Windows 7….What should I do???

With the upcoming launch of Windows 7 later this week, I have gotten many calls asking if they should upgrade now or wait or ??????? So here is my general recommendations regarding Windows 7 for home users.

If you are going to puchase a new PC, my recommendation is to wait and purchase one with Windows 7 pre-installed. I know PC makers are offering free upgrades, but it is always cleaner to install a fresh copy of any operating system rather than going through the upgrade path….so wait and order one with Windows 7 already installed. Oh, and don’t forget to install the latest maintenance once you power your new system up…there are some significant security patches already available that need to be applied. This is something I always do for my customers who order their systems through me.

For you people that are not in the market for a new PC and are wondering weather or not to upgrade, my general recommendation is not to upgrade. Of course, as with most technology recommendations there are always exceptions. The exception in this case is that if for some reason your system is in need of a reimage (that is a reload of the operating system, programs and data) AND your current system is powerful enough for Windows 7 AND you have or are willing to install enough memory, then a Windows 7 upgrade is a possibility. Again, general recommendation for older hardware is to stay where you are and install all the current maintenance that is available via Windows Update. Remember, if your system is running sluggish, a tune-up and adding memory is usually the first place to start if your system is a P4 or above. Anything less than a P4….perhaps a new Windows 7 system is in your future!