Window 7 - First Impressions

OG1 · Joined: 09 Jun 2006 Posts: 1143

Window 7 - First Impressions

I have had a chance to work on several Windows 7 64 bit PCs. My first impression is that Vista SP2 32 bit works the same and much easier to use. My advice is if you have Vista SP2 32 bit, save your money, Windows 7 has nothing new to offer. If it is NOT broke do NOT fix!!

If you are buying a new PC, by all means, get a Windows 7 PC. Windows 7 is NOT a major improvement over Vista SP2 so save your time and money.

richc46 · Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2009 23:41 pm Post subject: Re: Window 7 - First Impressions

I do not think that 7 is more difficult to use than Vista, but there is a learning curve. Because of the problems that people are having installing W7, freezes, endless loops, failure to install and BSOD, I have to agree with you. If the install process were a bit easier, not having such a time consuming clean install (time needed to reinstall all programs), I think that I would recommend W7, when the price comes down a bit. Already, for those that have a qualifiying prior edition of Windows, the ugrade disc is essentially the same as the full retail copy (some say you can even upgrade on a formatted, zeroed drive), reducing the cost to $120.

Its totally subjective and some will think that W7 is worth the upgrade and others will not. I think it is (at a discounted price), because of some awesome features: system image backup, resizing of open windows by merely dragging it to the edge of the screen (making it possible to easily view 2 or more windows at the same time).

Bottom line, I think it is better than Vista, but not worth $200 more than Vista, but worth the price if you can use the upgrade version when it goes on sale.
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OG1 · Joined: 09 Jun 2006 Posts: 1143

I have a Free copy of Windows 7 Ultimate (32 bit) from the NYC Launch Event. I plan to wait and see if upgrading at all.

blsJason

As some of you who have been reading some of my posts over the last few weeks know, I replaced a burned-out desktop that last ran Windows XP Home Edition, with a brand-new laptop running Windows 7 Home Premium.

There's definitely been a learning curve getting used to all the new bells and whistles (not to mention the bells and whistles of the new computer), however I felt it was ultimately worth it to be with the times just for once, rather than a step or two behind.

Other than a few small hang-ups, I can say that happy with it. Most of the problems are minor, especially if you're used to using old and/or small-time software that won't work on Windows 7.

OG1 wrote:

If you are buying a new PC, by all means, get a Windows 7 PC. Windows 7 is NOT a major improvement over Vista SP2 so save your time and money.

Strangely enough, I agree with OG1 here. I was happy with Windows XP, and for the way I use things it was working just fine. I did figure, however, that I'd be upgrading in a few years anyhow when Microsoft discontinues long-term support of XP, just as they did with 98SE a few years ago.
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OG1 · Joined: 09 Jun 2006 Posts: 1143

If Microsoft stops support of an OS - then it is definitely time to upgrade.

Deborah · Joined: 06 Feb 2001 Posts: 3366 Location: Seattle

OG1 wrote:

If Microsoft stops support of an OS - then it is definitely time to upgrade.

I am confused.

Is Microsoft not going to support XP any longer? If so, when?

richc46 · Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 14:13 pm Post subject:

Hi Deborah,

Here is an article from Channel Web, that gives all the details.

According to the article, at best, you have until July 2010, worse case scenario, support will begin to phase out slowly, by the mfg of applic
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Corrine · Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 17:32 pm Post subject:

Deborah,

Mainstream Support for Windowx XP was retired 4/14/2009. That said, it is important to understand what is included in "mainstream support" :

Paid support (per-incident, per hour, and others)
Security update support
Non-security hotfix support
No-charge incident support
Warranty claims
Design changes and feature requests
Product-specific information that is available by using the online Microsoft Knowledge Base
Product-specific information that is available by using the Support site at Microsoft Help and Support to find answers to technical questions

Note from http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/#ServicePackSupport

Quote:

Microsoft will provide security update support through the Mainstream Support phase for Consumer, Hardware, Multimedia products. The security updates will apply only to the supported service pack level for these products.

Consider, however, that support for W2K ended long ago, yet the October Security Updates included updates for W2K, SP4. There were also updates for XP SP2 and SP3, but NOT SP1. See the "Windows Operating System and Components" section in http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms09-oct.mspx
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richc46 · Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 18:06 pm Post subject:

Im sorry seems that I forgot to post the article that I used as the source of my information, as I mentioned before, I used Channel Web

http://www.crn.com/software/220700398;jses...4ATMY32JVN
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plodr · Administrator Joined: 12 Apr 2001 Posts: 6778

Deborah, chances are it will not impact you until 2014 or later.

I'm still running windows 2000. "Support" on it ended a few years ago but it is on another level now. Meaning the security and critical updates were supposed to be issued until July 2009 when that would stop. It is now November and on Monday, MS issued some critical updates. They are still doing this for windows 2000 even though this was supposed to end in July.

Since netbooks, those tiny computers, are sold with windows XP Home installed, I'm sure MS will continue to issue critical and security updates for XP for several more years.

If you call MS for "support" help, that will end but not the updates to patch your operating system.

OG1 · Joined: 09 Jun 2006 Posts: 1143

You cannot depend on Microsoft to continue to provide critical updates for Win XP. However, IF there is a critical update for Vista / Win 7 which can also accomodate XP/Win 2000, that will be provided. However, there will be NO specific updates for Win XP/Win 2000 only. Therefore, there will be gaps and holes in how XP / Win 2000 will continue to function.

Corrine · Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 21:00 pm Post subject:

OG1,

There is absolutely no reason for there to be gaps/holes in how older operating systems function. There won't be feature updates but that is understood.

Too many businesses are still tied to W2K and XP because of legacy programs. As a result, expect to continue receiving applicable security updates.
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plodr · Administrator Joined: 12 Apr 2001 Posts: 6778

Quote:

there will be NO specific updates for Win XP/Win 2000 only.

That's simply not true!
I've been receiving updates specifically for windows 2000 as late as Monday, November 2nd! I will see what happens on patch Tuesday.

Since new computers with XP Home are still being sold, Microsoft is not about to simply drop patching XP.

You may not be able to see this chart
http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/?LN=en-us&x=24&y=4&p1=3071
Extended support for windows 2000 will be retired July 13, 2010. So it appears I will be patched until mid-2010.

http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/?LN=en-us&x=24&y=4&p1=3071
for XP Home and Pro Extended support will end on 4/8/2014.

If you can not see the chart, start here http://support.microsoft.com/gp/lifeselectindex
pick the product you are interested in and you will get a table.

Extended support means, you will continue to get critical and security updates through the windows update site.

OG1 · Joined: 09 Jun 2006 Posts: 1143

If that is the case, why did Microsoft support stop on XP in April 2009, If "extended" support will go to 2014? Is this double talk?

Corrine · Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 13:42 pm Post subject:

Mainstream support ended. Read what I posted above on what constitutes mainstream support: http://www.freedomlist.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=205154#205154. Also see MICROSOFT SUPPORT LIFECYCLE BLOG : An explanation of the Mainstream Support phase .

Extended support relates to hotfixes. See MICROSOFT SUPPORT LIFECYCLE BLOG : What is Extended Hotfix Support?
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guest8z8 · Joined: 10 Jun 2006 Posts: 138

Quote:

XP Home and Pro Extended support will end on 4/8/2014.

That's all you need to know.

Corrine · Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 19:08 pm Post subject:

plodr wrote:

I will see what happens on patch Tuesday.

It appears from the Advance Notice that Bulletins 2, 3 & 4 apply to Windows 2000, SP4.
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plodr · Administrator Joined: 12 Apr 2001 Posts: 6778

Thanks. I've called my seniors, still running a computer with windows 2000 and told them they don't have to race out before Christmas and buy another computer. They were pleased to hear that they have until next July to safely use windows 2000.

Deborah · Joined: 06 Feb 2001 Posts: 3366 Location: Seattle

I have Vista but I have friends with XP. Thanks for the feedback. However, I have a question about Windows 7.

I just bought Windows 7 home premium. I have Vista Business. I was told if I took the option to do a clean install, I could use that version of 7.

So, I attempted to install it and while doing its thing, it abruptly took me back to the beginning. I called Microsoft and they assured me they could fix the problem for $139. Not worth it.

Has anyone else had this problem? If so, did you fix it? How did you do it?

Deb+

richc46 · Posted: Sun Nov 08, 2009 21:21 pm Post subject:

Make a copy of your OS, in case something goes wrong or at least make sure that you have the a copy of your OS that you can reinstall.

Save your settings to Easy Transfer
Format hard drive
Do clean install, without giving key number
When done, reinstall all of your programs
With easy transfer, transfer all of your settings favorite, cookies etc s to your new OS
Try for a while
If you like it activate.
This will work.
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