Computer Technology Tip

Microsoft Windows 7 is Now Available

Back in August I wrote about buying a new computer. Basically, the article was about what to look for in hardware specifications. All that information is still valid however there are some additional things to consider.

The August article did not take fully into account Microsoft's new operating system, Windows 7. Windows 7 supersedes Vista. I don't particularly recommend buying a Vista computer at this point unless you can get a very good deal. Windows 7 runs faster and is stable for a new operating system. If you are thinking of upgrading, plan on buying a new computer particularly if you have a Windows XP computer. Windows XP is NOT directly upgradeable. If you have a Windows Vista computer, that version is directly upgradeable. For experienced users, download and install the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor from the following site: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/upgrade-advisor.aspx

This free program will scan your installed software programs and hardware for any compatibility problems. Run it before you decide to purchase or upgrade to Windows 7 on your present computer.

There are some other hardware considerations to think about. You will see dual core (mentioned in the August article) and quad core processors when you shop. Dual core processors are the mainstream - for now. However, quad core processors are becoming more popular and will eventually take over the dual core market. For now there is little software available that can take advantage of quad core processing. If you want to plan for the future, or do video editing, or are a gamer, then definitely get a quad core computer. Then there is a choice between a 32 bit and a 64 bit version of Windows 7. Clearly there are very few programs that can take advantage of 64 bit processing. Here again the gamers are driving the 64 bit market. If you don't play Farcry 2 or do serious video editing I recommend purchasing a 32 bit version of Windows 7 for a new computer. There can be problems running 32 bit programs on a 64 bit version of Windows 7 including a slight slow down in speed along with a potentially more serious problem of your printer/scanner not working with a 64 bit Windows 7 computer. What you will see in stores is a 64 bit dual core hardware processor matched to a 32 bit version of Windows 7. That's a good combination and would make a fine choice. For power users a quad core 64 bit processor matched to a 64 bit version of Windows 7 would also be a fine choice if you need the additional processing power.

Now, for a downside of Windows 7. For some unknown reason Microsoft decided to remove their email program from their operating system. That means no Outlook Express (XP) or Windows Mail (Vista) email program is installed. This will not affect you if you use Web mail (Internet Explorer, AOL, or MSN) to access your email. However, they have a new program that will substitute for those two. It's called Windows Live Mail. It's free but you must download it from this site: http://download.live.com/wlmail then install it.

Please review the August article on buying a new PC on our Hershey's Mill web site at: www.hersheysmill.org Click on Tech Tips, then on General Computer Tips, and finally on Computer - Buy a New Computer.

If you are a beginner in computing this article may not be for you. However, I invite beginners to come and ask questions because we touch on all levels of experience. We meet the 2nd Tuesday evening of each month at 7:00 PM upstairs in Winfield Hall.

Don Trauger - Kennett

To get answers to your questions about computers, please come to the PC Club meeting. The computer club meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM in Winfield Hall.