5 Reasons Why You Should Switch to Windows 7 (And 5 More Reasons Why You Shouldn't) - Page 2

[nickyrash]

Hi,
This is an interesting perspective. Thanks a lot for sharing this useful information and look forward to see more from you.

[nickyrash]

Well,
I was thinking about this, but don't know ‘where and how’. Thank you for sharing this great stuff.

[nickyrash]

Yesterday was Microsoft's big day. Windows 7 was released. Did you go buy your copy already? Are you waiting? Whether you have or haven't doesn't really matter but I'm going to give you my five reasons why you should switch to Windows 7 and five more why you shouldn't. Both are compelling and perhaps might change your mind one way or another.

This list might seem odd coming from a guy who ordinarily writes on Linux topics, but as an IT professional I have to work with all operating systems and deal with their quirks accordingly. This is my list of reasons to switch and not to switch based on my experiences with both Windows and Linux--and more specifically Windows 7.

The Five Reasons to Switch to Windows 7:

1. It's new. That's right; simple enough. It's new. What's better than a new version of an operating system (OS)? Windows 7 is a new OS which brings a lot of new promises and hopes to a world that has either held on too long to Windows XP or had issues with Windows Vista. In either case, Windows 7 is a refreshing change and it's long overdue.

2. It's not Vista. Vista was Microsoft's biggest mistake since Windows Me--and no, I won't let it go. Windows Me was bad. Really bad. Windows Vista is also very, very bad. It's slow, it's clunky, it's often unresponsive and it is not a pleasure to use. Every computer, except one, I have upgraded to Windows XP from Vista every time I see it on a computer that I have any control or say so over. Being Not Vista is a very compelling reason to switch. I think Microsoft owes Vista owners a huge discount or a free copy of Windows 7 and an apology for Windows Vista but that's just me.

3. Performance. Windows 7 boots way faster than any other MS OS since Windows 3.1. It's impressive to say the least. It also was an almost complete rewrite of all subsystems from a performance standpoint. It takes advantage of multi-core processor technology and it has the same hardware requirements as Vista--so that means you don't have to go out and buy a new computer to run it. Windows 7 feels "lighter" and snappier than even Windows XP. It runs comfortably on Netbooks, which is a huge boost over the not recommended for Netbooks Vista.

4. XP Mode and Virtualization. All of your applications should run fine on Windows 7 if they run on XP. 7 also has built-in virtualization with Virtual PC if you purchase the Ultimate or the Enterprise version.

5. Smooth Upgrade Path from Vista. Windows 7 upgrades from Vista without issue but don't expect that behavior from a Windows XP to 7 upgrade; it won't work. To do this upgrade, you'll need a third party product or you'll have to wipe out your Windows XP installation and install Windows 7 fresh.

The Five Reasons to Not to Switch to Windows 7:

1. It Isn't Windows XP. To this you might be saying, "Duh" but I have a good reason for saying this: Windows 7 is more 'Vista-esque' in its behavior than XP is. So, if you're expecting a smooth cutover to 7 from XP, fugettaboutit. It's not the same. Oh there's still the familiar Control Panel, Programs and so on but when you look for your "My Documents" folder, surprise, it isn't there. There's a Documents folder under Libraries. Libraries replaces My Documents for some odd reason. Libraries is where you'll find your documents, music, pictures and videos. But, there's another surprise for you. If you go poking around a bit under your user name: C:\Users\username, you'll see a My Documents folder which is an alias to your Documents folder under Libraries. Cool, huh? Why the change? Who knows? Basically, Microsoft has "Macified" Windows 7 with all this 'I don't know where on the actual disk my stuff is' design. Oh, well, get used to it; it's what you've always wanted: A Mac for less than half the price.

2. It Isn't a Desktop Savior. If you're going into a Windows 7 upgrade with the hope that Windows 7 is the finest operating system since DOS, you're sadly mistaken. Windows 7 is Microsoft's apology for Vista. Windows 7 is really a transitional operating system for Microsoft. It is the OS that will keep you quiet long enough for them to work on and launch the true next generation of operating system, which will be something totally unique.

3. It's Expensive. Microsoft made no real apologies for Vista in the way of a cheap upgrade to Windows 7, so go into this with your eyes open to a cost ranging from $100 to just over $300, depending on the version you choose to use.

4. It's Still Windows. Another 'Duh' moment but allow me to explain that statement. "It's still Windows," means that you'll still have the same issues that you've always had with Windows operating systems; this one is no great stray from the mother ship on that matter. Expect lots of patches that require rebooting, driver issues, security fixes that also require rebooting and a fantastic array of new viruses, malware and spyware specifically designed to target 7's weak spots.

5. It Ain't Linux. OK, yet another 'Duh' for the list and I'm sure that I'll receive rancid attacks from the Microsoft Fanboy Cheering Section on this but hear me out first. People are so quick to call some new version of an OS as a "Insert your least favorite operating system here" killer. Well it ain't. It ain't Linux and it ain't a Linux killer by any stretch. In fact, there will be a great number of people and companies who will mull the switch from their current operating system to either Windows 7 or some Linux distribution. Windows 7 prompts us to take a good long look at vendor lock-in, fewer freedoms and more expense. It ain't Linux and it ain't free.

Have you seen Windows 7 yet? Do you expect to upgrade soon or are you going to wait? Tell me about your plans to switch or to wait and why.

Well,
I was thinking about this, but don't know ‘where and how’. Thank you for sharing this great stuff.

[gsheps]

Help! I have no clue now what to do? I have Vista, and missed XP- but also, I am not very computer savvy to begin with. I just hooked up a Dell for my sister with Windows 7 on it. Can I use her installation disk on my computer to download Windows 7 onto my computer? I agree I think that Microsoft owes me a free copy after this vista debacle. I don't know for sure, but I am figuring Windows 7 must be on the installation disk (as in: already installed). Am I right or wrong? Like I said, I am not too computer-savvy. If I install Win 7, will I lose all my pictures, etc. or will I need to put them on an E-book? I have other questions, but am hoping for some kind of a reply at the very least on this post.

[verakot]

Yes you lose everything. Don't buy Windows, get a Mac.

[caperjack]

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Help! I have no clue now what to do? I have Vista, and missed XP- but also, I am not very computer savvy to begin with. I just hooked up a Dell for my sister with Windows 7 on it. Can I use her installation disk on my computer to download Windows 7 onto my computer? I agree I think that Microsoft owes me a free copy after this vista debacle. I don't know for sure, but I am figuring Windows 7 must be on the installation disk (as in: already installed). Am I right or wrong? Like I said, I am not too computer-savvy. If I install Win 7, will I lose all my pictures, etc. or will I need to put them on an E-book? I have other questions, but am hoping for some kind of a reply at the very least on this post.
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you cant use your sisters win7, don't understand why people have problem with vista ,we have 2 laptops running vista with out any issues at all ,
you should have your pictures and stuff backed up anyway if they mean anything to you, as your hard drive could die any time!

[gsheps]

thanks caperjack for your reply...

[candaceusa]

I love win7 and I am running it.

[Cormagh]

I have Vista on my laptop, but Windows 7 on my desktop, and my whole family loves it. It is miles above anything Microsoft ever did before, and wicked fast, even compared to XP. I'm finding the Ultimate upgrade expensive, but hoping to post for it soon.

[LaceyN1121]

I got a netbook with Windows 7 starter on it and all I wanted to do is change the background... Im sorry but I paid more than I care to mention, so it should at least be able to change the dang background. If there was a way I could change from windows 7 to xp on my laptop I would be set, at least with the problems on that one I could figure it out with out it being a pain in the ass.

[chrishea]

I used XP with WindowBlinds for a while and I was happy with it. None-the-less, I'm very happy with Win7 and have no desire to use anything else. Windows 7 "Starter" is the cheapest, most basic version of Win 7 and doesn't include the Aero theme or the ability to change wallpaper. If you made a bad deal and didn't get at least the Home Premium version of Win 7 then you can't blame anyone else but yourself. You can
still upgrade to Home Premium and that makes more sense than going back to XP (unless you are belatedly looking for the cheapest solution).

I recently got a new (Asus) laptop that included Win 7 Home Premium 64-bit, a reasonable processor, 4 gigs of memory, a 500 gig drive and a 15.6" screen for $600. That's $400 less than I paid for an HP three years ago with Vista, an 80 gig drive and 1 gig of memory. It's a great machine for the money and Win7 is great as well. You could probably make a case that selling a low-end version of Win 7 undermines the product and the brand but obviously, some manufacturers are prepared to use it to be able to offer a lower price / make more profit.

[Dani_938]

Win7 is gave me a lot of grief with its external driver problems. So, finally i switched it back to WinXP, quite happy with it!

[moober76]

ahhhh... I'm really thinking whether to upgrade or not to upgrade.. since i am satisfied with my Windows XP... hmmmmm..