Windows 7 Buying Guide

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Windows 7 Buying GuideWindows 7 Buying Guide

Easy to use, more reliable and lots of fun, Microsoft's fast and efficient operating system, Windows 7, has been a revelation to PC users the world over since its introduction. This buying guide will tell you why to upgrade to Windows 7.

What Differences Will I Notice With Windows 7?

Windows 7 revamps the computing experience with features that simplify everyday tasks:

  • Aero Shake: De-clutter your desktop by minimising multiple windows at once. To do this, simply grab the window you want to keep open with the mouse and shake it. Want those other windows back? Just shake the window again.
  • Aero Peek: Make windows transparent by hovering above the Show Desktop icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen. This allows you to view items on your desktop without minimising the windows you're working in.
  • Windows taskbar: Shows icons of the applications, instead of buttons, making the layout easier to understand. Hovering over the icon gives a thumbnail or full-screen preview of opened applications.
  • Jump lists: Right-click on a program icon to view and open recent files.
  • Snap: Easily resize windows and display them side-by-side to compare.

Will My Computer Perform Better With Windows 7?

Windows 7 is designed to be faster and more responsive than Microsoft Vista because there are fewer applications running in the background and less writing to disk. Stability has been enhanced, while data back-up and recovery are also much easier.

What Are The Touchscreen Capabilities Of Windows 7?

Windows 7 can be operated by using a touchscreen instead of a keyboard or mouse. Windows 7 supports multi-touch applications, which read gestures requiring more than one finger, e.g. pinching. To use this feature of Windows 7, you'll need a touchscreen monitor.

What Are The Different Versions Of Windows 7?

There are four versions of Windows 7 designed to meet different needs:

  • Windows 7 Starter: The basic edition designed for netbooks, laptops and entry-level PCs with casual computing in mind.
  • Windows 7 Home Premium: Includes the new Aero desktop features, plus enhanced media performance and easy networking.
  • Windows 7 Professional: For students and workers who access other networks, with a Virtual Windows XP mode to use older applications.
  • Windows 7 Ultimate: All the features, plus BitLocker encryption for data security. Lets you switch the system language for multi-lingual computing.

What Are Some Other Benefits Of Windows 7?

  • HomeGroup: Makes networking your devices around the home a lot easier.
  • Internet Explorer 8: Makes web browsing much quicker and more efficient.
  • Better power management: Portable computer batteries will last longer.

Can My Existing Computer Run Windows 7?

You need, at minimum, a computer with the following specs:

  • A 1GHz processor.
  • 1GB of 32-bit RAM or 2GB of 64-bit RAM.
  • Graphics processor with DirectX 9 (WDDM 1.0 or higher).

Will My Old Applications And Games Run On Windows 7?

Windows 7 will run applications designed for Windows Vista. Applications which only run on Windows XP need the Professional or Ultimate edition.

How Do I Install Or Upgrade To Windows 7?

Just insert the Windows 7 disk. There are two upgrade options:

  • Custom installation: Completely replaces your existing Operating System on a selected hard drive. Will erase all files and programs on that drive.
  • In-place upgrade: Keeps existing files, settings and programs while upgrading to Windows 7.

 

  • Save your favourite products to your Wish List by selecting "Add to Wish List". You need an account to use your WishList. Your Wish List is automatically saved to your account when you're logged in.

  • To compare products click the "Add To Compare List" link next to the product information on the page. When you add more than one product to your Compare List, click on the "Compare" button located on the right hand side of this list.