Making the Move to Windows 7
Microsoft reports that the adoption of Windows 7 is the fastest adoption of an operating system in the history of the company. It’s not clear yet if this is because Windows 7 is that good, or because people were so frustrated with Vista that they are eager to get away from it, but the early reports on Windows 7 are very favorable.
Why Windows 7?
- Built for speed. You may not notice a dramatic increase but a few second here and there add up, especially during startup and running some programs. You can sleep, resume, and reconnect to wireless networks quicker. With 64-bit support you can get the latest in powerful 64-bit PCs.
- Better wireless networking. You can connect to wireless networks with just a couple of clicks. Choose from the list of available networks, click one, and connect. Windows remembers where you’ve connected so you can go there automatically next time.
- For a full list of reasons, see this Microsoft article.
Find Out Before You Upgrade
- Will your applications run on Windows 7? Some applications will need an update to ensure compatibility, while others simply won’t run on Windows 7.
- Will your printer work with Windows 7? You may just need a new driver, or the printer may end up needing a replacement. Check printers, scanners, and multi-function units for compatibility.
- Get the correct version of Windows 7. There are six versions for different needs. Most small businesses will want to go with Windows 7 Professional.
Staging the Upgrade
- Get new computers with Windows 7 pre-installed. If you are within a year of buying a new computer, hold off on the upgrade so you don’t double-pay. Your old computer may not have the horsepower for the new operating system either, which will diminish your experience and leave you frustrated.
Your PC is probably at least three years old, so you’ve not only depreciated it as an asset, it has outlasted its useful lifetime. Like with an older car, problems start cropping up, especially hard drive failures. For the price of installing Windows 7 on your old PC, you can just buy a new unit. See our guide to buying a new laptop or netbook. Much of this information also applies to buying a new desktop PC.
- Move your files. Let’s say you’ve bought your shiny, new, Windows 7 PC. You can move your files with Windows Easy Transfer. If you prefer, I can do this for you.
- Prepare for “office envy”. You know…one person in the office gets the cool new technology and suddenly everyone just has to have it. Windows 7 inspires that kind of response in some people. You may want to be careful about who you roll this out to and when, or make sure you have the budget to cover an upgrade for everyone!
Questions and Answers
- Are all MLANS customers getting computers with Windows 7 now?No. It depends on their applications. One customer has a mission-critical application that will not run at all on Window 7. They are buying new PCs with Windows XP Pro. Eventually they will have to replace the application, which is very expensive, but they are postponing that as long as possible. They will continue to run just fine on XP Pro.
- Can you upgrade an existing PC from Windows XP Pro to Windows 7?Yes, provided that the computer hardware will support the new operating system. Again, it is important to first check compatibility with printers, multi-function units, and applications.
- Any other tips?I see a clear advantage for new laptops with Windows 7. If you are considering the 64-bit operating system, please check with me first. Less applications work with it. Also, a QuickBooks consultant has told me she’s experiencing problems with it.
If you’d like help with any aspect of the upgrade from advice to implementation, call 603-432-1603 or submit a service request form.
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