Why You Should Upgrade Windows 7
The introduction of first the developer and then the customer previews of Windows 8 have caused some people to forget all about Windows 7. We must remember that wide release of Windows 8 remains months away, and many small-business owners are just starting to upgrade their companies’ computers to the Windows 7 operating system.
In 2009, after Window 7’s wide release, Scott Steinberg, in his post for Entrepreneur.com, listed 10 reasons why small-business owners should upgrade to Windows 7. Some of those reasons still make sense today.
Steinberg’s first reason is one that should appeal to everyone who still uses the Windows Vista operating system. Vista used a lot of memory and processing speed to power its graphical user interface. Windows 7 demands so little that even computers with only 1GHz of power and 1GB of memory can support it. This is important for the smallest of small-business owners who can’t afford to buy new computers. The upgrade version of Windows 7 Professional sells for $199.99 and the full version sells for $299.99. According to Microsoft, if your computers have Windows XP, you’re eligible for the upgrade version. You are advised to transfer all files to an external hard drive before installing Windows 7. Once the new operating system has been installed, you can transfer all data from the external hard drive back onto your computer.
Windows 7 is easier to navigate. One feature that I particularly like is the Aero Snap that will condense a window’s size if you move it to the extreme right or left of your screen. This is wonderful for people who want to look at two documents or a document and a Web page simultaneously. A feature that I sometimes use inadvertently is the Aero Peek feature that turns all windows transparent so I can look at my desktop. But it’s just as easy to use a short cut like pressing the Windows key and the letter D at the same time to simply reduce every window at once. If I hit them again, all my open windows reappear as quickly as they vanished.
You have fewer hardware and software compatibility issues with Windows 7 because it works well with most hardware and software without your having to download and install additional drivers, a task that sucks time and zaps productivity like few others.
Believe it or not, you don’t have to wait for Windows 8 to use physical gestures to navigate your operating system or pull up documents. If you own a touch-screen compatible computer, then you’re set.
Finally, Windows 7 performs better than Vista, according to Steinberg. It has a larger business software library and makes your work and Internet experiences more enjoyable.
The hullabaloo that surrounds the debut of new technology like Windows 8 resembles the excitement that accompanies the announcement of a fashion designer’s new collection at New York Fashion Week. In each case, everyone conveniently forgets what they already have, conveniently and affordably, available to them. Never fear small-business owners with small budgets. Windows 7 is still here.
