Windows 7 arrives : Windows Vista leaves

The waiting is over, and the upgrading can begin. Today, Microsoft's new Windows 7 operating system arrives in stores and on new computers. Microsoft is celebrating the occasion with characteristic hype, staging a gala event in New York to unveil the software.

Windows 7 arrives

For many PC users, Windows 7's arrival also means it's time to kick Windows Vista to the curb. (Yes, some people say they like Vista; I myself prefer Vista to XP, though that may only reflect how tired I am of the 8-year-old XP.) As I wrote in my column and on this blog last week, I think Windows 7 represents a clear upgrade over its predecessor.

But it's too soon to declare every Windows 7 feature a positive (or negative) development. The responses of users, software developers and hardware manufacturers to this operating system will shape those verdicts. For example, will multiple-Win 7-PC households become common enough that its HomeGroup networking option wins wide use? Will new applications adapt to 7's Libraries folders or will they continue to assume, incorrectly, that all of a user's files belong in one huge My Documents folder? Will gadget developers take advantage of 7's Device Stage interface for managing peripherals? Will computer vendors build affordable machines that take advantage of 7's enhanced support for touch screens?

We'll just have to see about all that.

In the meantime, if you are thinking about upgrading to 7, first run Microsoft's free Upgrade Advisor to make sure that your current system's hardware and software will still work under 7. The Lifehacker blog has more tips about preparing for a Win 7 install, including advice on setting it up alongside an earlier copy of Windows or on a Mac. Ars Technica outlines your purchase and upgrade options, including a couple of ways to get 7 at a discount.

To repeat my own advice about the two most common Win 7 upgrade scenarios: Going from XP to 7 will be be a painful experience requiring either some acquaintance with the workings of Windows or a friend with that knowledge; moving from Vista to 7 should be far easier, but it wouldn't hurt to wait for a couple of weeks to give your computer's manufacturer time to crank out any necessary bug fixes to its software bundle.

If, however, you were waiting to buy a new Windows computer, go ahead. You've been waiting long enough.
Are you reading this post on a computer running Windows 7? Tell me how the new version is working out for you -- post a report on your upgrade experience in the comments.

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