Time to consider Windows 7

By BILL HUSTED

Cox Newspapers

July 14,2009

ATLANTA -- It was like the combination of a rock concert and the circus coming to town. The weeks and months before the release of a new version of Windows turned geeks a bit giddy.

When they big day arrived, many stores would open at midnight and a crowd would build outside, waiting to pick up a copy of the new Windows. Those were heady times.

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Not so much nowadays, and maybe that's a good thing. Windows 7, the latest and maybe even the greatest of Windows, is headed toward an October release. So far the hype is mostly confined to the trade press.

Still, there are several reasons to start thinking about Windows 7 now. From everything I know -- both from using an advance demo copy as well as reading what smarter folks think -- Windows 7 has a lot going for it.

It's noticeably faster than Windows Vista, seems more stable and boots more quickly. It also has some new features including a revised taskbar, a home networking system called HomeGroup and various tweaks to both cosmetics and performance. Get more details here: http://tinyurl.com/kpbos2.

It's no secret many users have been less than charmed by Windows Vista. Some were so bummed they removed Vista from their machines and moved backwards to the older Windows XP.

That's where some interesting irony comes into play with Windows 7. Vista was a big deal -- a dramatic and major change from Windows XP. Windows 7 is more of an evolutionary change from Windows Vista. So for those who are using Vista, the move to Windows 7 should be less jolting in several ways.

For one thing, you needn't worry whether your computer is up to the job of running Windows 7. If it works with Vista, it'll work with Windows 7. Same with programs and devices; if they work with Vista, they'll likely work with Windows 7. Botton line, here's what I recommend: 1. I believe it's a worthwhile upgrade and one you'll want to make.

2. But don't throw caution out the window. Wait several weeks or even a month or two before installing your new version of Windows 7. Everything I know points to a seamless transition.

But I don't know everything. So let the dust settle and watch the reports of how others are coping with Windows 7 before installing. After all, the cowboys knew that you could recognize the pioneers by the arrows sticking in their backs.

There's a lot more to know about Windows 7 than I can cram into a short column. Luckily there's an excellent FAQ here: http://tinyurl.com/ma8fye. Think of the time between now and October as your window of opportunity.