It's been like 2 days since Windows 7 (W7) was launched, I have gathered some FAQs that I encountered at work. I want to explain and share some of them.
Q: Is Windows 7 really that good? Better than Vista?
A: Yes, it is really that good. W7 is completely re-written and optimized. Even they share similar codes to Vista, W7 runs leaner and make using a computer a lot more user friendly and secure.
Q: How do I upgrade?
A: Please check this chart and determine what you currently have and what version you should get. Bear in mind that custom installs will possbily wipe your hard drive clean, please make backup of important files, download all the drivers and ready your program discs before proceed.
Q: What is AnyTime Upgrade?
A: If you have W7 already and you feel you want to get more features that comes with Professional or Ultimate, you can purchase the corresponding version of Anytime Upgrade. It takes about 10 min to convert the current W7 version into the desire one.
Q: What is the biggest difference between Home Premium and Professional and Ultimate?
A: Here: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/compare/default.aspx Biggest difference is that Professional will include XP Mode, Domain Join and Full-System Backup. Ultimate gives you BitLocker encryption and 35 languages interface.
Q: XP Mode?
A: XP Mode is a emulation of XP enviroment in W7. It used to be called Virtual PC. With that you can run all XP only programs without any issues. Bear in mind that XP Mode will expose yourself to the same risks as owning an XP machine, however XP Mode and W7 are independently operated. To enable XP Mode, your computer must have Virtualization enabled at the BIOS level. Please check with your manufacturer for details.
Q: In-Place Upgrade or Clean-Install?
A: In-Place upgrade will retain all your prgrams and files. Clean-Install means Windows will start-off fresh, you have to backup your files before doing so. My opinion is Clean-Install over In-Place upgrade because it can eliminate installation issues such as iTunes stopping W7 from installing.
Q: 64Bit/32Bit? System Requirement?
A: Forget about the minimum requirement on the box, if your computer can run XP, able to install 1GB or more RAM and have at least 20GB of hard disk space to spare, you can run W7. Windows Update will automatically download majority of the drivers even the manufacturers do not offer the drivers for W7. If your computer have more than 3GB of RAM, 64bit is better; otherwise go with 32bit. I have not have a lot of compatibility issues on 32bit programs not working on 64bit W7.
Q: I want XP!!
A: XP is 10 years old. It does not take advantage of the new hardware and devices. W7 is new, it is easy to use and very secure. XP Mode will make your XP programs work the way it should. Would you buy a new car that has a new 10 years old engine?
Q: What about security and virus?
A: Microsoft now offers the Microsoft Security Essential that offer users with genuine copies of Windows with virus/spyware and firewall protection. It is free and great.
Q: What else I should expect with W7?
A: Other than faster, you will find that W7 does not come with Email, Calendar, Address Book, Movie Maker or Photo Gallary. These services are now offered as a free download called Live Essentials. It will work with your current email/address book and best of all, you can still use your ISP or online email (GMail) with it.
Feel free to add more comments or question to make this thread worthwhile.
Q: Where is my Mail, Calendar, Contact, Photo Gallary application?
A: Microsoft discontinued them and offered them under "Live Essentials". In fact, all these programs now are integrated into one simple program that works quite nicely. You can get it at http://download.live.com/
Q: What about my existing Outlook Express/Windows Mail, can I use them?
A: Live Mail and Contacts can import both OE and Windows Mail. You will not lose a thing.
Q: Can I have multiple accounts and identities?
A: yes and no. Live Mail now allows you to have multiple mail accounts within the program. However, "Identities" (from XP) still requires you have create seperate Windows User Account for privacy reason. Unless you are ok to let other sees your email, it is recommended to create your own User Accounts.
Q: I will be doing a Custom Install, what should I do?
A: Microsoft made it so much easier to migrate your files from XP/Vista to W7. I still recommend to backup your files and programs just in case. All you need is download the Easy Transfer tool http://windows.microsoft.com/en- ... ndows-easy-transfer and run it. It will gather all user accounts, user files, settings to an external hard drive. Once it is done, start up the computer with W7 DVD, and choose a custom install. It will prompt for the Easy Transfer file.
I found a store which sell Windows Vista Home Premium 64bit (OEM) DVD w/ SP1 & Win7 FREE Goupon for $100. Does it mean I can get free upgrade to Win7 after I get the Vista? $100 sounds so cheap?
發表於 2009-10-23 23:44
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