Installing Windows 7 & My Review
ByThe Windows 7 install process seems to be easier than other Microsoft OS. I’ve installed it twice now on a Dell Desktop formerly running XP and my Toshiba laptop. Others have detailed the steps and even provided screenshots to hold your hand through the process. Here are some recommended resources: 
From Windows 7 News & Tips – screenshots to refer to while installing windows 7.
Videos to help you with your Windows 7 install.
Windows7Update.com is offering a free 379-page downloadable e-book for anyone signing up for their newsletter. I downloaded it and have looked through a portion of it. Great step-by-step instructions from installing the OS to explaining how to encrypt your data using both Bit Locker & True Crypt and much more. You will have to give up your email address and verify it to get the link to the download. Well worth it.
My installs went well, I ran Microsoft’s advisor beforehand on our family Dell. It said everything was just great for the upgrade. The program lied – my sound drivers were not ready for Windows 7 and I ended up buying a new soundcard so we could have sound. In my research trying to find a new driver, I found out that Dell is probably the worst vendor out there for updating their drivers. I was very surprised to read that in several forums. The Dell site just said to keep checking back. Since our Dell is 4-5 years old and ran XP, I’m not too surprised about the driver issue – and I should have checked the Dell site instead of believing the Microsoft software!
My next install was on my Toshiba laptop. I did visit Toshiba’s site and was pleased to see they had updated drivers for Windows 7. I was running 32-bit Vista Home Premium and wanted to do a clean install. If you have Vista, you have the option to do what’s called an in-place upgrade. This preserves your files and settings so it doesn’t take as long. However, it doesn’t completely wipe the drive and give you a fresh start. I wanted to have the new machine experience and clear things out. It’s nice not having all the Toshiba ad-ware on my computer. It’s running faster and I’m enjoying the many new features of Windows 7.
Features I Like
- Of course, it’s just pretty with the aero glass-like design and there are lots of great themes to download and try out. Get into the settings and decide how often you want the scene on your theme to change.
- It runs faster than Vista – much snappier and lighter weight.
- The task bar has bigger icons and when you right-click a task bar icon, it shows you information about recent places you’ve been with a particular program.
- When the mouse hovers over an icon in the task bar, any open windows associated with that program pop up to show you what you’ve been working on. Then slide your mouse over to the document/email/webpage you wish to get back to.
- Home Group & Libraries—networking is easier with the HomeGroup feature. To take advantage of it, you will need at least two computers in your home with Windows 7. Libraries—I’m not an expert on this, but from what I’ve read at the Windows 7 Blog, it’s a way to share folders across your HomeGroup. For now, I’m just enjoying accessing my documents from either the Library, or my Personal Folders.
My conclusion is that Microsoft got it right with Windows 7 and I think it’ll be widely adopted and used.
Thanks for the in-depth review!
I got my first look at Windows 7 this week and my initial reaction was “so far, so good.”
“So far” being the key phrase of that statement.
New operating systems are almost always an improvement, and will almost always generate some sort of enthusiasm or buzz within the first couple months.
But until the user sits down and gets a feel for what a new OS is all about (outside the VirtualBox), you’re not going to understand the product’s deficiencies … or its notable improvements.
The reality being you need at least 4-6 months under your belt before you can conclude how successful an OS is for you. And that’s the bottom line, how successful is this system to you and your work environment?
Here are my Top 7 reasons why Windows 7 could be a success … and seven reasons it could be a failure:
Thanks again for the great review!
http://www.experts-exchange.com/articles/OS/Micro…
Thanks for your comments. I just read your review at your site and you've brought up some valid points, I especially wanted to comment on drivers for Win 7. On my older XP Dell computer, I found Dell doesn't upgrade their drivers very often and my sound driver didn't work. So I bought a new sound card and now it works.
I also upgraded my Vista machine which has an HP LaserJet printer attached to it – it's probably 7-8 years old but works great. I really held my breath as I couldn't find a driver at the HP site, but then Win 7 asked if it could locate and install a driver, so I said sure- and it found and installed one for it. I was so happy and relieved! I hope others have similar good experiences with it.