Similar to our approach for previous
Microsoft operating system launches, CyberGuru has released this
opinion paper on Windows 7, rather than a full review of the product.
This review will detail our
first impressions with the product,
the various flavours
of the product and pricing. A series of
screenshots is also available.
If you would like to ask
a question about Windows 7, we would be more than willing to assist.
We will be answering questions through our
ask a question form and answer the
questions as part of the
frequently asked questions of the article
and as part of an series of articles on Windows 7 in the
CyberGuru
Newsletter.
Having tested Microsoft Windows 7
since the launch of the first Release Candidate, I have always found
it to be reliable and stable (and more so than Windows Vista). When
Microsoft embarked on this new release, one of the goals was to
improve boot up times and performance, and this they most certainly
achieved.
In this version, Microsoft they have
refined and continued to provide some useful functionality, without
causing needless bloating to the operating system. Upon the
completion of the installation, you'll notice the list of installed
programs isn't as large as it used to be - Windows Mail, Messenger
and Movie Maker have all been moved to the Windows Live Suite and
are included as part of a separately packaged and installed series
of programs called "Windows Live Essentials". Noticeably too Windows
Meeting Space, a feature new in Windows Vista, is no where to be
seen!
There are many improvements under the
bonnet with Windows 7. Personally I have found two such issues I had
with Windows Vista, my wireless disconnections becoming non-existent
where they were so frequent I had to move to a wired network with a
50 metre long cable around the house just to get the internet to
work, and compatibility with older. A number of applications not
compatible with Windows Vista (namely the version of Adobe Photoshop
I run), is working magically requiring no changes to my
configuration at all, whereas I had to use Virtual PC in the past to
run this. Unfortunately though, to use the latest version of Windows
Virtual PC now update on my computer required hardware which I don't
have.
Windows 7 has the same hardware
requirements as Windows Vista, although these should be considered an
absolute minimum as additional software will be installed requiring
additional capacity. The 32-bit operating system has the following
system requirements:
1GHz CPU
(although faster is obviously better!)
1GB RAM (we recommend at least
2GB or 3GB if you can afford it!)
16GB hard disk space (this is
just for the operating system!)
DirectX 9
with Windows Display Driver Model 1.0 or higher.
If you are unsure whether your system
will work with Windows 7, contact us for an appointment to identify
whether your compatible and capable! Most computers purchased in the
past three to for years should not have many issues.
It seems to me that Microsoft is
working very hard to bring their customers back following Windows
Vista, and this release has certainly has had Microsoft a lot to
live up to. This latest version of Windows has certainly done so! If
you are running Windows Vista or Windows XP, now is the time to
upgrade to this latest release to receive the full benefit of your
computer.
Microsoft have made the new editions
easier to follow, which the features from each addition being
included in the one following it (like where "Home Premium" edition
in Windows Vista had features such as Windows Media Centre which
weren't in Business.
Please note when comparing Windows 7
editions with Windows Vista, Windows 7 names the "Professional"
edition whereas Windows Vista called it "Business" edition.
Edition designed for both home users and businesses seeking
a "premium" experience, includes advanced features such as
AppLocker, BitLocker Drive Encryption, Virtual Hard Disk Booting and
MUI pack.
Question:
Where can I find videos on Windows 7's new features? Answer:
Microsoft has created a whole channel on Ninemsn Video of all of the
new features. Check it out by
clicking here(link opens in new window)!
Question: I am looking to upgrade to Windows 7,
but don't know if my computer will be able to support it. How can I
find out?
Answer: Microsoft advise that
any computer built in the Windows Vista timeframe will be able to
run any version of Windows 7 without requiring upgrading. However,
we recommend that at least 2GB of memory is available on the
computer. Also, you need to check the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor(link opens in new window) to ensure the software installed on your computer is compatible.
Question:
I am having troubles running Norton 360 on my Windows 7
computer. Is there an upgrade or patch available? Answer:
We have found an
Norton Community article(link opens in new window) that advises to run LiveUpdate to receive the new Norton 360
3.5 patch in order for it to be compatible with Windows 7.
For more information, check out the
Norton Upgrade Centre(link opens in new window).
Symantec is currently working on a new version of Norton
360, a beta is available for download from the
Symantec Beta Centre(link opens in new window).
Question:
Where can I download more themes? Answer: The Personalisation Gallery
(link opens in new window)
contains a
range of themes, backgrounds and gadgets which you can visit to
download.
Question:
I am sick and tired of
all the upgrades to Windows, doesn't Bill Gates already have
enough money?! Answer: Well, you
could try moving to
MacOS(link opens in new window),
Google LiveAndroid(link opens in new window) or even
Sugar on a Stick(link opens in new window) - but Microsoft
wouldn't recommend this (and we couldn't support these!)
Question:
Where can I find additional training resources and product
reviews? Answer: We recommend you check
out
Microsoft Learning(link opens in new window)'s website
for training resources or
ActiveWin(link opens in new window) for a complete
product review.
Question: Is
my hardware/software going to work with Windows 7? Answer: As mentioned in our review above,
we have found Windows 7 to be much more reliable and
compatible with most existing hardware and software which
came out in Windows XP and Windows Vista days. It is
strange to believe, we have software which didn't work
correctly in Windows Vista that now works in Windows 7!
However, if you want to be certain it will, check out the
Windows 7 Compatibility Centre(link opens in new window). Some internet security software, such
as Norton 360 and Norton Internet Security, may require
updates. See the similar questions raised above.
Question: I am looking for a
trial version of Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007.
Where can I get it? Answer: This isn't a Windows 7 question,
but we'll answer it anyway! A trial is available for
download at
http://www.getmicrosoftoffice.com(link opens in new window).
Question: Can you recommend
any reference books I can use to learn Windows 7? Answer:
We are a fan of both the "For Dummies" and "Idiot's Guides"
series of books, but Microsoft Press is currently offering
free sample chapters of some of their Windows 7 books, which
can be downloaded from
Microsoft Learning.
Question: I recently
bought a new computer. How can I receive a free upgrade advertised
to Windows 7? Answer: Microsoft provides to ways
to receive an upgrade to Windows 7. Both are the same offer, but if
you have bought your computer from a reseller, you will need to
provide this information to the manufacturer to receive it. If you
did in this way, you’ll also notice in the material provided, a
reference to the Windows 7 Upgrade Option Program. An example from a
manufacturer, in this case HP, is provided below.
Basically, for a “nominal fee” for
postage and handling (which I believe is $30) you can upgrade to the
next version of Windows, called Windows 7, for free. We would highly
recommended you do this, even if we don’t upgrade straight away. For
CyberGuru clients, at a time of our convenience, we can upgrade you
to this version of Windows.
Windows 7 Upgrade Option:
http://www.microsoft.com/australia/windows/buy/offers/upgrade.aspx(link opens in new window) Customers
who purchase a new Windows Home Premium, Business or Ultimate PC
from today (26 June 2009) will be able to upgrade to Windows 7
for little or no cost when it launches on 22 October this year.
This means that consumers can purchase and use a new Windows PC
now, while being assured they are investing in the latest
technology.
The Windows 7 Upgrade Option will run until
31 January 2010, and people can redeem the offer until the end
of February 2010.
In addition, from now until the end of
the financial year (30 June 2009) eligible Australian families
can take advantage of the Education Tax Refund (ETR) on offer
from the Australian Federal Government. The ETR allows eligible
parents of school-age children to claim up to 50 percent back on
expenses related to their kids’ education, including Windows
PCs.
This incentive, combined with Microsoft’s Windows 7
Upgrade Option, makes for a very attractive opportunity for
eligible Australian families who have a window of opportunity
from 26-30 June 2009 to take advantage of both offers by buying
a Windows PC with a guaranteed upgrade to Windows 7 and getting
up to 50% of the cost back from the Federal Government through
the ETR.
Consumers can check if the Windows PC they are
purchasing is part of the Windows 7 Upgrade Option by: 1.
Checking in-store stickers on the PC they are looking to
purchase 2. Visiting the Microsoft website
www.windows.com/upgradeoffer(link opens in new window) 3. Asking
in-store if the PC they’re buying is eligible for the Windows 7
Upgrade
For more information on Microsoft’s Windows 7
Upgrade Option go to:
www.windows.com/upgradeoffer(link opens in new window)
In conjunction with Microsoft, HP
is offering the Windows® 7 Upgrade Option Program to help ensure
that you have access to the latest in computing technology.
This upgrade program is available to HP and Compaq desktop
and notebook PC customers who purchase eligible Windows Vista®
PCs. For eligibility and program details, see the HP Web site at
http://www.hp.com/go/windows7upgrade(link opens in new window)
.
Details about the features available in Windows 7 may be
found at the Microsoft Web site at
http://www.windows7.com(link opens in new window).
The
upgrade program may not be available in all countries or
regions. Price, terms, and conditions may vary. Shipping and
handling costs and other fees may apply and may vary by country
or region. This is a limited time offer. Proof of purchase is
required. This information is subject to change without notice.
