Windows 7 is coming, what do you need to know?

Windows 7 is no secret. It’s been in the hands of technologists and geek enthusiasts for a long time now. On October 22nd it hits the streets. Should you be in line like it was a Windows XP flash back? The short answer is yes, the long answer is yes if you are buying a new machine. Let me clarify that first, I am NOT saying that it’s not worth upgrading, it definitely is…please read on.

Good Money after Bad?

That’s not the best analogy, but it’s pretty close. If you just dropped cash in the last year or two on a machine that cost more than $800 or so, skip this section. If you are part of the herd with a value PC, this is meant directly for you. As of right now, the Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade is about $120. Today at Best Buy, you can get into a Core2Duo laptop for $520 and a Core2Quad desktop for $450. If your machine is a few years old, and you didn’t buy premium then, that’s probably a significant upgrade over what you already have. Both of these machines include 4GB of Ram and a healthy size hard drive. More than enough for 90% of computer users. The question you have to ask yourself is do you put $120 in your current machine, or apply that towards a nice new one, I would suggest the latter.

Bring Sexy Back

When you got your current machine, odds are it was pre-installed with Windows Vista and she was a sexy beast. Today she is still pretty, but you have been waking up with her and watching her pee for a few years, so she isn’t as glamorous as when you first unboxed her. Windows 7 will give your lady the makeover that brings back the spark, and bring some goodies along with it.

Your machine will run as good, but likely better than it currently does. It will also be less naggy with it’s messaging, change the way you work with a snazzy new UI scheme and bring along with it the stability and security that you expect in an operating system.

To Be 64-bit or Not To Be 64-bit

Oddly enough I had this conversation with a friend and I will repeat my advice here. If your processor supports it, and you have no significant hardware investment that you are sure will not work, it’s time to take the step to 64-bit. Don’t expect magic with 64-bit. Do expect, more stability when rogue applications crash and access to more memory which is always a good thing. Windows Vista laptops and desktops have been shipping in 64-bit on droves for over a year, you aren’t breaking virgin territory, it’s safe.

Parting Shots

This last section is just to include some tips for you no matter which way you go. First and foremost, if you upgrade, do a clean install. It’s likely you have some programs in registry purgatory and a bunch of junk that is always good to clean out. Backup your files, and reinstall fresh. There is even a fancy assitant to help you do that.

Second, take advantage of the free software you get with your genuine Windows license. Windows Live Essentials, Windows Security Essentials and Windows Live Mesh are all fantastic. Download them as soon as you have finished installing Windows.

Lastly, take some time to get used to it. I can’t tell you how many times I have seen users crippled by the differences in upgrades. They call it a learning curve for a reason. You will likely lose a little productivity at first, but as you get used to how things work, you will pass where you were and reach new levels of efficiency. Windows 7’s new task bar, previews and Aero features are like second nature to me now and I love them.

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