Upgrading to Windows 7

When it comes to computers and technology, at some point in time, we are all going to have to update, upgrade or replace, our old computers, it's just a fact of life! Today's PCs, are faster and more powerful than PCs that were built just a couple of years ago.

Now that you're at that crossroad, what do you do? Upgrade to Win 7 or stay with what you have? Here is some helpful information to help you make that decision.

For those of you already using Vista, you have it easy! You only have to purchase the Win 7 "Upgrade" disc. For those of us still running a version of Windows XP, we are not as lucky. You have to completely erase everything from your hard drive, in order to upgrade to Win 7. Microsoft decided not to include that in the upgrade feature.

If your computer is over five years old, It's likely that the components inside of your computer, will not meet the minimum requirements for Win 7. The best way to find out if your computer and the software you currently use is compatible with Win 7, is to download and run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor. The advisor will let you know if it will be more cost effective to upgrade your current computer or, if it's time to purchase a new computer.

Microsoft was supposed to stop supporting XP when Vista was released but, because of all the problems with Vista and the fact that, a lot of corporations refused to use Vista, Microsoft was forced to keep XP around a little longer. Now that 7 is out, XP will see thend of its life cycle in 2014. This means no more updates, security fixes or new software that will be compatible with XP.

Here are some of the questions that I am often asked about upgrading:

  1. Can I upgrade my Win 95/98/ME/2000/NT computer to Windows 7?
    No, those computers cannot meet the minimum requirements.
  2. Can I just replace the non-compatible parts?
    Maybe. Buying ndividual parts may cost more than buying a new computer.
  3. The advisor says that some of my software is not compatible, what can I do?
    Unfortunately, you are going to have to buy the latest version of that software.
  4. My current business program isn't compatible and the manufacturer is out of business, what options do I have?
    Eventually, you will have to purchase an alternative program that operate similarily to your current program.
  5. Do I really have to upgrade my Operating System?
    If it's XP, you can probably wait a while longer. After 2014, you will have no choice if you want to run new programs, surf the Internet, read emails, etc.

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