How do you plan to get Windows 7?

Windows 7 may be Microsoft’s most anticipated product ever. It builds on Windows Vista’s positives, and eliminates many of that OS’s negatives. It adds new functionality, too—all in a package that is less resource-hungry than its predecessor. It always seems that you hear about the good deals on these products right after they are over. I purchased an Upgrade Version of Windows 7 Home Premium back in July from Amazon.com. Happy I did since it was tax free, with free shipping and a bargain at $49.99. It came with the 64-bit and 32-bit media, so I can still chose before install. The product arrived a week after the launch.

I attended a Developer/IT professional Microsoft Launch Event for Windows 7. It was held in a large Theater and at the end of the event we all got a copy of Windows 7 Ultimate- for free! I gave mine back right away since the 32-bit OS was not as desirable to me as the 64-bit OS. The Microsoft Team will ship a 64-bit version of Windows 7 Ultimate to me within the month.

I bought a new Dell Laptop and had it configured with Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit with an Windows XP Professional 32-bit downgrade. Since it was purchased after June 26, it came with a Windows 7 Ultimate 32-bit Upgrade, that will ship free from Dell.

As you can see, there are many inexpensive ways to get the Windows 7 OS product if you alreday have a Windows PC. I’m sure in the coming weeks; I will lean all about the joys of upgrading to Windows 7. My 4 year old HP Laptop is running the Windows 7 Ultimate Release Candidate without issues and the “custom” upgrade-essentially a clean install-was really painless. It expires next June, so I should be ready by then to either retire the system or buy a full copy of the new OS. Or maybe install the Home Premium version on a Netbook and use it as a Media Center.

And whether or not you're upgrading from Vista or skipping it altogether and moving up from Windows XP, you'll need to know how to make the most of it in your environment.

1. Pick Your Edition. Most business users do not need the more expensive Ultimate Edition; stick with Professional unless you specifically need BitLocker. If you are not a business user, the Home Premium Edition will do fine.

2. Upgrading? Go 64-bit. As the second major Windows release to fully support 64-bit, the x64 architecture has definitely arrived on the desktop. Don't buy new 32-bit hardware unless it's a netbook. Now if they just could make applications for 64-bit, someday.

3. Use Windows XP Mode. Yes, it's only an embedded Virtual PC with a full copy of WinXP—but it's an embedded Virtual PC with a full copy of Windows XP! This is the first profoundly intelligent use of desktop virtualization we've seen—and a great way to move to Windows 7 without giving up full Windows XP compatibility.

A Netbook is the Ideal Internet Companion.

Whether computing within your home, around town and campus, or across the country, the ultra-portable Laptops referred to as Netbooks keep you connected, supporting both built-in Wi-Fi and some even have Mobile Broadband options. The Intel Atom processor chip, graphics, and other Windows XP-based hardware provides the performance you need to surf the web and use your standard productivity software apps -- but is light enough to carry everywhere at under 3 lbs. It syncs files, photos and videos easily with your primary notebook or desktop PC whenever connected to the same network with the integrated SyncablesTM application. After initial setup, the bundled SyncablesTM software can update files between the netbook and primary PC systems in the background for a truly seamless experience.

There are many similar models from most laptop PC makers; my comments are based on the HP Mini 110:

UltraMobile Performance

Based on an architecture that optimizes internet access and basic communication, Intel Atom processors power the Mini's reliable, energy-efficient performance. The LED anti-glare widescreen display reduces both system weight and reflections that can distract from the visual experience. The 92% of full-size keyboard also improves weight without sacrificing comfort. Integrated 802.11b/g wireless LAN enables wireless access within range of a hotspot. The Mini 110 is designed to optimize ultra mobile performance.

Connection Comfort

You depend on internet access more than ever for e-mail, instant messaging, video chats, social networking, shopping, banking, research and so much more. The Mini 110 makes it easy to stay connected everywhere you go. The built-in webcam and Skype keep you close to friends and family. Its near-full-size (92%) keyboard is more comfortable for most than the thumb keys on smartphones and PDAs. The 10.1" diagonal LED widescreen display provides an expansive viewing area compared to other mobile devices. The Mini helps keep you connected and productive at your convenience.

Take a Break

Stream video or playback files loaded from your primary PC via SyncablesTM software, a USB drive or the internet. Connect to a larger display via the VGA port to share with others. Let Pandora Internet Radio lead you to artists likely to become new favorites on your playlists. Use Snapfish to share photo albums online with family and friends and to create personalized cards, memory books, posters and more in a few simple steps. Enjoy casual gaming by Wild Tangent online or off. The Mini 110 keeps you entertained everywhere you go.

Software

Security and Support
• Symantec Norton Internet Security 2009 (including 60 days complimentary live update)
• Syncables Mobile Desktop 5
• Back On Track Recovery
• LifeLock (identity protection)
Multimedia
• Adobe Reader
• eBay
• HP Document Viewer
• Windows Media Player 11
• Adobe Flash Player
• HP Games Powered by Wild Tangent
• Pandora Internet Radio; Snapfish
Productivity and Finance
• HP Battery Check
• Microsoft Works 9.0
• MS Office Home & Student Edition 2007 - 60Day Trial
• HP Help & Support
• HP User Guides
• HP Wireless Assistant
• HP Mobile Broadband Setup Utility
• Sun Java Virtual Machine
Internet Solutions
• AOL (internet portal)
• AOL AIM (instant messaging)
• Skype (instant messaging, voice & video calls)
• MSN Toolbar
• Internet Explorer 7

Are You Being Served?

What's the most under-rated Windows Operating System? It's Windows Home Server by Microsoft! I'm just starting to familiarize myself with the products functionality, but I already like what I see. I just purchased an HP LX 195 MediaSmart server and it's great.

It may help your family get control of their digital life in an affordable, easy-to-use Server. It lets you automatically back up and protect digital photos, as well as centralize digital media and content so it's easy to share. And you'll enjoy your media whether you're at home or away.

It's an Automatic backup that will automatically manage daily backups, virus protection, media collection, and power management, all behind the scenes. I'm using it to automatically back up multiple computers, running 3 different Microsoft OS versions.

It stores up to 600GB of photos, songs or hours of video. And you can get an integrated additional protection by backing up your server to an on-line back-up service like Amazon S3!

Designed for digital media, it can allow you to access your media anywhere with an Internet-connected computer, by streaming music and photos to any computer, while you're at home or away. It also helps in organizing and sharing music libraries for play throughout your home.

The setup, scheduling, and support is easy. Just plug it in, connect it to your wireless router, and load the software on your PCs. Then schedule the server to copy and centralize Windows PC media files and libraries (including iTunes and playlists).

If needed, you can expand your storage capacity by adding external hard drives via four USB ports on the back.