Windows 7 is Here!
Upgrade From XP or Vista - Or Not?
Microsoft released the newest version of Windows for desktops and laptops yesterday. As usual with any new Windows version, there are questions about how and when to upgrade.

Many of us drug our feet or stayed away from the Vista mess entirely. As a result, those XP computers are getting long in the tooth and now you’re wondering if this is the time to adopt a new version of Windows.

Windows 7 (W7) is supposed to be everything Vista wasn’t - better security without the intrusive notifications, more efficient use of resources, improved search feature, easier file and printer sharing. Stop me if you’ve heard this before. Every introduction of a new Windows version includes major improvements that are must-haves.

But, we can’t hide forever. If we didn’t move from XP to Vista, we’ll be at the end of practical life for our computers and software before the successor to W7 is out. So, do we make the move now? Here are 7 reasons not to:

7. New server Windows means new desktop Windows? Server versions of Windows (2003, 2008) are different than the desktop versions (XP, Vista, W7). However, Microsoft knows that businesses (particularly small businesses) often mix different versions of Windows on their networks and they have taken great pains to ensure that we can still run XP, Vista, and W7 with the current server versions. If you upgrade or replace your server, you don’t necessarily have to move your desktops to a new Windows version.

6. Support for XP and Vista won’t disappear. Regardless of the deadlines that Microsoft sets to discontinue support for their software, support continues as long as there is a significant installed base. The deadline to order XP on a new computer was extended several times because of customer demand and as of now, you can still order a computer with XP installed. Support for XP and Vista will continue for several years from now.

5. Isn’t security improved in W7? Maybe. Every new version of Windows has made this claim, but it’s too soon to tell. Though increased security is Microsoft’s stated goal, there’s only so much you can test during the development cycle. After W7 has been made available publicly for a few months, we’ll get a much more accurate picture of how secure it really is.

4. Minimize the pain. Remember moving from Windows 98 to 2000? From 2000 to XP? From XP to Vista? There’s always a learning curve (and resultant loss of productivity) for a new version of Windows. Let the early adopters figure out the best way to use W7 and shorten the time you need to become familiar with the new Windows. Just about everything you’re reading about W7 now is either marketing copy from Microsoft or testing results from computer pros. In a few months, we’ll have the unadulterated experiences from everyday users, which might fit more closely with how you use your computer.

3. Beware of version 1.0! History repeats itself. Every Windows launch in recent memory has had bugs, flaky programs, devices that aren’t yet fully supported, and security holes. Just imagine trying to create software that runs every possible hardware combination on the planet and being successful out of the chute. Historically, the first service pack issued includes a rollup of so many patches, updated drivers, and new features that you then get a true read on how stable and usable that version of Windows will be.

2. What you have is probably already paid for. Are you confident that the economy is on the mend and it’s the right time to make a significant investment? While W7 can be installed on most Vista-ready computers, it may not be the best experience. If your computer is less than two years old and you bought more than a basic machine, you might be okay. So, you’re looking at buying a new computer with W7 preinstalled to avoid the upgrade hassles. Is this the best time for you to lay out the cash for a new system?

1. If it ain’t broke… Is there really a compelling reason to move to W7 today? Buy into the new products on your timeline, not theirs. If your system is working for you now, take on the move to W7 when it makes sense for you – not when the hype reaches a fevered pitch. If you’re scheduled to refresh your system soon, push it back for a few months. Put it in your budget for next year. Watch for the release (and subsequent reviews) of Service Pack 1. That’s your signal to seriously consider a system replacement. Of course, if you just can’t wait, share your experiences. It will help the rest of us to decide when to make the move.