7 Myths about Microsoft Windows 7

Yes, Windows 7 didn’t even hit the market until Thursday. But that  hasn’t stopped a fog of myths from enveloping the newest version of the  much loved–and much hated–PC operating system from Microsoft.

The  software giant hoped that wide exposure to Windows 7 would help smooth  its entry. Microsoft let millions of consumers and professionals  download test versions of the operating system. And by a wide margin,  testers have found the new system to be the best yet from Microsoft.  Version 7 is leaner, more useful, and prettier than past editions–a  worthy effort to update the Windows world.

1. It’s only a minor update to Vista.

Overstated, but there is some truth. With Win7, Microsoft had the  luxury of going back to basics. Vista was a massive effort to update  the core of Windows. The edition following Vista didn’t have to be as  ambitious. Programmers could focus on the edges of Vista, reducing its  hardware-hog tendencies and annoying security nags. But Microsoft went  further, adding consumer-friendly functions to paint Windows 7 as an  upgrade. HomeGroups greatly simplify home networking, libraries  organize jumbled collections of files, and multifinger power makes  touch screens more powerful. Aero Peek allows users to roll over 10 or  20 open windows in a flash, proving that Apple isn’t the only company  that can make computing easier and more fun.

[Even the name suggests that Windows 7 is a return to basics.]

2. Vista users need to upgrade.

The Vista launch was painful. The system nagged consumers with  unnecessary security concerns, didn’t support enough of the hardware  that plugs into PCs, and was too bloated to run decently on some  hardware advertised as “Vista ready.” But most Vista users are past  those problems. If they have a system that’s working well, Windows 7  offers nothing that’s compelling enough to make the switch. Upgrading  an operating system costs users in dollars, time, and frustration.  Vista is a good operating system–one that’s secure and stable. Windows  7 offers nifty new features and runs more quickly. Gamers and power  users would appreciate the bump in speed. But most users wouldn’t  notice a big difference as they surf the Web, write E-mail, and maybe  edit a photo or two.

[Microsoft hopefully learned its lessons in the dismal mistakes of Vista's launch.]

3. Windows XP is still better.

WinXP ran faster than Vista on many, if not all, computers. It also was  more compatible with existing equipment, particularly scanners,  printers, and other peripherals. But Microsoft spent years working to  make Vista’s core more stable and secure, and the company succeeded.  Buggy software that runs on a Vista PC is much less likely to cause  problems with the rest of the system, resulting in many fewer “Blue  Screens of Death.” Windows 7 has all those benefits of Vista while also  running as fast as, if not faster than, Windows XP. Another  consideration is that some companies that make PC hardware and software  have already stopped making versions for XP. That trend will accelerate  if Win7 proves to be the hit that is promises to be.

4. Windows XP users can’t upgrade.

It’s true that Microsoft has not made it easy to move from WinXP to  Win7. If installed over Vista, Win7 will transfer software, settings,  and data. Not so with Windows XP. All is not lost, however. XP users  can find third-party software that eases the transition. “PCMover  Upgrade Assistant” ($30) from LapLink preserves most software,  settings, and data when users upgrade their XP machine to Win7, what’s  called an “in-place upgrade.” No need to copy files to an external  drive or to reinstall programs. There can be hiccups. Installed  programs might need to be reactivated with a call to the manufacturer.  But it’s relatively painless. And WinXP users qualify for the upgrade  prices that Microsoft offers for Win7, rather than having to buy a  “full” version.

5. It’s too expensive.

The price of  Windows 7 may seem unreasonable, considering it is a derivative of  Vista and Microsoft is charging nearly as much for Win7 as it does for  Vista. The Home Premium version, which is what most consumers will  want, costs $119 for upgrading to Win7, versus $129 for Vista. The  discount seems particularly thin when viewing Win7 as a fix to Vista’s  problems. But happy Vista users don’t have much reason to upgrade (see  No. 2). For Windows XP users, the upgrade cost is fair. Plus, for homes  with multiple PCs, which seem to be a majority these days, Microsoft is  offering a Family Pack that will upgrade three PCs for $150. That’s a  good deal for homes that can use it.

6. The initial release will be a mess.

It’s always safer to wait for new software to get tested in the market,  and for Microsoft to release the inevitable fixes. But the pedigree of  Windows 7 suggests that the problems will be fewer this time. Many bugs  and hardware issues were worked out with Vista. For example, Microsoft  worked to make sure that hardware drivers for Vista will also work for  Win7. Problems will undoubtedly crop up, but they’re unlikely to affect  the core of the operating system, which also remains largely true to  the battle-tested Vista. Win7 at the start seems to be one of the least  risky system upgrades to make.

7. Mac users should abandon Apple.

The Mac is still the standard for a computer that “just works.” Apple  has more control over the end product because it also assembles and  sells the hardware. The Mac system is also more secure, if for no other  reason than that a smaller market share makes a smaller target for  criminals. Windows has to run on any batch of hardware that a maker or  user throws together. That’s one reason Windows requires more  tinkering. But Windows also comes from a culture that is more  influenced by techies who like tinkering and think everyone else does.  Macs cost more. But they also benefit from the aura of success that  surrounds the iPhone and iPod. Windows 7 may cut into the momentum  behind the Mac, but it alone is unlikely to reverse Apple’s gains.

Important : here are few considerations before upgrade Windows Xp to Windows 7