Posted on 10/21/2009 11:43:38 AM PDT by bcsco
If you’re like of lot of Windows users out there, you skipped Vista and are still running XP on your computer. You’ve been waiting for October 22 and now that it’s here you’re ready to try Windows 7. You’re system is relatively new, about three- to four-years old, and you’ve run Microsoft’s Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor and your hardware is well on par with Windows 7’s requirements.
However, you’re not quite ready to give up XP just yet. Maybe you have some applications that failed the Upgrade Advisor’s compatibility check or maybe you got burned during the Vista debacle. No matter what the reason, you want to give the new operating system a chance but you just don’t want to put all your eggs in the Windows 7 basket.
So you’re pondering the idea of installing Windows 7 in a dual-boot configuration along side of Windows XP. Doing so will place both Windows XP and Windows 7 at your disposal, which will be a big advantage as you begin your experimentation. You can investigate Windows 7, but when you need to get some work done, you can boot back into Windows XP. This type of configuration will also be handy if and when you decide that you want to move to Windows 7.
(Excerpt) Read more at blogs.techrepublic.com.com ...
Nope. Bought a Vista laptop a fw weeks ago, can’t afford to buy a new O/S
Uh, OK. But Vista is upgradable and doesn't need a dual-boot configuration. And since this is about XP (which isn't upgradable), I don't see where it would apply, anyway.
I setup a dual boot with Vista in one partition and Windows 7 RC1 in another. Also have a couple of Linux distributions in those partitions also. It all works together.
If you bought it a few weeks ago then the store or manaufacturer might give you a free upgrade to Windows 7.
ping
I know but I can’t find the documentation to see if I was elgible for the free upgrade. aarrgh
Go back to the store and ask about the upgrade. I see even Wal-Mart is offering it. If they fluff you off, contact Microsoft.
I did not read and answer in 23 seconds. I guess I was anticipating the question.
I agree. I have two XP machines, one only 2 weeks old. But sometime in the future XP won't be supported and more people will think about migrating. This could help. I've saved it as a PDF file (available from TechRepublic) because I get inquiries from friends about PC issues.
I’ll think about it. Vista seems to work OK for my purposes.
why do that when you can run XP inside of Windows 7?
Much easier to just stop by BestBuy on way home from work, pick up a 500gug HDD and install w7 on *that* instead of risking my present C: drive. I do have an “apps” dvd with all my mission critical stuff so why take the risk with my stable drive? If i dont like w7 I can just take it back.
And anyway, Im hearing some negative things about w7. Legacy programs wont work, copying files to and fro STILL takes forever, no classic start menu, no “up” arrow in explorer, cant upgrade with apps intact from xp, so why bother? As soon as they get all the bugs squashed with w7, the next op sys will be out.
Microsoft today announced pricing plans for its new Windows 7 operating system, which will end up costing consumers less than its oft-vilified Vista counterpart.
Specifically, the estimated prices in the United States for a Windows 7 upgrade are:
* Windows 7 Home Premium (Upgrade): $119.99
* Windows 7 Professional (Upgrade): $199.99
* Windows 7 Ultimate (Upgrade): $219.99
And the estimated prices for the full Windows 7 package are:
* Windows 7 Home Premium (Full): $199.99
* Windows 7 Professional (Full): $299.99
* Windows 7 Ultimate (Full): $319.99
Microsoft also says that consumers who purchase new PCs before Windows 7 goes on sale will get free upgrades once it is released in the fall.
http://gadgetwise.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/25/pricing-for-windows-7-announced/
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/buy/offers/upgrade-option.aspx
ping
I’ve read that Windows 7 doesn’t run all that well as a shell within Windows 7. Can’t recall where I saw that, may have been on another thread.
True, but I read a few days ago that legacy apps aren’t a problem. It was another thread and I was specifically looking into the compatibility of Office 2000. All seemed well. There may be some 3rd party applications that don’t work as well as on XP, but from what I read, the vast majority of major applications run well.
Check the mfg’s website.
When I bought my XP laptop a couple of years ago, I was eligible for a VISTA upgrade, via the manufacturer’s website.
[I declined the upgrade then, because it was $40 and I had already heard too many tales of woe regarding VISTA.]
Good. But I can’t do it if I have to reinstall all my other programs.
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