Hi,

 

Western Digital have sent me a new drive to replace one that has got faulty sectors and I'm wondering whether it's worth trying to get a copy of Windows 7 to load instead of using XP again?

 

I've never used Windows 7 and just see the adverts on TV for it, but is it worth installing over XP?

 

Thanks

 

Vijay

I've never used win7 but the main reason for using XP is stability. From what I've read win7 does seem stable and is of course a whole lot better than the dross that was Vista. So I would say take the opportunity to upgrade.

7 ftw! the best os yet!!! do it!!!!!!

if you have a pc with decent ram 2gb upwards or a 64bit system its well worth installing i will go over to win7 in the end as it does seem very stable but for now its Xp sp3 all the way :D

Cheers guys.

 

Got 4GB of ram, no idea if I've got a 64bit system (how do I find out?)

Windows 7 is alot better and is stable :)

I always went for XP ....probably scared to use something else because you get used it but now have Windows 7 and I reckon its much better :)

Win7 for sure.

its based on the Os so you can get 32bit Win7 or a (64bit) version

 

you will also be able to use more of your ram with the latter option

What advantages are there for 64bit?

Mainly speed, the terms 32-bit and 64-bit refer to the way a computer's processor handles information. The 64-bit version of Windows handles large amounts of (RAM) more effectively than a 32-bit system.

 

but confirm you have a64bit sys first and i would check that the regular prog's and software you use is has no issues with it (driver's) etc

 

To find out if your computer is running 32-bit or 64-bit Windows, do the following:

1. Open System by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking System and Maintenance, and then clicking System.
   
2. Under System, you can view the system type.
   

Windows 7 by far the best one yet, takes a bit of getting used to as they have put things in odd places, but once you figure it out, its a good OS and stable.

 

As for 32bit over 64bit, if your processor is capable of using a 64os, then its a good idea to use one. add on to that 64bit utilises the memory better, (but only for programs that run in 64bit) then you also get a small speed increase.

 

Basically you don't need 64bit, as most everyday items do not run with the 64bit architecture. but its just handy to have it there for things like system drivers.

 

Id check that your CPU can use 64bit first (IE what processor do you have, most Pentium 4 and above use it) and make sure your mother board has the updated 64bit drivers. other wise its pointless.

 

And dont worry you can run 32bit programs on a 64bit OS, as it uses a different program files folder for the 32bit applications.

Ive always been a windows XP person and still use it but will upgrade to Windows 7 soon.

 

Love XP but its too long in the tooth now, got to move with the times.

Windows 7 by far the best one yet, takes a bit of getting used to as they have put things in odd places, but once you figure it out, its a good OS and stable.

 

As for 32bit over 64bit, if your processor is capable of using a 64os, then its a good idea to use one. add on to that 64bit utilises the memory better, (but only for programs that run in 64bit) then you also get a small speed increase.

 

Basically you don't need 64bit, as most everyday items do not run with the 64bit architecture. but its just handy to have it there for things like system drivers.

 

Id check that your CPU can use 64bit first (IE what processor do you have, most Pentium 4 and above use it) and make sure your mother board has the updated 64bit drivers. other wise its pointless.

 

And dont worry you can run 32bit programs on a 64bit OS, as it uses a different program files folder for the 32bit applications.

 

Never knew that :surrender:

+1 for Win7.

thanks everyone, looks like I'll hopefully be going to windows 7 then :)

thanks everyone, looks like I'll hopefully be going to windows 7 then :)

 

shut up and get it done already :lol:

i might do it yet with some help from Vods lol!

I'm a long time XP user, but I do use W7 on a few machines and it is very good. Definitely my (MS) OS of choice now.

Got W7 installed but already having a few issues :(

 

Microsoft fingerprint reader no longer works - from what I've read there is no support for it in W7.

 

Won't boot up into VGA screen if my HDMI cable is attached - I'm hoping Nvidia can advise on that, hoping I can just upgrade the bios or something.

 

Nvidea had a useful tool called Nview which gave you lots of options. Not on the latest driver software and they removed it for W7

 

If I can't sort the HDMI thing out, will be back to XP cos that'll do my head in!

Still haven't got the HDMI problem sorted out but will probably stick with W7 for the time being.

 

One thing I did like that's not on W7 is outlook express, was nice and simple for email. Is there any other simple options apart from going to Windows live mail?

 

Cheers

 

Vijay

Still haven't got the HDMI problem sorted out but will probably stick with W7 for the time being.

 

One thing I did like that's not on W7 is outlook express, was nice and simple for email. Is there any other simple options apart from going to Windows live mail?

 

Cheers

 

Vijay

 

I use Thunderbird

 

http://www.mozillamessaging.com/en-US/thunderbird/

 

I also have the full Outlook, but don't use it, installs as part of the MS Office suite.

 

Checkout these for options

 

http://www.ilovefreesoftware.com/19/articles/7-best-free-email-clients-free-replacement-for-outlook.html

 

 

More info regards Outlook Express (or lack of....)

 

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Where-is-Outlook-Express

 

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/download-outlook-express