Upgrading to Windows 7
Given the multiple editions of 7, upgrading to Microsoft's latest OS was never going to be simple, really.
Want a visual representation of how confusing it can be? Here's a Microsoft-provided chart showing 66 - yes, 66 - different ways in which you can upgrade an existing Windows PC to Windows 7.
What's interesting is that users of Windows XP - which, remember, remains the most popular version of Windows to date - aren't offered the ability to carry out an in-place upgrade.
Although we always recommend a clean install, Microsoft's upgrade paths result in XP users needing to wipe their machines, install 7, and then re-install their applications and data. Windows 7's built-in Easy Transfer tool should help with the migration process, but it's still a cumbersome way for Microsoft to handle its largest install base.
For Vista users it's also a hit-or-miss process as it's generally only possible to upgrade to-and-from like-to-like versions. For example, you can carry out an in-place upgrade from a 64-bit version of Vista Business to 7 Professional, but not from 64-bit Vista Business to 7 Home Premium. Similarly, it's not possible to perform an in-place upgrade from a 32-bit version of any Windows to a 64-bit version of 7.
Adding to the complexity, the above chart is dependent on whether or not the consumer purchases an Upgrade or Full Edition version of Windows 7. Oddly enough, Upgrade editions provide the greatest flexibility, allowing users to carry out either an in-place upgrade or a custom install. Full Editions, meanwhile, support only custom installs.
It all sounds overly complicated, but amid the mass of product editions, there are some plus points worth noting. Firstly, Microsoft finally acknowledges that the modern-day consumer could have more than one PC and will consequently offer a Windows 7 Family Pack. The bundle, priced at £149.99, offers a single copy of Windows 7 Home Premium (Upgrade) accompanied with three license keys for use in a single household. An obvious solution, we feel, but Microsoft, for reasons unknown to us, states that the Family Pack will be available for a limited-time only.
Looking at the big picture, selecting a Windows 7 product edition remains needlessly complicated. If you're still scratching your head, we've prepared a standalone, detailed guide on Upgrading to Windows 7.
We've taken a look at what Windows 7 is, where it comes from, what it hopes to achieve, and how you can get your hands on it, in part two of our review, we'll discuss the installation process - including benchmark comparisons with Windows XP and Windows Vista.
HEXUS: Windows 7 review index |
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