Unsatisfied with Windows Vista

[dianenchester]

I am very unsatisfied with Windows Vista. I got Windows Vista on my computer when I purchased it in 2007 so I had no choice. At that time, however, I heard only good things about it. I am considering getting Windows 7, but I'm afraid to spend the money if it's going to be another "Windows Vista". How do you feel about Windows 7? And, where do I get it for cheap? I am a 61 year old grandma with limited knowledge about computers and need someone's "good advice". (I really liked Windows XP which was on my old computer).

[kendall.a]

Personally, I went from XP to Windows 7 and I'll never look back. I love Windows 7. I think it is the best Windows version yet. Please be aware that I have the Professional version and it is 64-bit. (I think you'd be fine with the home version and 32-bit.)

[dianenchester]

Thanks so very much for the quick reply - I have now, because of what you said, made up my mind. But, also, can you tell me where is the cheapest place to get Windows 7, or, are the prices all the same?

And, what about all my security stuff - will it automatically convert over to cover my new windows? (Like I said, I am not totally savy about all this computer stuff). I have never changed something as big as this before. The two computers I have owned in my life have come already set up with everything needed. I will probably have to come back at a later time and ask as I go, I suppose.

Anyway, thanks for the info - and - if you could tell me where the best place to buy it is I would appreciate it!

[kendall.a]

First of all, download and install this:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/win...e-advisor.aspx

Find out if your PC can run Windows 7

To see if your PC is ready for Windows 7, download the free Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor. It scans your PC for potential issues with your hardware, devices, and installed programs, and recommends what to do before you upgrade.

If you have not done a upgrade or new install of Windows 7, I would advise taking it to a reputable computer store and asking them to do it. They actually can get Windows 7 a little cheaper than you can. (At least that was my experience.)

Some of your programs might work; though, some might not. It depends upon if they are up to date and you are using the newest versions.

You will need to decide if you want an "upgrade" or if you want a "clean install". Personally, I recommend a clean install. That's what I did. I'm not sure how well the upgrade goes. Maybe others will chime in if they did an upgrade.

[vasa1]

And there's this as well:
http://www.techsupportalert.com/cont...ows-7-free.htm

As for me, I'll upgrade from my trusty XP3 only when it becomes absolutely imperative!

[Ritho]

As far as I know there are only a few ways to get a discount on Win 7. One is like kendall says, by taking it to computer store that gets discounts for buying in bulk or something.

Another is a very nice student discount. $64 dollars. Many community colleges offer free or low cost classes, and that is all you really need to qualify. The college will give you a .edu email address when you sign up an then Microsoft will give you the discount. http://www.microsoft.com/student/off...s/default.aspx

There was a family pack discount, where you can get three licenses for the price of one. The eula states that all three licenses are to be used in the same household however.

Microsoft has announced that the family discount will be returning in October (on the 3rd in the US, and 22nd in Europe) For the anniversary of the release supposedly.

You may want to wait until October at least before making a move to buy anyway, as other price adjustments may occur as well.

Don't forget since you have Vista you qualify for Upgrade prices. But Win 7 upgrades can be installed fresh just like a full version.

[Ritho]

I suppose it is worth asking what you don't like about Vista, as compaired to XP.

I have known some people who did not like Vista, then tried 7 and still hated it because it was "nothing like XP." I seems their biggest complaint was the pop-up UAC warnings that a program is trying to this or that, and do you really want to install such and such. UAC is an important part of the security on both Vista and 7. It really helps them be very much more secure than Microsoft operating systems in the past. If someone finds that to irritating to use, UAC can be disabled, but you give up a huge pare of your security.

There are also complaints like this --> Eight Things to Hate in Windows 7
Note: I think she is just silly. Every version of Windows has had changes like those in the article. If things did not change there would be no real progress.

[1002richards]

... while you're still deciding, don't forget to backup your docs, photos, music etc to some form of external device (eg 'flash drive') 'cos if you go for a clean install it'll wipe everything that's on the PC.

Choose your computer store on recommendations from friends, unless you have friends/colleagues with an IT background who could help?

Richard

[Anupam]

Originally Posted by kendall

You will need to decide if you want an "upgrade" or if you want a "clean install". Personally, I recommend a clean install. That's what I did. I'm not sure how well the upgrade goes. Maybe others will chime in if they did an upgrade.

I had performed an upgrade on my cousin's system from Windows Vista to Windows 7. We had sent request, and asked for an upgrade DVD.

First, the Upgrade Advisor ran, which checked if the system was ready for Windows 7. It was a fairly recent laptop, so there was no problem there.

We inserted the DVD, and it performed the upgrade step by step. There was no problem at all. It took some time, but things went smoothly. It even performed a BIOS upgrade, which went smoothly too.

So, I would recommend going for an upgrade, rather than clean install. But, it should be done by a knowledgeable person. Also, even if you do not expect to encounter any problems, a backup of the important files should be taken... its very important. Always be prepared.

[Rottie]

Originally Posted by vasa1

And there's this as well:
http://www.techsupportalert.com/cont...ows-7-free.htm

As for me, I'll upgrade from my trusty XP3 only when it becomes absolutely imperative!

What a sensible and practical reply. I have no intention of changing my Windows XP for the same reason as you.

When I was engaged in serious soccer many years ago, the golden rule of success was "Never change a winning team" and it is as valid today as it was then. If SP3 is going to be supported until 2014, then whoever wishes to dump XP for Win 7 - have a nice day, pay up and good luck with all your carry-over data and programs.

I have never been a supporter of that immortal competitive cliche - "Keeping up with the Jones`s"