upgrade their Vista systems to Windows 7. Apparently there was
a bug in the installation, and the computers went into an endless loop
in which you could neither finish the Windows 7 install, nor go back to
the original Vista setup. Microsoft has fixed that now, so
upgrades should go as planned.
The look and feel of Windows 7 is quite similar to Vista, although
there are a few added features like full previews of open windows in
the taskbar, and a “peek” feature that pops up minimized
windows for a few seconds so you can see what’s there.
The best thing about Windows 7 is its speed. It boots faster than
either Windows XP or Vista, and, once running, it also performs
better. What’s more, there are reports (still to be
confirmed) that Windows 7 is easier on laptop batteries, allowing
longer battery life between charges.
Windows 7 also has improved behind-the-scenes security and
stability. This isn’t something you’ll really notice
as a user, but there are more and better defenses against security
attacks and hackers. What’s more, the operating system is
better protected against software crashes, so that if one of your
programs freezes or crashes, it won’t necessarily take everything
else with it.
Overall, I think Windows 7 is a big improvement. I have it on
both a laptop and a desktop, and it’s performing well so
far.
So take your time if you’re considering an upgrade just because
you think you “should”. But if you’re looking
for an excuse to upgrade (or if you need to buy a whole new system),
you should definitely consider Windows 7.
Back to
Article Directory
By: Diane Henders, Bright Ideas Personalized
Learning Inc. Bright Ideas Personalized Learning Inc. is a
Calgary-based mobile computer training company that provides on-demand,
cost-effective training to corporations and individuals. For more
information about this topic, or to schedule a training session, please
call (403) 269-2347.
|
