Windows 7...

[Lancear15]

As an industrial electrician there is no way you could have a laptop with vista. Not a single piece of software for current programmable hardware(PLC, etc...) will run on it.

They wisely added an XP simulator mode to Windows 7. So any program that ran on XP can be run on Windows 7, including games.

I'm looking forward to it, esp direct X11

[dude]

If you get Windows 7 and want to use XP Mode, make sure you don't get Home Premium, get a higher edition.

From http://www.microsoft.com/windows/vir...uirements.aspx

Note: Windows XP Mode is only available in Windows 7 Enterprise, Windows 7 Professional, and Windows 7 Ultimate.

[M198]

For the Vista folks... I just figured this out myself... if you have an nVidia video card, the "nvstor.exe" program (which apparently has something to do with disk storage for the card) doesn't like to play nicely with Vista when doing disk intensive activities. My computer would freeze during MS updating and anti-virus scanning. I just disabled the nVidia stuff... and all is good with Vista. Everything actually ran like it was supposed to.

Just doing a little checking around, it seems that nVidia, MS, and some hardware manufacturers all blame each other for this problem...

I might actually give Win 7 a try later on...

I've never had any problem with my old 8800 ormy 9800 with vista. I rather like Vista now. That being said, I'm going to dump it like a hot potato when Windows 7 comes out just so I can upgrade to 64 bit. All windows 7 disk will include both the 32 bit and 64 bit version and the key will work for both. If you don't like the 64 bit (for some reason), the same key will allow you to install the 32 bit version on the same computer. That's a good move by MS.

[rynando]

As an industrial electrician there is no way you could have a laptop with vista. Not a single piece of software for current programmable hardware(PLC, etc...) will run on it.

You can run most older Windows applications in Vista using Windows XP SP3 compatibility mode . . .

R

[JDay]

As an industrial electrician there is no way you could have a laptop with vista. Not a single piece of software for current programmable hardware(PLC, etc...) will run on it.

They wisely added an XP simulator mode to Windows 7. So any program that ran on XP can be run on Windows 7, including games.

I'm looking forward to it, esp direct X11

Its not a "simulator", its a full copy of XP Pro running in a virtual machine.

[umoja]

Switched XP out on an old laptop from dell with Windows 7 Ultimate and it is just as fast. Never been happier.

Oh, and I've been running the beta on my desktop since it came out too. No problems whatsoever.

[Corbin Dallas]

I've been using Win7 since last year and I LOVE it. Started on Beta, moved to RC and then to RTM.

There have been a TON of bugs worked out of the system since it first came online and there are still some issues to be worked out, but overall this OS rocks so much better than Vista.

I can tell you that quad or higher monitors are very possible (yes, 4 monitors as one GIANT desktop). Also, my tablet (TC4400) LOVES Win7 with it's native wacom drivers and digitizer input.

If you have a tablet, check "sticky notes", "journal" and the personal handwriting recognition.

Also, if you have a fast enough processor, ram and video card, 1080p to a 50" or larger screen is a no-brainer. I'm currently streaming 720p.x264.mkv bluray rips to my 46" LCD sony over a 10/100 line from my HP media server. I can't tell you how sick it is to ditch my DVD player. Want to watch a movie? No problem! Click, click, BANG! I'm watchin!!! (Better than On Demand from TW)


Lots of cool tricks to Win7 too.

Here's one - Open 3 or more windows (IE, some folder, and windows media player). Most of you probably know about ALT-TAB to cycle through the screens... Try "Windows - TAB" and see what happens...

[whobob]

Windows 7 is great compared to Vista, but Ubuntu is still better.

[Mute]

Windows 7 is full of win. Microsoft's best OS release so far IMHO.

[PressCheck]

NO problems here with VISTA!

[JDay]

Windows 7 is great compared to Vista, but Ubuntu is still better.

Yeah, because all my win32 apps run natively under linux (Wine doesn't count). Linux is great on servers but its still not ready for the desktop.

[SeanCasey]

Well WINE has improved significantly since its earlier releases and works on a pretty wide range of apps.

That said, I primary use Win7 as my "go to" OS.

[Corbin Dallas]

NO problems here with VISTA!

I think you're the only one.

[caoboy]

How does 7 compare to XP? XP is so simple...I dislike vista A LOT.

I think people who don't have problems with it, aren't people who use computers a lot, just use them to surf the net and check email.

[willm952]

How does 7 compare to XP? XP is so simple...I dislike vista A LOT.

I think people who don't have problems with it, aren't people who use computers a lot, just use them to surf the net and check email.

Hi Caoboy,

I work in IT Support and have it installed on a laptop (tablet pc) and my desktop in the office. It really is a polished vista. the core kernel is based off of vista. its what vista should have been. You or may not experience a boost in loading into windows with win7. For me, it's just some nice enhancements.
I've been using vista for several years (home desktop and laptop) and it has actually worked well except for my desktop refuse to do standby mode.

Win7 gives you super preview windows; you click on e for internet explorer and it shows you preview windows of all open internet explorer windows. Same goes for any other app but it can be a bit confusing. It's the same icon for preview and to launch new windows. For instance, you have 3 internet explorer windows open to launch a new window you right click on the e icon left click. It's a love it or hate it feature. I hate it. It's confusing as it changes focus on the window your previewing and blanks out the rest of your desktop until you either click on a window or click out of it. Sorry I don't have a screen shot of it.

ITs really good at diagnosing hardware problems and getting the correct drivers. Very good.

No more quick launch bar, replaced by "super preview".
No direct upgrade from xp to win7. Only clean install or overwrite. Overwriting will still save your desktop, docs, etc. to windows.old folder.

Direct upgrade from vista is ok. I've done both and they installed without a hitch. I'd highly recommend a clean install from xp.

It has a XP mode. Its XP running in a wannabe virtual sandbox. All it is remote desktop mashed into windows 7. Useful for adminsitrative tasks, AD accounts, exchange management.

Most security enhancements from vista/win7 are already in xp service pack 3, such as nap, etc.

If it comes with your new PC, just use it. Otherwise, unless you have some compelling reason. Just stay with XP.

No real games demanding dx10 or dx11 yet and its been how many years?
If you want a cool slick desktop to upgrade the look of your xp checkout stardock.com They make a desktop customizer and windows blinds. Cool stuff. Not very pricey and a lot less than win7 upgrades.

Hope this helps out.