The Computer Buzz

July 9th, 2009

Nome and Paul Van Middlesworth - owners - The Computer Factory
 

The Latest on Windows 7

Retail "package PCs" like Dell, Compaq, HP and Gateway with Vista OS (operating system) are dirt-cheap. The fact that Vista is a lame duck to be replaced by Windows 7 in October has retailers further sweetening the pot with an upgrade coupon for Win 7 on each new Vista PC. There are some issues.

First you will have to put up with Vista OS until Oct 22nd. Second you will have about 16 weeks after that until your Windows 7 coupon expires. Third you will have to upgrade to the Windows 7 version that's on your new PC (32bit or 64Bit). You are forced to decide whether to stay with a 32 bit OS or go immediately to a 64 bit OS, not an easy choice since 64 bit may be the way of the future, but right now there are tons of applications and peripherals that aren't compatible with 64 bit.

There are alternatives to the retail "deals." PC builders like the Computer Factory and others still build PC systems with XP Home and Professional. These PCs have several advantages over the "package" PCs. First you get better quality components. Second instead of a "recovery" partition, you get a real Microsoft Windows operating system disc and the drivers and software discs used to build your PC. Third, you don't get the dozens of pop-ups and trial programs that clutter "package" PCs. Most important, you get fast, local service instead of a phone number in Mumbai.

Your friendly local PC builder can build a PC with any operating system, even (yuk) Vista with Win 7 upgrade coupon. They can also take your old PC in trade and/or perhaps save you the cost of an OS by using the your old PC's XP license (assuming that you're retiring the PC).

If you are a bit adventurous, your PC builder can build a new PC using Win 7 RC (release candidate). This OS costs nothing until June of 2010 when you will be required to purchase a license directly from Microsoft. Win 7 RC is not a Beta version but a complete pre-release version of the new OS. Win 7 RC has been more thoroughly tested than any OS ever "released" by Microsoft.

Last week Microsoft began to offer half price upgrade coupons for Win 7 (www.microsoftstore.com). At this writing it is not clear how long the offer will be available or how long the coupons remain valid. It may be an excellent way for Windows XP and Vista users to hedge against Microsoft's anticipated higher pricing for the new Win 7 OS.

If these upgrade coupons are open ended or good for at least a year, we would recommend spending the $99 for an upgrade coupon to 64 bit Win 7 Pro. This "upgrade" must be installed as a "fresh install" so it can be used either to upgrade your Vista or XP PC or as the OS for your next new PC (assuming that you have it custom built).