First, I will predicate my thoughts with this: I have a great deal of experience with both Windows XP and Windows Vista and found Vista to be bulky, difficult to use, and overall a very unwieldy piece of software, as did most people who have used it. Therefore, I use Windows XP on the majority of my machines excluding a laptop I purchased which already had vista on it. My experience that I will describe is on the laptop that had Vista which I then upgraded to Windows 7.
Upgrading to Windows 7:
The upgrade process is pretty straightforward. I strongly recommend downloading the compatibility software to make sure your system is ready for the update. This option is on the screen when you first insert the DVD of Windows 7. It will then take you to their website where you download and install the compatibility tool. This tool will prompt you with any changes you might need to make. Once you have done this, make sure your laptop is plugged in and connected to the internet before you begin the upgrade. Once you click the upgrade button, it is on cruise control. It does offer a nice feature in that it allows you to keep all your files and any compatible programs once the update is complete (I still recommend backing up any important files before upgrading). The process only takes a little while and you are then introduced to the Windows 7 interface.
Windows 7, First Glance:
The most notable difference to me when first looking at the Windows 7 interface was the taskbar (seen below), which was notably larger. Also, it is less cluttered as the program icons no longer have file names, so it is easier to see what you have running. It also allows you to move the mouse over each program icon and see a thumbnail of what that program is doing. This is an enhanced feature of Vista that is very useful
While Windows 7 still keeps what is called the Aero interface (the mouse pointers and waiting symbols look like Vista), they are smoother looking and overall seem to operate more effectively. Also gone is the annoying task manger which asks you every minute if you wish to run a task or not. The desktop is also more manageable with updated gadets (clocks, calendars, etc…), bigger icons, and new ways of arranging Windows on the screen. Also included are better power management features, increased performance and easier wireless networking tools. Another cool feature are the Jump menus, which allow you easily access video, music, and files that you frequently use (see picture below).
Also included is full 64-bit support for those computers with dual core processors, it squeezes every bit of productivity out. Windows 7 also includes a new interactive them set where the backgrounds change from day to day so you don’t get bored with the same theme. Finally, my favorite feature has to be touch compatibility. There has been an amazing shift towards touch screens and touch interfaces due to their simplicity of use and Windows 7 is no exception. For those computers that have touch screens, you can now interact completely and more easily with Windows 7 than any previous operating system. I believe this is a positive step forward because of the trend that I mentioned before.
Should I Upgrade?
Windows XP Users: The upgrade is a little more difficult and your computer (if it is older) may not be able to take advantage of all the features that Windows 7 has to offer. I noticed that when I installed it on an older laptop that I lost the Aero interface and most of the new functionality features that Windows 7 offers. Because of this, I would wait until the price drops and then upgrade later.
Windows Vista Users: The cheapest upgrade version (and the one most people would need) is the Home Premium upgrade. At a cost of $119.99, one should weigh this upgrade option carefully. If you rarely use your Vista PC, then I would not upgrade just because the cost-benefit breakdown would not be substantial. If you or your student frequently use your computer (At least 2-3 times a week), then I would strongly recommend upgrading as the benefits are a far superior operating system that will remove a lot of the hassles that Windows Vista causes.
The Verdict
Windows 7 is far superior to Windows Vista in almost every way imaginable. The new operating system is smoother, lighter (meaning it takes up less space and less system resources), and more secure. The new features are a plus and the promise that devices (such as printers) will interact with it more readily than Vista is also a bonus. So, if you have the money and Vista, it is worth the upgrade.
