Microsoft Releases Windows 7

After the troublesome release of Windows Vista, Microsoft is taking a chance on the newest form of its operating system, Windows 7. "Up to the Minute" Computer Consultant John Quain weighs in.

Contrary to Vista's release in 2006, Quain is advising consumers to embrace Windows 7. "With Windows 7, I've been testing it on a varity of systems. All those major applications now work just fine with Windows 7," says Quain.

Another perk to the new operating system? You won't need more hardware, memory space or other traditional upgrade necessities. "You don't actually need more hardware than you did with Windows Vista," says Quain. "And, it's actually quicker! Systems turn on more quickly, they close down more quickly - it's much smoother."

Quain thinks Microsoft has a hit on their hands with Windows 7. It actually has some features that Mac currently doesn't offer, so the new operating system may take some business away from Apple. As Quain demonstrated on HP's new TX2 laptop, Windows 7 is touch-screen friendly. "It's very iPhone-like, and you know what? The Mac doesn't have that on their desktop systems. Now, Windows 7 does," says Quain.

If you're looking to buy a new computer with Windows 7, Quain recommends the two new Intel chips - the I5 or the I7. "They're really zippy," says Quain. "They really have done a good job upgrading those as well, and they're not as expensive."

If you'd like to update your current PC to Windows 7, Quain says upgrading from Windows Vista to Windows 7 is an easy fix. "If you have a Windows XP system, though... that's going to be difficult," says Quain. "You have to unload all your applications, put the new operating system on, then reload all those applications." Before putting any new operating system on your computer, be sure to back up all you files, especially family photos, music files and important work documents. Better to be safe than sorry.

For more information on Microsoft's Windows 7, click here to visit the company's website. For technology advice on other topics, visit www.J-Q.com.

By Erin Petrun