Windows 7: Are You Ready?
Posted by Eric Torres on Mon, Sep 07, 2009 @ 08:06 AM
Maybe you're one of those cutting-edge types who are eagerly awaiting the official release of Windows 7, or maybe you're already using the release candidate and want to know what win7 logoyou should do when the final version comes out. Maybe you're planning to purchase a new computer for Christmas and anticipate buying one with Windows 7 installed on it. Maybe you're perfectly happy with your XP or Vista machine but want to know what, if anything, you should be doing in the event you plan on making the switch to Windows 7.
If you plan on keeping your current hardware, the first thing to do is make sure it has the specs to run Windows 7. If it's running Vista, you can be pretty certain that it will. If it's running XP, check out the system requirements checklist on the Microsoft website by clicking here: System Requirements
If you plan to use Windows Virtual PC with XP Mode on Windows 7 (which allows you to run XP applications that aren't compatible with Windows 7), be aware that you'll have to have a processor with hardware virtualization capabilities. That means Intel VT or AMD-V. Even if the processor itself is capable, some hardware vendors ship some of their lower end computers with virtualization turned off and they don't provide any way to turn it on. And if your computer does support VT/AMD-V, it will probably be turned off by default and you'll need to turn it on in the BIOS (Setup) settings.
As with Vista, if you want to use the Aero glass GUI, you'll need a video card that's capable of it. That means a card that supports DirectX 9 or above with a WDDM driver.
If your hardware passes the test, next you need to consider what operating system you are currently running. If you are using Vista with SP1 or SP2 installed, you have the option to do a direct in-place upgrade, installing Windows 7 over the current OS so you don't have to reinstall your applications. Even though it is the fastest and easiest way to upgrade to Windows 7. We have experienced less than perfect results when performing an in-place upgrade in the past, and in general River Run Computers does not recommend an in-place upgrade. A clean install is preferred.
If you're running XP, an even older version of Windows or a non-Windows OS, you will need to do a clean installation of Windows 7. The good news is that, in our experience, the Windows 7 installation goes quite a bit faster than that of Vista or XP. The bad news is that you'll have to reinstall your applications. But you can use the free User State Migration Tool to migrate application settings (along with your data) so you don't have to reconfigure everything from scratch. Here is a walk-through on how to use it: User State Migration Tool
If you buy a new computer with Windows 7 installed, you can transfer the files and your operating system settings from your old computer by using the Windows Easy Transfer feature. You can also use this to transfer your files and settings when you migrate from the Windows RC to the retail version. Easy Transfer is built into Windows 7. Read here about how it works: Windows Easy Transfer
Speaking of the RC, exactly when do you need to be prepared to switch over to the "real thing"? Although the release candidate won't expire until June 2010, you're probably going to want to upgrade to the final version before that. Beginning March 1, 2010, the computer will start "reminding" you - by shutting down every two hours. That could be pretty annoying, so make plans to make the change prior to that date.
Another element in preparing for Windows 7 is to determine which edition you will want or need. With Vista, the only way to get both the common business features (EFS encryption, ability to join a domain) and desirable consumer features such as Windows Media Center was to buy the Ultimate edition. With Windows 7, you may not need to go that far. Now every edition contains all the features of the ones below it on the price scale, so Windows 7 Professional (which replaces Vista Business) has both the business and consumer features mentioned above.
The only reason to spend the extra dollars for Windows 7 Ultimate is a need for BitLocker full disk encryption (which is a very nice feature for protecting the data on laptops that get lost or stolen), DirectAccess (a replacement for the traditional VPN, but which works only with Windows Server 2008 R2), the UNIX based applications subsystem and other enterprise level features like BranchCache and Applocker. For the vast majority of individual users, the Pro edition will do everything you want and more. For a detailed comparison of the features in each edition, see Windows 7 Edition Features
How are you preparing for the release of Windows 7? If you would like more information on Windows 7, or would like to talk to a River Run Computers representative about your exact situation, feel free to call us at 414.228.7474 or email Eric Torres at etorres@river-run.com.