Windows 7 ...

[Cjvdh]

I currently have Vista and am sick and tired of it I am looking for something new has anyone here had a chance to pickup windows 7 yet? If so how is it? I am pondering going and picking that up but don't really wanna waste my time if its not worth it. Thanks

-CJ

[acosmichippo]

It's very nice. The upgrade from vista to win7 is supposed to be relatively painless.

[TarekElsakka]

7 is the best Windows operating system I have ever used. It is very light and fast, it doesn't hang up or freeze on me, and it is very secure. I have the official release (not the Release Candidate) and it is just awesome.

Pick it up as soon as you can, you'll not regret your choice. Make sure you do a fresh install, though, don't upgrade.

By the way, I am running it on Boot camp (86-bit version) :).

[Cjvdh]

If I currently have vista than all I need to do is get the upgrade version right?

[chris]

If I currently have vista than all I need to do is get the upgrade version right?

Yes, that's correct. I have Vista and upgrading to Home Premium version of Windows 7. Thought I pre-ordered two upgrades, but only found one in my inbox.

Guessing it'll arrive tomorrow.... I ran the RC for a while. For me, it was a bit buggy, but overall I did like it a lot. It's a faster, leaner version of Vista. At least, that's my take on it. What do I know though, I'm a Mac guy.:dft011:wicked_smile

[Woody dog]

I am thinking about getting it vista sucks. I have a hp db7 4gig with vista I got in march. Sometimes it workes sometimes it don't. Ive had iPhone for two months. And I would have spent another 1,000 bucks for a mac if it works like my phone.

[TarekElsakka]

Apple computers work just as good as iPhones do :p.

[Saints]

I am still running XP because of the nightmare stories I have heard and experienced with Vista. From what I understand, if I get Windows 7 I have to uninstall XP then install W7? So basically I will lose everything on my hard drive correct? How is compatability with W7 like virus/firewall software, games, ie will me current software and games work with W7? Sorry if these are noob questions, but I really havent been keeping up with computers in the last few years. I have built a few, but its been awhile.

[chris]

I am still running XP because of the nightmare stories I have heard and experienced with Vista. From what I understand, if I get Windows 7 I have to uninstall XP then install W7? So basically I will lose everything on my hard drive correct? How is compatability with W7 like virus/firewall software, games, ie will me current software and games work with W7? Sorry if these are noob questions, but I really havent been keeping up with computers in the last few years. I have built a few, but its been awhile.

From what I've read, there is not so-called update from XP. You'll need to back up all your files and perform a clean install of Windows 7. You'll need updated virus software also.

Not sure about particular apps. I use QuickBooks and upgraded that in anticipation of moving to Windows 7.

[acosmichippo]

Yes, on an XP computer, you would have to do a fresh install.

Win7 is built to be compatible with software that is compatible for Vista, so it is possible that some software on your XP machine will not work. That being said, most recent games and security software have made vista-compatible versions or patches in the last three years, so i don't think you'd have many issues.

[KabaModern]

Win7 is beautiful. It's the best Microsoft OS I've used. I like it far better than XP. The stability is great, security is superior than any previous versions, and the bells and whistles.

[chris]

Win7 is beautiful. It's the best Microsoft OS I've used. I like it far better than XP. The stability is great, security is superior than any previous versions, and the bells and whistles.

Saying something is better than XP isn't really saying much.:dft011:wicked_smile But yeah, it's light years ahead of XP and a sleeker, lighter OS than Vista.

Worthwhile upgrade for sure.

[Hondamaker]

I currently have Vista and am sick and tired of it I am looking for something new has anyone here had a chance to pickup windows 7 yet? If so how is it? I am pondering going and picking that up but don't really wanna waste my time if its not worth it. Thanks

-CJBeen running the RC1 release of Win7 ultimate on my mac, and so far it's been really nice. I would recommend it as I am gettng it for my other PCs as well.

You need the the following to run it:

Processor Required
1 GHz or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
Hard disk
16 GB available disk space (32-bit) / 20 GB (64-bit); for the download version, an additional 3 GB is required
Memory Required
1 GB RAM (32-bit) / 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
Video card
DirectX 9 graphics processor with WDDM 1.0 or later driver

[KabaModern]

Saying something is better than XP isn't really saying much.:dft011:wicked_smile But yeah, it's light years ahead of XP and a sleeker, lighter OS than Vista.

Worthwhile upgrade for sure.

Well, I was merely using that for a unstated comparison to Vista. Personally, I really had no issues with Windows Vista, mainly because I actually understood hardware and software requirements and didn't expect the world from it. The general public had a completely different idea and were simply uneducated about the whole OS.

Anyway, definitely worth the upgrade. Win7, again, is great! :ok:ok

[chris]

Well, I was merely using that for a unstated comparison to Vista. Personally, I really had no issues with Windows Vista, mainly because I actually understood hardware and software requirements and didn't expect the world from it. The general public had a completely different idea and were simply uneducated about the whole OS.

Anyway, definitely worth the upgrade. Win7, again, is great! :ok:ok

As a Mac user, I too never had issues with Vista. If anything, the constant warnings were annoying, but no real issues to speak of...

Updating to Win 7 today, when UPS delivers...

[KabaModern]

As a Mac user, I too never had issues with Vista. If anything, the constant warnings were annoying, but no real issues to speak of...

Updating to Win 7 today, when UPS delivers...

Yes, I agree. Have you noticed in Win7 the UAC is a little more unobtrusive? As in, it still prompts Yes/No on certain items, but a lot of the time if you see the shield icon next to an action, that's basically a forewarning you'll be approving Administrator privileges once you click the action (as to not be redundant and prompt to approve).

[MrEous]

I had no issues with Vista either...but upgraded to 7 last week. Still running smooth...and 7 seems to be a little more 'snappy'.

[JWiPhone]

Have you noticed conflicts with programs and their drivers not being compatible with Windows 7? I remember that being a big problem with Vista when it was released.

[KabaModern]

Have you noticed conflicts with programs and their drivers not being compatible with Windows 7? I remember that being a big problem with Vista when it was released.

Right. No I actually haven't. Some very old hardware will obviously need drivers but for the most part, despite the computer you're running, Win7 actually picks up and installs mostly all the drivers necessary. My desktop had no problems, but my Sony laptop has two proprietary devices that I'm waiting for Sony to update for Win7. Which they should have done today since it's released, I'll check after work.

[shutter13]

Have you noticed conflicts with programs and their drivers not being compatible with Windows 7? I remember that being a big problem with Vista when it was released.

I had to replace my printer as it's drivers were not copatable with windows 7, and quite frankly after upgrading to vista SP2 it didin't work either, so it wasn't an unexpected purchase, and I am still waiting for an update to my antivirus software. hopefully it is gonna be out today.

[mr.reggaeton72]

i just got my copy of windows 7 on my USB, my microsoft certified friends at college got me free copy, all fully activated, windows 7 ultimate to be exact...i got it today, i cant wait to get home and update from XP...

[Tinman]

i just got my copy of windows 7 on my USB, my microsoft certified friends at college got me free copy, all fully activated, windows 7 ultimate to be exact...i got it today, i cant wait to get home and update from XP...

One of these posts is not like the others.



--
Mike

[aknightstale41]

Yes, I agree. Have you noticed in Win7 the UAC is a little more unobtrusive? As in, it still prompts Yes/No on certain items, but a lot of the time if you see the shield icon next to an action, that's basically a forewarning you'll be approving Administrator privileges once you click the action (as to not be redundant and prompt to approve).

Can the UAC still be unchecked and turned off in Windows 7 as it can in vista? That was the first thing I did when I got those warnings.

[KabaModern]

Can the UAC still be unchecked and turned off in Windows 7 as it can in vista? That was the first thing I did when I got those warnings.

I'm assuming you can but I think you'll appreciate it more in Win7. There really isn't much of a need to turn it off unless it bugs you having to sometimes approve stuff. The reason I kept it on in Vista is because I kept getting the tray pop-up warning that I should turn UAC on and I hated seeing that (I'm anal like that). So when I went to Win7, I feel like I'm being rewarded. :)

[crystus]

I'm assuming you can but I think you'll appreciate it more in Win7. There really isn't much of a need to turn it off unless it bugs you having to sometimes approve stuff. The reason I kept it on in Vista is because I kept getting the tray pop-up warning that I should turn UAC on and I hated seeing that (I'm anal like that). So when I went to Win7, I feel like I'm being rewarded. :)

Yes it can be completely turned off, but as mentioned it is less obtrusive than with vista. I just had to do a custom install because I was running the release candidate. It was easy to do and the great thing was that all my old files were moved to a Windows.old folder so I was able to pull all my files and not lose anything. So far the final version is better than the release candidate. I loved the release candidate. Performance wise Windows 7 is soo much better than vista. I ran Vista Ultimate. My benchmark was to evaluate the performance of WOW. In Vista when it booted up my system resource usage for memory was about 52% of my memory was in use at boot. When I tweaked it I was able to lower it to 47% at boot. With Windows 7 and no tweaks I was running at 32% usage at boot.

The other comparisons were on how WOW performed on both of the OS's. When I was running Vista my Latency was consistently in the 300-500 range and my fps was in the 20-30 range. On Windows 7 release candidate the Latency was 200-300 range and the fps was 30-40. Windows 7 final my latency is 150-250 for latency and 35-55 for fps.

All in all Windows 7 is by far my favorite release from M$. Very stable, user friendly, bells and whistles, and great performance.

[Hondamaker]

God, I am sooo tired of Windows of any version. Right now I have to start my windows vista machine in safe mode cause it's not working right. I've had my iMac for almost 2 yrs and it's froze on me twice. I can't say that with any version of windows. I hope windows 7 ends up meeting the hype.

[KabaModern]

God, I am sooo tired of Windows of any version. Right now I have to start my windows vista machine in safe mode cause it's not working right. I've had my iMac for almost 2 yrs and it's froze on me twice. I can't say that with any version of windows. I hope windows 7 ends up meeting the hype.

It does. For me, anyway. Are you planning on upgrading?

[Hondamaker]

It does. For me, anyway. Are you planning on upgrading?
Yeah, I gotta try it.

[bass_lover1]

I installed it yesterday morning, after I finished downloading my pre-order upgrade off the web.

For those that are curious, yes you can do a fresh install with the "upgrade" versions just boot from the disc.

IMO this is what Vista should have been in the first place, a completely new visual experience compared to XP, but still light on its toes. Vista would use 75% of my system memory over the span of about a week (2GB DDR2), Win7 is currently using about 35% with the same programs installed and running.

They tweaked UAC for the better, it can be completely turned off like in Vista, but now they allow you to select different levels, which is much better than an annoying pop-up every time you wanted to do anything.

The new task bar is pretty cool, along with Aero Peek, Shake and Snap and keyboard shortcuts, make every day use a bit easier and more streamlined.

Driver recognition is pretty good, before I booted to my desktop for the first time, it had already found and installed my wireless card, and asked me to connect to my network.

Windows Update, will actually search for drivers now, it found all of mine, sound card, video, networking, all of it.

I'm using Win7 Professional 32-bit, probably should have went with 64-bit, but too late now.

[JWiPhone]

My big question is does Windows 7 still require updates from Microsoft when shutting down? I find that annoying when I go to shut down at night and there are 12 updates which takes about 20 minutes to finish before shutting down.

[bass_lover1]

My big question is does Windows 7 still require updates from Microsoft when shutting down? I find that annoying when I go to shut down at night and there are 12 updates which takes about 20 minutes to finish before shutting down.

Yes, but so far in my experience the process is much quicker than in the past.

[KabaModern]

Yes, but so far in my experience the process is much quicker than in the past.

I agree. There are those times you need to do that; however, like bass_lover said, it's much much snappier.

[RossMc]

I was running the RC and have just installed Windows 7 Professional tonight I got it for free though the Microsoft MSDNAA website through my University.

[PapaST]

I ran a Win7 beta for a awhile and have been running Win7 official release 64bit Ultimate for about 2 weeks now. I'll throw my vote into the "dig it" column. Not a hog like Vista and a bit sleeker than XP.

For those running more than 2.5GB of RAM... Win7 32bit won't recognize anything more. You'll need 64bit to utilize the full load of RAM

[Napoleon_PhoneApart]

Windows 7 32-bit on my PC recognizes 3.25 of my 4 gigs of RAM.

[KabaModern]

Windows 7 32-bit on my PC recognizes 3.25 of my 4 gigs of RAM.

I believe you. There are a variety of factors the OS takes into consideration in determining what it reads. Motherboard, graphics card (or lack thereof), etc. My Sony VAIO laptop, for example, only would recognize 3gb of the 4gb on a 32-bit version of Windows Vista. I'm using only 64-bit versions of Win7 on both my desktop and laptop now.

Gravy!

[Hondamaker]

I ran a Win7 beta for a awhile and have been running Win7 official release 64bit Ultimate for about 2 weeks now. I'll throw my vote into the "dig it" column. Not a hog like Vista and a bit sleeker than XP.

For those running more than 2.5GB of RAM... Win7 32bit won't recognize anything more. You'll need 64bit to utilize the full load of RAMNow, how is that possible? Vista recognizes my 4 gigs. You mean 7 won't? WTF, Microsoft?! You still suck!

[acosmichippo]

Vista 32-bit (with SP1 or later) will TELL you it recognizes 4GB of RAM, but it won't use any more than 3.5GB of it.

[Hondamaker]

Vista 32-bit (with SP1 or later) will TELL you it recognizes 4GB of RAM, but it won't use any more than 3.5GB of it.That's stupid. Is that a hardware limitation, or windows? Again I ask, Microsoft, WTF??

[acosmichippo]

it's a limitation of 32-bit OSes.

[crystus]

If only M$ could be this innovative with their Windows Mobile OS. I guess it is why the iPhone is the best imo.

[ricks2gtouch]

So . . . I just installed 32bit Win7 Home Prem. I have 4gb RAM on my desktop and it is showing only 3.5gb usable. Is there any other advantage, other than recognizing all my 4gb, to install the 64bit version?

[KabaModern]

So . . . I just installed 32bit Win7 Home Prem. I have 4gb RAM on my desktop and it is showing only 3.5gb usable. Is there any other advantage, other than recognizing all my 4gb, to install the 64bit version?

At this moment, not too much. Eventually (and it's happening now) when 4gb of RAM is standard in most PCs and you want to upgrade your RAM in the future over 4gb, a 64-bit OS is required. So, IMO, if you have 4gb of RAM now and you have the option to install a 64-bit version of Win7, there is no reason you shouldn't.

That's like buying a ticket from New York to Florida and getting dropped off in Georgia. You're not getting what you paid for.

[PapaST]

At this moment, not too much. Eventually (and it's happening now) when 4gb of RAM is standard in most PCs and you want to upgrade your RAM in the future over 4gb, a 64-bit OS is required. So, IMO, if you have 4gb of RAM now and you have the option to install a 64-bit version of Win7, there is no reason you shouldn't.

That's like buying a ticket from New York to Florida and getting dropped off in Georgia. You're not getting what you paid for.

Agreed... there isn't a huge incentive if you're already running 32bit. Like KabaModern noted and as RAM gets insanely cheaper... running 6 or 8GB will be the norm and at that point you'll need to upgrade to utilize all of it.

Also as more and more programs are written in 64bit that will give users more incentive. For instance (and it's been awhile since I checked) there is a 64bit Internet Explorer but items like Flash aren't supported so I'm stuck running it in 32bit mode anyways.

[evolution83]

Since my PC was shipped with Vista, I'll be using Windows 7 soon. I hear great things about it, so I'm really excited. I want a faster OS. Vista is just $hit for load times and all this protection crap that is worthless.

[Hondamaker]

You can do an upgrade from Vista, right? Without having to reinstall everything?

[shutter13]

You can do an upgrade from Vista, right? Without having to reinstall everything?

Yep, I did one last week.

[ricks2gtouch]

Hmmm . . . since I already installed the 32bit version, I imagine that I would have to do a clean install for the 64bit version, right? No thanks, I am good right now. Not worth it for me right now just to get 1/2 a gb of RAM back.

[KabaModern]

Hmmm . . . since I already installed the 32bit version, I imagine that I would have to do a clean install for the 64bit version, right? No thanks, I am good right now. Not worth it for me right now just to get 1/2 a gb of RAM back.

In all honesty, I'd do it now before you have it all setup and customized how you like it. And put all your programs on, etc. It will be more of a hassle to upgrade in the future as opposed to now, IMO.

[Ward]

You can upgrade an installation of Vista, but for the love of all thing digital, DON'T.

It takes 5 times as long and introduces tons of problems. A clean install is faster and more reliable.

If you develop a proper working habit with multiple copies of your data on multiple HDs, then clean reinstalling becomes much easier and simpler than upgrades.

[AntonChigurh]

If you're a college student you can get it for $30.

http://windows7.digitalriver.com/store/mswpus/en_US/DisplayHomePage?resid=tSlohQoBAkYAABrSdQ8AAAAH&rests=1256487131799

[nmanley]

Bare in mind that Windows 7 install does keep all your old data and info. It's kept in a folder called Windows.old, And I mean EVERYTHING is backed up to that folder. Once you finish the win-7 install you can "cut and paste" (if space is an issue) what you need out of it.

[bass_lover1]

Bare in mind that Windows 7 install does keep all your old data and info. It's kept in a folder called Windows.old, And I mean EVERYTHING is backed up to that folder. Once you finish the win-7 install you can "cut and paste" (if space is an issue) what you need out of it.

This is if you do an Upgrade to your existing OS. A clean install, obviously wont have that folder.

[Cjvdh]

Windows 7 < Mac OS X Snow Leopard

Enough said!

[JWiPhone]

Windows 7 < Mac OS X Snow Leopard

Enough said!

If my math serves me correctly, that was a 'less than' sign, not 'less than or equal to' LOL

[KabaModern]

Win7 rules. Suck it Mac lovers :ok:ok

[eye-Fone]

That's stupid. Is that a hardware limitation, or windows?
As was said before, it's a limitation of 32-bit operating systems. To take advantage of more than 3Gb of RAM, upgrade to a 64-bit computer and OS. I run Vista 64-bit with 4GB of RAM and am happy with it.

[Hondamaker]

As was said before, it's a limitation of 32-bit operating systems. To take advantage of more than 3Gb of RAM, upgrade to a 64-bit computer and OS. I run Vista 64-bit with 4GB of RAM and am happy with it.My 32-bit Vista says 4 gigs. Why can't 32-bit 7 do it? Stupid Windows!

[Hondamaker]

Win7 rules. Suck it Mac lovers :ok:okYou're in denial of the fact that Mac OS will always be better than Windows of any flavor. 7 might be the best MS has to offer to date, but OS X will always rule.

[KabaModern]

You're in denial of the fact that Mac OS will always be better than Windows of any flavor. 7 might be the best MS has to offer to date, but OS X will always rule.

I'm just fueling the fire, Honda. I never played around (in depth) with OS X. :)

[Hondamaker]

I'm just fueling the fire, Honda. I never played around (in depth) with OS X. :)

It's all good, bro!

[eye-Fone]

My 32-bit Vista says 4 gigs. Why can't 32-bit 7 do it?
Your 32-bit Vista is not using all 4 Gbs--all 32-bit OS'es are systemically unable to. Whether an OS displays 3 GB or 4GB is a function of your BIOS. Older 32-bit BIOS's won't display more than 3GB, even if you have 4GB or more.

So, if you want to use all 4GB of RAM and install it in a 64-bit PC and run Vista 64-bit or Windows 7 64-bit.

[evolution83]

I will be installing Windows 7 tonight, but first I have to make sure and backup all my files and save important configurations for when I reinstall certain programs.

[KabaModern]

Evo, a bit off topic (sorry folks), but real quick: is your avatar a zombie blow-up doll?

[shutter13]

How do I tell if I have a 64 bit PC? I know my OS is 32bit, it shows 4G of RAM (3.44G usable). I'm probably not willing to do a clean install to gain that little bit of RAM...but if I ever need to reformat, I would certainly look at installing a 64bit OS. So how do I tell if I can run it?

[KabaModern]

How do I tell if I have a 64 bit PC? I know my OS is 32bit, it shows 4G of RAM (3.44G usable). I'm probably not willing to do a clean install to gain that little bit of RAM...but if I ever need to reformat, I would certainly look at installing a 64bit OS. So how do I tell if I can run it?

It's based off your CPU type. Do you have Vista now? If so, try this:
http://www.winvistatips.com/tell-if-you-can-run-vista-64-bit-t157587.html

[shutter13]

I'm on Windows 7 Ultimate, 32 bit. But I was ale to find that it is 64 bit capable with those instructions. It's only a bit different on Windows 7.

[evolution83]

Evo, a bit off topic (sorry folks), but real quick: is your avatar a zombie blow-up doll?

It's just a zombie from what I know

[Hondamaker]

It's just a zombie from what I know
Well, it looks like it would make a pervect zombie blow-up doll!

[up10ad]

Just keep in mind. All 32 bit (x86) to 64 bit installs require a clean install, upgrade is not available.

Also, Vista must be upgraded from/to a >= level i.e., Windows 7 Home Premium can only upgrade a Vista Home Premium, not a Business or Ultimate. Likewise a Windows 7 Professional can't upgrade a Vista Ultimate.

[evolution83]

I'm now running Windows 7 Ultimate. Pretty sweet so far. Much faster than Vista.

[up10ad]

I've been running it for months on several systems, both x86 and 64bit. I love it. I can't wait until someone releases a MacBook Air sized system with touchscreen; I'll then sell my MBP.

[JWiPhone]

Are you guys moving to the 'dark side', ie. Microsoft? *joke*