Windows7 Options

Upgrade Options for Windows 7

Windows 7 is released and now comes the question, what version and how to get it on your computer.

TRACS has had several business requests for information on what the upgrade paths and requirements are to implement Windows 7. We decided to create this article on Windows 7 to provide you with all the required knowledge to make an informed decision.

• 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
• 1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
• 16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
• DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver
• Use the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor
• Most P4 and newer with a good video card will work

Windows XP users will have no direct upgrade path. That means that in order to upgrade to Windows 7, you'll have to do a fresh installation of Windows 7 using a full version and manually migrate your files and apps to Win7.

Upgrading from Vista to Windows 7

Unlike XP, Vista users get a direct upgrade path to Windows 7, so your files and apps should migrate to Win7 . You can only upgrade to and from the same versions for example Vista Home 32 to Windows 7 Home 32. Vista users will also get the inexpensive upgrade price.

32 Bit vs 64 Bit

The difference between 32- and 64-bit systems basically comes down to this: 64-bit systems can handle more RAM and more data. Both versions of Windows7 look the same, it's just a matter of how much data these systems can handle at once. Check your software for compatibility! not all applications will run on 64-bit versions. A 64-bit system can handle more than 4GB of memory (the maximum for 32-bit), and can also process more pieces of data at once. For the average consumer, the most significant advantage this translates into is better graphics, since a 64-bit system can process more visual detail than a 32-bit machine can.

Versions and pricing for Windows 7

If you purchased a new HP computer after June 26, 2009 you can receive a free OEM upgrade to Windows 7 from the manufacturer until Jan 31, 2010. Check and register with HP click here.

Windows 7 Home Premium full $219, Vista upgrade $129

• Customize windows to look and feel the way you like
• Setting up home network and connecting to printer devices is easier than ever
• Windows Aero and touch screen simplifies using your computer
• Takes advantage of 64- Bit  PC hardware and 16 GB max memory
• Media Center remote control 
• Watch your favorite DVD Movie with the Media Player
• Includes integrated Video and Dolby audio codecs 
• 16 GB max memory with 64-bit

Windows 7 Professional $329, Vista upgrade $249, OEM $159

• Has all of the above listed features from Windows 7 Home Premium Edition
• Join a Business Network using Windows Server Domain
• Remote Desktop enabled with location aware printing
• encrypting file system
• Back up your complete system over a network
• Windows XP Mode to run legacy applications 
• 192 GB max memory using 64-bit
• 2 CPU support

Windows 7 Ultimate ($329) Vista upgrade $249, OEM $219

• Has all of the above listed features from Windows 7 Home & Professional
• Help protect data on your PC against loss or theft with BitLocker and App Locker.
• Switch between any of 35 languages.
• Multimedia redirection 
• Multi display and audio support using Terminal Services
• Subsystems for Unix applications
• Virtual Disk booting

Rule of thumb guidelines.

Home users should buy Home Premium for general use. Use Ultimate if you are building a multimedia server or connecting to your business network using remote terminal services.

Business users; should buy Professional for office use and Ultimate for Notebooks and remote users.

Also don’t forget to head over to windows 7 Upgrade Advisor, this little program will find out if your current PC’s hardware is capable of running Windows 7, or if any specific hardware should be upgraded.

It is usually less expensive to buy a computer with Windows 7 preinstalled than paying for the software and labor to upgrade. You are also guaranteed that it will function properly.

Always, always backup your data before proceeding with any upgrade. UPGRADES MAY NOT COMPLETE and you risk the loss of existing data and applications.