GITweekly

With the release of Microsoft’s latest lovechild – Windows 7, people are asking the question: Should I spend my hard earned denari on this or should I stick with the old way of doing things?

Yes. And no is as vague as I can make it.

For me, my old Vista install was becoming unstable. Quite a few of my programs started displaying the “Not Responding” error message at unfortunate times. So it was going to be a full Vista reinstall or bite the bullet and purchase Windows7 and install that.

Luckily I had an email address from an educational institution that allowed me to purchase the Pro version of Windows7 for cheap-cheap. To be honest I’m stoked that I took the relatively cheap plunge.

So what are the yes’ for the Windows7 upgrade:

• Visibly faster – this operating system is snappy – although I say this with some caution. Add a few “service packs” and things might grind to a Vista-like halt.
• Great interface – while not too different to Vista, the task bar is a great improvement especially the hidden icon arrow in the bottom right corner. It hides the programs that are fussing about in the background like your uTorrent program and video conversion software for your iPods.
• It installed all of the drivers I needed for my laptop – sweet! With a bit of luck you wont need to hunt through manufacturers websites for the drivers. Double sweetness!
• Appears super stable, err, so far.
• Visually, it is schmick. The rotating desktop themes are a lovely touch. And yes I know, eye candy isn’t the most important thing – but I like it.

And what are the nays:

• If your XP or Vista install is doing everything you want it to do then forget the upgrade for now. Wait for that new PC purchase.
• It can be expensive – running into the hundreds of dollars for something that, let’s be honest, wont change the way we use a computer.

So that’s my opinion and I’m sticking to it.

In a nutshell – if your computer’s running like something that can’t run, upgrade to Windows7. If, on the other hand it’s running well and doing everything you want it to do then play the waiting game – wait for that shiny new PC in a couple of years running Windows7 service pack 3 or 4 or 5.

Sorted.

Although folks in Europe and the States have been getting cheap Windows 7 upgrades via sites like win741.com for a while, students in Australia have been waiting for our turn.

Well wait no longer, he says with feigned glee! Google or Bing “it’s not cheating” or follow this link for cheap Windows7 goodness.

It’ll set you back just under a $50 for a download link plus $15ish to get a disk.

Enjoy. Let us know if you like the upgrade.

P.S Grab yourself a copy of Office Ultimate 2007 while you’re there. $75. Compared to full price it’s a steal.