Windows 7 is scheduled to be released at the end of October. There has been a lot of hype about this version, and how its better than Windows Vista. But should you upgrade? Here is my advice:

1. If you are buying a new computer, get Windows 7, its better than Vista and it will be worth it. ‘Downgrades to XP will be phased out (if they haven’t already) so you don’t have much if a choice anyway. Based on on the reviews, you won’t be disappointed with Windows 7
2. If you have Windows XP do NOT upgrade to Windows 7, the hardware requirements may be more than you have;  many of your programs won’t work without an add on (that’s not available on the lowest priced version of Windows 7); some hardware won’t work; and you can’t actually upgrade–you have backup your data,  erase you hard drive and install Windows 7, download and install the XP add-on,  reinstall your drivers, install your programs, and restore your backup.  Since Microsoft will continue to support XP for the next couple of years, my advice is to  just  buy a new computer when you are ready for Windows 7
3. If you already have Vista its a bit murky. You can upgrade from like version of Vista to like version of Windows 7 without erasing your hard-drive and all of your data and programs. In addition, most of your hardware will be compatible.  So in this case, the upgrade isn’t a big hairy deal. On the other hand, if Vista works for you why bother with the effort and expense. If you do need to upgrade, stick with like versions. Here is a list of the upgrade paths:

• 32-bit Vista Home Basic/Premium upgrades to 32-bit Windows 7 Home Premium
• 64-bit Vista Home Basic/Premium upgrades to 64-bit Windows 7 Home Premium
• 32-bit Vista Business upgrades to 32-Bit Windows 7 Professional
• 64-bit Vista Business upgrades to 64-Bit Windows 7 Professional
• 32-bit Vista Ultimate upgrades to 32-Bit Windows 7 Ultimate
• 64-bit Vista Ultimate upgrades to 64-Bit Windows 7 Ultimate

(Source Microsoft)

Also before you upgrade, download the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor to confirm that you won’t have any problems.

Another reminder: Always backup your important data before you do an upgrade.

Good luck, and leave me a comment to tell me what you decide, and how it goes.

I have been trying to figure out what to say about Windows Vista. It has certainly gotten a (somewhat undeserved) bad rap since its release. The real problem with Vista isn’t anything about the Operating System(OS) itself, the problem is Windows XP.  XP is pretty good, pretty stable, and works with most hardware and software. Vista on the other hand, doesn’t work with older hardware, some software, and didn’t bring any more stability to the table. Vista does have new gee-whiz features but they really don’t add to its underlying functionality, and an upgrade incurs significant costs for hardware and software upgrades.

However over time, you do have to upgrade to newer versions of the OS in order to keep up with new technological innovations, to fix bugs, and to maintain security. But you won’t need to upgrade to Vista to do this. Microsoft has just released its latest beta (test) version of the Version of windows that will follow Vista. Its currently called “Windows 7″ Microsoft has indicated that it may be out in as early as a year from now. The reviews I read indicate that it fixes a lot of the complaints that people had with Vista. So since something better is on the horizon, wait to upgrade. 

If you have to buy a new PC go ahead and buy a vista one (there’s no reason to pay extra for an XP downgrade.) You’ll have to make sure your software and peripheral hardware (printers, scanners, cameras, etc) are compatible, but Vista won’t disappoint you.