(Approx. 318 words)

Windows 7 is Here! Part I
Written by Robert Nisbet, a member of the Asbury Computer Club,  MD
www.amvresidents.org/computerclub
halmarilyn (at) hotmail.com

This article has been obtained from APCUG with the author’s permission for publication by APCUG member groups; all other uses require the permission of the author (see e-mail address above).

This first article will answer several basic questions about Windows 7. Future articles will cover aspects of the operating system of interest to most users.
Q: What is Windows 7?
A: Windows 7 is the next generation of operating system for PCs from Microsoft. It will replace Windows Vista – and Windows XP as it is phased out.
Q: Is Windows 7 the official name?
A: Yes. Microsoft considers this version the seventh version of Windows and has dropped the “fancy” (i.e. XP, Vista) names for now.
Q: Is Windows 7 a major change from Windows Vista?
A: Not relative to what you see, though there are some nice new user features which are addressed in future installments. Many improvements are “under the hood.”  Some pundits have characterized Windows 7 as “Windows Vista the way it should have been.”
Q:  I have a Windows Vista computer. Can I upgrade to Windows 7?
A: Yes. The upgrade will be easy and preserve all your files and settings. All your hardware that works with Windows Vista will work with Windows 7.
Q: I have a Windows XP computer. Can I upgrade to Windows 7.
A: Possibly, but…  This is not so easy. You first have to make sure your computer will run Windows 7. Then, you have to decide if it is worth it. You will have to save all your data files and then reformat your hard drive and start all over with the Windows 7 installation.
The next installment will cover how to get Windows 7 and the upgrade process for various users in more detail.