Upgrading to Windows 7? – Make Sure You Have the Horsepower!

I have to admit I love Windows 7, and I’m not going to complain about this, or that, perceived shortcoming. What’s not to like?

I can’t believe some of the nonsense complaints I’ve read in the last few months, written, I’m convinced, by writers who get paid by the word! Actually, I find the “glass half empty” approach of this type of tech writer, more amusing, than frustrating.

After reading one of these “tech ex-spurts” I generally console myself with the thought – “man, I’m so glad you’re not my neighbor”, since negativity, just like the swine flu, is contagious.

Frankly, I have not tested an operating system in the years that I have been computing, which incidentally goes all the way back to DOS 1, where the advantages of the system were so readily apparent.

If, or when, you consider making the move to Windows 7, it’s important that you ensure your current system meets the hardware requirements imposed by Win 7. If you are currently running on Windows Vista, it’s almost a given that you can run on Windows 7, but ……

To help you determine your system compatibility, Microsoft has released a Beta version of a neat little tool to help you establish if your computer can handle the requirements of Windows 7.

According to Microsoft, “Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor scans your PC’s system, programs and devices to check if it’s able to run Windows 7. After a few minutes, the report will let you know if your PC meets the system requirements, if there are any known compatibility issues with your programs and devices, and will also provide guidance on your upgrade options to Windows 7”.

The following graphics illustrate just how easy this compatibility test is.

Note: The advisor recommends that you connect ALL your devices before running the test.

System Requirements: Windows Vista; Windows XP Service Pack 2, NET 2.0 Framework or higher, if running on Windows XP

Download at: Microsoft

If you enjoyed this article, why not subscribe to this Blog via RSS, or email? It’s easy; just click on this link and you’ll never miss another Tech Thoughts article.

Download Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor – Can You Handle The Ride!

I’ve been running Windows 7 for almost 6 months, both the Beta release, and now the first (only?), release candidate. I have to tell you; I’m in love!

I have not tested an operating system in the years I have been computing, which incidentally goes all the way back to DOS 1, where the advantages of the system were so readily apparent.

If your system can handle the hardware requirements imposed by Win 7, I highly recommend that you give the release candidate a try. I think you’ll be just as impressed as I am.

If you are currently running on Windows Vista, it’s almost a given that you can run on Windows 7, but ……

To help you determine your system compatibility, on May 7, Microsoft released a Beta version of a neat little tool to help you determine if your computer can handle the requirements of Windows 7.

According to Microsoft, “Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor scans your PC’s system, programs and devices to check if it’s able to run Windows 7. After a few minutes, the report will let you know if your PC meets the system requirements, if there are any known compatibility issues with your programs and devices, and will also provide guidance on your upgrade options to Windows 7”.

The following graphics illustrate just how easy this compatibility test is.

Note: The advisor recommends that you connect ALL your devices before running the test.

System Requirements: Windows Vista; Windows XP Service Pack 2, NET 2.0 Framework or higher if running on Windows XP

Download at: Microsoft

If you are currently running Windows XP, unfortunately there is no upgrade path, so a clean install is required.

To see just how smoothly a Windows 7 install can be, checkout TechPaul’s “A Tech’s First Impression of Windows 7 RC”. You might be surprised just how quick and easy this install can be.