Windows 7 Debuts Oct 22

[drrogers]

Drivers?

having a problem with my Windows 7 install. Most of my older hardware won't work and I haven't been able to find drivers for my printers. Haven't tried bluetooth etc.

Also tried to run office 2007 that was installed under XP on a separate partition and even though tried all compatability modes couldn't get it to run.

Any ideas?

 

[newjuan]

Responding to a couple of postings:

1. Windows Live Mail (and other windows programs like Messenger) can be downloaded free of charge from Microsoft. They work fine in 7. Windows Live Mail is new bastard child of Outlook Express and Windows Mail. More functions than Outlook Express but not quite Outlook.
2. ALWAYS check with Microsoft Upgrade advisor before buying/installing. It should tell you what drivers/software may give you issues or even if your system is upgradeable.
3. The Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade (or any upgrade) comes in 2 flavours,32 bit and 64 bit. Rule of thumb - do the Windows Upgrade Advisor first to check out 64 bit compatibility. That being said, most programs should work fine. It's hardware that has issues with 64 bit. But if you can, install the 64 bit system. It's faster, more secure and stable.
4. I've installed AVG on my system - not a problem. BB would knock Avast because it's free. (or at least there is a free version, vs Norton which they can sell you at a premium).
5. NOTE: for whatever reason Adobe, after 4 years still does not have a 64 bit flash program. So many browsers can't go full 64 bit yet. (except for Internet Explorer, but they use Silverlight and that's another story).
6. Yes, Office XP for Windows does not work well - IF AT ALL - with Win7. If you can, go to https://microsoft.crgevents.com/Off...ogin/RegCode.aspx?RegCode=techpreviewwaitlist
and sign up for Office 2010 Beta.
Office 2010, especially the 64 bit Excel work GREAT!
7. Win7 is NOT perfect. Some people will like it, some people will love, some people will hate it. That's the way it is. Try not to pay full price for it (ie look for OEM, sales, upgrade, or computer system packaging). Or.. buy the family package 3 pcs for $200 - limited time offer if you have a few machines. If you have Win XP and like it and have no issues with security, updates, etc., then stick with it (or your flavour of Linux or Apple). I would suggest you try it out, though. There are a few beta copies around. It's easy to either set up a dual boot or a virtual pc and take it for a test spin. Me, I like it because it's all new and real purdy like...

 

[WoodPeckr]

I must be the only person happy with Vista64. I have never had a single crash.

Once you turn off that UAC crap, remove all of Media Player and Media Server apps and services, surf with Opera, protect with Avast...it runs like a charm.

Same with Vista 32-bit. It's solid after SP1 and never gave me any problems the times I've used it. Also did what you did above.

 

[zpinkz]

Use vista drivers for ur hardware most of them will work.

 

[WoodPeckr]

It's about time....

 

[toughb]

Microsoft Security Essentials

Free don't need to pay for anti-virus anymore

http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/

***

Have been running XP since day one and absolutely no problems. So I'll put off changing as long as I can.

As for anti virus, I picked up Norton 2010 Internet security yesterday. $79.95 less $50.00 instant rebate. Net $29.95. Purchased at Staples.

To renew Symantec they wanted $52.00.

 

[Horney_Senior]

Also tried to run office 2007 that was installed under XP on a separate partition and even though tried all compatability modes couldn't get it to run.

Any ideas?

I've had absolutely no problem running Office 2007 under Windows 7.

 

[thewheelman]

I have a real aversion to Microsoft software. To me they peaked with Office 2003.
For example, every time you hit the Search button, just to find something on your own HD, it calls home to Microsoft at sa.windows.com

 

[danmand]

I started working with computers in 1965, and I have always followed the
rule, that it is best to wait a while installing new releases of software.

 

[blackrock13]

I started working with computers in 1965, and I have always followed the
rule, that it is best to wait a while installing new releases of software.

Don't you just miss those punch cards?

 

[danmand]

Don't you just miss those punch cards?

No, honestly not.

 

[thewheelman]

damn...I was using punch cards for batch jobs in 1979 @ Ryerson. Never realized how old that technology was in 1979. I still remember the shoeboxes full of cards, and the huge printouts...

 

[WoodPeckr]

I started working with computers in 1965, and I have always followed the
rule, that it is best to wait a while installing new releases of software.

Well I need a new desktop PC.
My 12 yr old P2, which still runs fine and does what's needed, is getting a little long in the tooth.....

Just can't decide which to get. A PC with a Quad or an i7 CPU.
Leaning towards the i7 because of the DDR3 RAM.
Want to make sure the new one lasts another 12 years ... lol....

 

[Hobbyer]

Well I need a new desktop PC.
My 12 yr old P2, which still runs fine and does what's needed, is getting a little long in the tooth.....

Just can't decide which to get. A PC with a Quad or an i7 CPU.
Leaning towards the i7 because of the DDR3 RAM.
Want to make sure the new one lasts another 12 years ... lol....

i7 owns, especially on video encoding. 8 threads compared to 4 on the Core 2 quad. I have both a 4GB Q6600 and a 6GB 920 i7, zero difference for moststuff, but you will notice if you are a power user. I use multi-threaded Excel like madman and it helps.

Handbrake flies on i7.

 

[WoodPeckr]

Microsoft Security Essentials

Microsoft Security Essentials

Free don't need to pay for anti-virus anymore

http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/

Was talking with a friend that has been using Microsoft Security Essentials for a couple months with Win7 RC and says it works great, is very user friendly and easy to use. He says there is no reason to pay for any other AV since Microsoft Security Essentials is free. It runs lean and is not a resource hog.

BTW he loves Win7 and says it runs great!
I played around with Win7 for a short time and like what I saw.
Win7 is not the resource hog Vista is. Win7 will easily install on a Netbook.

Norton, McAfee, Kaspersky and the others will not like this news.
It looks like we don't need any on them anymore.
Microsoft Security Essentials is not part of Win7 but is available as a free download from the above M$ link.

 

[WoodPeckr]

i7 owns, especially on video encoding. 8 threads compared to 4 on the Core 2 quad. I have both a 4GB Q6600 and a 6GB 920 i7, zero difference for moststuff, but you will notice if you are a power user. I use multi-threaded Excel like madman and it helps.

Handbrake flies on i7.

Heard early i7 CPUs had a stability problem and crashed a lot.
Assume this was corrected by now.
Was this an issue for you?

 

[putz]

special price upgrade for university or college students

www.microsoft.com/canada/windows/discoverytour/student.aspx - $39.99 for WM7 professional upgrade but must have school provided email address.

 

[Hobbyer]

Heard early i7 CPUs had a stability problem and crashed a lot.
Assume this was corrected by now.
Was this an issue for you?

Not for me, no issues at all. Not sure the mobo setup, memory setup since I have a Dell but it works flawlessly. I run financial simulations, other multi-threaded analysis programs for 4+ hours straight with all 8 threads maxed and no crashes.

If DIY then maybe wrong mobo/memory combo might be problemetic but I really doubt it by now. It's solid.

 

[onthebottom]

This has always been a problem with Windows, it accumulates crap that over time slows down the system. Best solution is, format, do a fresh install and your PC runs like new again until after use it accumulates crap all over again requiring another format and reinstall.

This is another reason for going to Linux which has none of these issues.
Linux uses a superior file system that accumulates no crap. In the three years running Linux no format was required, it just runs.

Or buy a Mac, that stuff just works.

OTB

 

[WoodPeckr]

Or buy a Mac, that stuff just works.

OTB

Same goes for Linux as was pointed out above!
And with free Linux I didn't have to go and pay double or more for it compared to a PC, like you did with your Mac....