Microsoft is going to release the latest Windows 7 operating system on October 22, 2009. The product reviews for Windows 7 have been exceptionally favorable, especially when considered in the light of the fact that the earlier version Windows Vista did not receive favorable response from the users since many hardware drivers and software were not fully compatible with it, and there were other problems. However, Microsoft appears to have done its home work exceptionally well for its latest Windows, i.e., Windows 7. People are keenly waiting for October 22 for its release. It is generally expected that Windows 7 will be received well by the users inspite of the recession factor. In fact, the IT sector is expecting that Windows 7 may revive the computer market. OK, a new and stable version of the popular Windows system is on the cards and it is supposed to be the best ever Windows system designed by Microsoft, going by reactions of those who have tested / used it during its beta version or the Release Candidate (RC) version. But, what about you? Are you ready for making a shift to Windows 7 on your existing PC or laptop or on a new computer? Or else, do you plan to continue with the existing Vista or XP? Well, in case you plan to setup Windows 7 on your existing computer, you should first conduct a compatibility check to find out whether or not your computer can run the latest Windows 7 on it.
What are the System Requirements for running Windows 7?
The first thing you’ve to consider is the hardware specifications or the system requirements for running Windows 7 on your PC or laptop or netbook, as the case may be.
Though Windows 7 can run both on 32-bit and 64-bit processors, it is advisable to have a 64-bit processor for taking full advantage of the advanced features of Windows 7, if you’re planning to buy a new machine. In either case, the minimum requirements for running Windows 7 are as under:
(1) For a computer running 32-bit processor:
(2) For a computer running 64-bit computer:
Additional requirements to use certain features:
What about my current computer which is already running Windows Vista? Will it run Windows 7?
Microsoft states that in general, if your PC can run Windows Vista, it can also run Windows 7. But if you’re not sure if your system is ready to run Windows 7, you can check it easily by downloading and running the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor Beta software which is available free from Microsoft. If the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor also recommends that you can upgrade your Windows Vista system, you should be in a position to make a transition to Windows 7 in a smooth manner. Please remember to plug in any USB devices or other devices such as printers, external hard drives, or scanners that are regularly used with your current computer before you run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor Beta software so that it could check the compatibility of all these hardware also.
However, before you can upgrade to Windows 7, you may first have to update your Windows Vista system to the latest service pack which are available freely from Microsoft. Two service packs have been released so far by Microsoft for Windows Vista. Service Pack 1 (SP1) was released in April 2008. To check whether it is already installed on your computer, click on the Start button and enter “winver” in the search box. It will inform you about the version of the Windows installed on your system, including the latest Service Pack. Service Pack 2 (SP2) was released in May 2009. You should install both these Service Packs before you can upgrade Windows Vista to Windows 7. And, please keep in mind that you’ll have to first install SP1 and thereafter only you should install SP2. Service Pack 2 (SP2) for Windows Vista can be freely downloaded from here.
However, the easier way to install the Service Packs for your Windows Vista is to turn on the Automatic Updates for your Windows which will then automatically find, download and install the relevant updates (including Service Packs) for your computer. To learn how to turn on the Automatic Updates, read my earlier article How to enable or disable Automatic Updates in Windows Vista.
So, in case you are interested to upgrade your Windows Vista based computer / laptop to Windows 7, follow the above steps and install the Service Packs right now. And, then install Windows 7 after it is released on October 22.
But my current computer runs Windows XP. Will it be able to run Windows 7?
If your current computer is running Windows XP, or any other operating system (other than Windows Vista), Microsoft recommends that it will be advisable to experience Windows 7 on a new computer. In other words, generally speaking, it may not be advisable to upgrade a Windows XP system to Windows 7. That said, in case you are still interested to upgrade your current computer from Windows XP or another operating system (other than Windows Vista) to Windows 7, you may be able to do it provided you follow the following steps:
· First check your computer fulfils the minimum system requirements, as described above.
· Download the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor Beta software which is available free from Microsoft and run it on your machine to check whether your Windows XP system can be upgraded to Windows 7. It will give you detailed recommendations as to what are the deficiencies in your computer and what is not compatible, and also what can you do to upgrade your specific hardware to run Windows 7. As mentioned earlier for Windows Vista, please remember to plug in any USB devices or other devices such as printers, external hard drives, or scanners that are regularly used with your current computer before you run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor Beta software so that it could check the compatibility of all these hardware also.
· Depending upon what the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor recommends, you may have to consult some good local computer service provider and also upgrade your hardware wherever necessary.
· And, before you finally decide that you’ve to upgrade your current Windows XP machine to Windows 7, it is recommended by Microsoft that you’ll need to back up your current files and settings, perform a custom (clean) installation, and then reinstall your files, settings, and programs. So, please follow this recommendation for a safe upgrade to Windows 7.
Conclusion:
Before you take a plunge to upgrade the existing Windows system on your computer to Windows 7, it is advisable to check whether your computer fulfils the minimum requirements for Windows 7 as outlined above. You can also check the Microsoft website for further details. Don’t act in haste unless you’ve confirmed that you’re fully prepared to upgrade your current computer to Windows 7.
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Good article and great data on what to consider before jumping into Windows 7. There are also some pitfalls of the Windows 7 Starter Edition that many new buyers are may not aware of.http://www.smalllaptopcomputers.org/be-aware-windows-7-starter-edition-and-netbooks/