Do I need to upgrade my current PC to Windows 7 when it is released in October?

The answer to this question is usually no. Windows 7 is the successor to Windows Vista, which was the successor to Windows X, which was the successor to Windows 2000P and so on down the line. Windows 7 is scheduled to be released Oct 22, 2009. There are multiple reasons why you should not upgrade your current PC to Windows 7.

First off if you are currently running Windows XP, you do not have an option of a direct upgrade as just inserting a CD in your PC and clicking next. For the average home user this disqualifies most from still going forward from XP to Windows 7. If you still decide to do it the procedure is this:

You'll need to back up your current files and settings to another PC, device, (flash drive CD, DVD etc). Next perform a clean installation of Windows 7. Then reinstall your backed up files, settings, and programs to Windows 7. Even with that users still running Windows XP may find that the age of their PC and the hardware that is on it cannot run Windows 7.

Microsoft even recommends that those customers running Windows XP purchase a new PC with Windows 7 as opposed to trying to upgrade from the process described above. Bottom line is if you have XP, save your data and buy a new PC if you want want Windows 7. The good news for XP that choose not to upgrade is that Microsoft is supporting Windows XP until April 8 2014 so you can keep it if you would like too for the next 4 years.

For those of you who are running Windows Vista, the decision isn't as clear cut. Vista can be easily upgraded to Windows 7 via CD and lots of clicking on Next with all data saved and programs transferred over. That is certainly a plus to upgrading your Vista PC to Windows 7.

However as with any new Operating System or product there are usually bugs to fix and discover. There will be patches, fixes and updates. This is just as true with New designs of cars/models. If a new model/design of a car comes out. By the second or third year, improvements have been made as they have had some time/data/feedback to address issues that were reported to them. Maybe a bit more horsepower, or a slight product defect in 1 st year models that was corrected for later models. Windows operating systems should be viewed in the same regard. Give Microsoft time to put out Service Pack 1 for Windows 7 before considering before upgrading to it from Vista. Let them fix the as yet to be discovered faults and exploits.

The Average Home User doesn't need to have the latest technological advancements. They want their computer to work with as minimal problems as possible. To be easy to use and comfortable while using it. Jumping up to Windows 7 if you are happy with Vista is not worth it.
Unless you are one of those people that must have the newest toy on the market, I would advise against upgrading your Vista machine to Windows 7 at this time. Six months from now once Windows 7 has been through plenty of testing from consumers etc, we may reach a different conclusion.

If you want to upgrade to Windows 7 and you have Windows XP, time to buy a new PC. If you want to upgrade to Windows 7 and you have Windows Vista, you may do so but it is not advised at this time. Sit back and let others experience the issues/problems that will happen with a new operating system. Why experience the Growing Pains if you don't have too? Save your money for now.

Thanks for reading and have a great rest of the week.

Steve
www.zolexpc.com