Upgrading to Windows 7: what XP and Vista users need to know

Last week, Microsoft finally announced that there would be six editions of Windows 7, just like there were for Windows XP and Windows Vista. The company will release Windows 7 Starter (worldwide only via OEMs), Windows 7 Home Basic (only in emerging markets), Windows 7 Home Premium (retail and OEM), Windows 7 Professional (retail and OEM), Windows 7 Ultimate Edition (retail only during promotions and OEM), and Windows 7 Enterprise (volume licenses).


However, as part of its initiative to simplify the lineup, the software giant will only market Home Premium and Professional to average users. Most will be getting Windows 7 with their next purchase of a desktop, notebook, or netbook. (Speaking of netbooks, Microsoft also noted last week that all editions of Windows 7 will work on netbooks and it will be up to the OEM's discretion as to what editions they want to offer on each product.)

If you won't be going through an OEM, you'll either want to purchase a full retail copy of Windows 7, a cheaper upgrade edition, or the OEM version (usually the cheapest and best way). While Microsoft has not given details on pricing for any of the three, the company has agreed to offer upgrade options to both Windows XP and Windows Vista users, and they are worth outlining in detail.

Full Story: http://arstechnica.com/microsoft/news/2009/02/upgrading-to-windows-7-what-xp-and-vista-users-need-to-know.ars

 

[jonny321321]

Thanks for the info!!

 

[bassfisher6522]

when the upgrades come out, is it best to use an upgrade or full version. The only experience I have in this is upgrading my old Me to Xp. In doing so I have noticed that I am missing some screen savers in me, not listed when I upgraded. When I checked my upgraded version against a full version OEM retail There where some missing items as well, in the screen savers area. I didn't really completely check upgrade vs OEM, maybe I should have. If I upgrade from vista home premium to 7 home premium will there be some of the same problems of stuff missing from the upgrade.

 

[SIW2]

Hi,

Probably better to get the system builder (OEM ) dvd, imo.

SIW2

 

[MadDog56]

Hi,

Probably better to get the system builder (OEM ) dvd, imo.

SIW2

IMO the OEM copies aren't the best choice because they're tied to the motherboard it's first installed on. Sure they're cheaper, but your license is dramatically restricted.