Windows 7

[FrankSG]

I'm thinking about buying a new computer sometime the last quarter of this year--or maybe a little latter. Has anyone heard anything from a reliable source as to When the final release of Win 7 is going be? I'd like to wait for it to be released before I buy One.

[mjc]

Best guess (several sources)...Q4...in time for the Christmas rush.

[FrankSG]

When we went from XP to VISTA, there was a fair amount of problems due to the fact that so many devices, drivers, and video cards were not compatible. Do you think the jump from VISTA to Win7 will cause as many problems?

[mjc]

I've been playing with the 7 beta and haven't had problems...

[Ajmukon]

I've been playing with the 7 beta and haven't had problems...

for me, it actually "created" drivers for some things (i did not need to install the video card for example- it just worked AS IS)

[jlreich]

Rumor is they are going to give free upgrades to new computers with vista home premium and ultimate bought after a certain date. Not sure of the exact date as nothing official from MS on it yet.

[FrankSG]

That would be nice...

[jlreich]

Well, they did this with systems with XP that were bought a little while before vista came out didn't they? Yes, free upgrade coupons as I remember it.

Funny thing is now you can pay for downgrade coupons. :p

[Yougssio76]

I'm the lawnmower...and your a** is grass, boy!

[minus-sign]

I'm going to PRETT-reported

[acstache]

I have win7 on my laptop (ibm thinkpad x41 tablet) and I must say I'm impressed. I started off not knowing what to expect. after installing it, my wireless wasn't working and my fingerprint scanner wasn't working. Since I use it to take notes in class, no big deal. No internet keeps me from distracting myself in class and no fingerprint scanner isn't a big deal since i didn't use it often anyways. Eventually there were windows updates, like all OS's. So I obviously DL'd and installed them. suddenly my wireless works (WOOT!). a couple days after there's a 'windows solution' to my fingerprint scanner, and come to find out the manufacturer made a win7 compatible driver :D. So now I'm where I was with xp pro tablet edition 2005. It runs really well too. Overall win7 to me is what vista should have been. I'm fine with vista, and win7 is just that much better in my opinion

[azzey]

I have also been playing around with the Beta, and I (for once) like what I see. I find it 20 times better than Vista, and I have been running it since the day it was first released.

[saphalline]

I like swords!

I mean... I like Windows 7!

Actually, there are a lot of things I like... :p

[awaj]

said free upgrades to vista was the manufacturer doing, to the best of my understanding. I don't remember getting that offer when I bought XP for self reinstalls on my laptop. I bought the XP copy soon after Vista was released I think...

[pop pop]

Will windows 7 be 64-bit?

[sassie05]

Pop Pop,
Yes.
I have the ultimate 64bit version

[classicsoftware]

Well, they did this with systems with XP that were bought a little while before vista came out didn't they? Yes, free upgrade coupons as I remember it.

Funny thing is now you can pay for downgrade coupons. :p

There is no charge for downgrades from my white box builder. I can get Vista or XP on any system for the same price....

[Fruss Tray Ted]

for me, it actually "created" drivers for some things (I did not need to install the video card for example- it just worked AS IS)
As opposed to as us??

What sucks for me is, I downloaded the BETA and waited awhile before attempting to install it because I needed to put an old pile of parts together for a test bed PC. It meets the minimum requirements amply except memory is at the bare minimum but alas, it will not install. It gets to a certain point, maybe 50% +/-, and errors out. The 'windows' of opportunity to download the BETA had timed out by the time of discovery :( . As many key codes as you want can still be obtained but they are of little use to me now. I have tried 2 keys so far but the results are the same. My copy does not want to work or there is something wrong with my hardware and I don't know what that is though I'm leaning on my GPU.

If someone has a working ISO and is willing to host it somewhere to D/L, I'd be eternally grateful. Otherwise I'll continue to chalk it up to another of Windows' frustrating experiences...

JFYI, I'm trying to install it on:
480W PSU
A7N8X (original vers, no RAID etc. recertified <-?) ASUS mobo
*64meg DDR GPU* <-- my assumed culprit
2800 Barton core AMD CPU
1 gig pc-2700 RAM in 3 parts: 2x 256 + 1x 512
D/L DVD burner
56K CD-ROM
floppy drive (CRS if I tried without) <-- possible other culprit

[FrankSG]

I believe that MS will soon be releasing an updated beta of Win7.

[PrntRhd]

The update Release Candidate will be available May 5 on their download site, and already available to MStechnet members. The key will allow use until June 2010.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/default.aspx?pf=true

The RTM will be coming sooner than you think.

[minus-sign]

The update Release Candidate will be available May 5 on their download site, and already available to MStechnet members. The key will allow use until June 2010.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/default.aspx?pf=true

The RTM will be coming sooner than you think.

*rubs hands together and smiles gleefully* Come to Papa!

[Ajmukon]

I already am prepared to download the RC 1. Though i will need to ask my roommate to burn it...

[jlreich]

Downloading now and got a bunch of keys for both 32 and 64bit. They said no limit on keys so if you want more keys just refresh the page and copy them down as many times as you want.

Download is going pretty slow right now at around 180KBs each for downloading both 32 and 64 at the same time. I am sure they are bogged down since it's the first day it is released.

[Luffypsp]

Downloaded the 32-bit version around 6 hours. Got an average 110 kb/s...

Am backing up my stuffs to install this best OS by m$....

[FrankSG]

I'm in the process of downloading it right now. I won't install until I've backed up all of my important data. I have Vista Business right now. When I install will it give me the option of a "Clean Install" or something other than a clean install. If I choose a clean install, will it wipe out Vista and everything else? No problem if it does since I'll backup everything. And if it give me problems, I can always put Vista back on.

[jlreich]

MS says you can upgrade from vista, but doesn't give any specific info on from what version to what version combinations that I can quickly find.

If you won't have any programs that you simply must have while getting 7 set up the way you like it and since you are good at backing up data I say it's always best to do a fresh install.

Win 7 FAQs (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/faq.aspx)

[saphalline]

W7 is like Vista in that the "versions" are based on the keys, right? The 32-bit DVD contains all 32-bit versions, then your specific "Business" key turns that into an installation of Vista Business 32-bit. I think that's how it works. In which case, all W7 beta & RC keys are "Ultimate", so the "upgrade" will be to W7 RC Ultimate, I think.

I don't know for sure, never tried it. I've always done fresh installs of both Vista and W7 beta. I have had more successful upgrades of Windows than unsuccessful ones, but it's still not something I like to spend my time on. ;)

[Fruss Tray Ted]

Frank,
Why don't you save your Vista install and just get another hard drive to install Win7 on? Just an idea...

I downloaded both versions, now to shop for some hardware to put it on...

[FrankSG]

Frank,
Why don't you save your Vista install and just get another hard drive to install Win7 on? Just an idea...

I downloaded both versions, now to shop for some hardware to put it on...

I've thought of that, but I think I'm going just "jump in" and install it on over Vista. I'm going to wait a couple of days until I have a lot of time to mess with it and do some reading about it.

[FrankSG]

I've got it but my printers etc will not work as there are no drivers available. Has anyone who has Win7 had any problems getting drivers and other software?

[PrntRhd]

Have you attempted Vista drivers for the printers?

[FrankSG]

Have you attempted Vista drivers for the printers?
Yes, I went to HP's website and they had the software for the 64 bit Vista. I downloaded it but it didn't work. On their site it said that if you don't see your OS it means that they don't have the software as yet. And it's a brand-new printer--I just bought it today. It's an HP PhotoSmart C4440. I suppose it's since the final version of the OS hasn't been released yet. It will be awhile before you can get the drivers.

[PrntRhd]

Microsoft is looking to have it released by 4th quarter 2009:
http://www.informationweek.com/news/windows/operatingsystems/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=217400197

[FrankSG]

Microsoft is looking to have it released by 4th quarter 2009:
http://www.informationweek.com/news/windows/operatingsystems/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=217400197

Good! That means that the device manufacturers will get busy and give us some drivers that will work. As I said above, I bought a new printer yesterday and it would not work on Win7 64 bit. I look for HP to have the drivers available soon. Maybe that's just wishful thinking. Later this afternoon, I'm going to install the 32 bit. I'll post back and let you know if my printer will work with that.

[awaj]

well, I have a quick and hopefully simple question. What's the best firewall and AV for windows 7?

[jlreich]

I have Avast running on 7 64bit. Haven't tried a firewall yet since I am running it in VirtualBox in Linux.

[SufferWell1396]

I've yet to try Windows 7, only for the simple fact that i don't feel like installing a Beta or RC, then having to wipe it when i buy a full fledged copy itself.
Either way, I think I'm gonna wait for it to come out, i have Vista on my laptop now, and i'm completely satisfied, i really do like it.
I like Vista, but then again, i like Windows Me, which i'm typing this from, so i might just be nuts haha ;)

[FrankSG]

well, I have a quick and hopefully simple question. What's the best firewall and AV for windows 7?

I have AVG for antivirus on Win7 32 bit and it seems to work OK. I tried ZoneAlarm but it won't install. Windows firewall is on here and although it's not the best, it's better than nothing untill I find something else

[pop pop]

I looked at downloading the W7RC last night. The MS site wanted me to register for Windows Live (or something like that). What is that? Second question: is the download an ISO that you burn for the install?

[awaj]

the windows live thing is some thing microsoft uses to keep track of installs and such, you can set it up so you won't get spam, and there's no negative benifits for it (that I can tell...) The ISO is what you burn the DVD from. Unless you are running W7 Beta, you need an ISO burner. here's a link for a free one (http://isorecorder.alexfeinman.com/isorecorder.htm).

[Sylvander]

Online Armor FREE edition (http://www.tallemu.com/free-firewall-protection-software.html) is a good firewall; I'm using it in Windows and like it lots.
Don't know if it works with Windows 7.

[FrankSG]

For anyone who is having trouble installing devices on Win 7, here's what I found out. I first had the 64 bit system. I could install one of my printers but not the other, and I couldn't install my scanner. A message popped up saying not compatible with Windows 7. I then installed the 32 bit version. The scanner installed with out any problems. I finally did install my two printers but here is what you have to do: If you try to install it with the software that came with the device and it says not compatible with Windows 7. Just disregard the software and go to "Add Printer". When the dialog box comes up with all the printers listed, if you see your printer listed, just install it from there. If you don't see your printer listed, shut down your computer, plug in your USB cable, restart your computer and let windows find and install your device. I can't say if that will work for everybody, but it did work for both of my printers.

[jlreich]

The MS site wanted me to register for Windows Live (or something like that). What is that?
I use a disposable email account for this. Have been since Vista beta. You can untick all the boxes and they won't send you any emails.

[Luffypsp]

I just install it, it works great. The only problem is the symantec driver is still incompatible. Other working great.

Faster game loading, faser boot and faster shutdown.

[awaj]

I want to set it up so that when I plug in headphones it disables the speakers. Realtek drivers did it in vista and XP. I'm unable to install the 64 bit Vista Drivers, is there generic drivers or something like that which will do that?

[123456]

I downloaded 64-bit 7 in 35 minutes :P (1.2-1.7Mb/s). Burnt it to a DVD, installed it on a partition. Dual booting it with XP SP3, I really like it so far. Fast, much better than Vista. I got some tweaks on the net to remove the version number from the desktop and shortcut arrows, if anyone wants them. I never was a fan of grouping taskbar icons, however. Much improved.

[jlreich]

I have never much cared for grouping either and don't much care for the default 7 taskbar. But I did just change the settings to make the icons smaller and to never group, so it is much better. I am running it in Virtual Box in Linux and only use it to log on to my company website that needs IE to work correctly.

[PrntRhd]

Microsoft learned that business absolutely hated Vista for breaking programs, but Windows 7's XP Compatibility Mode offers virtual Windows XP SP3 OS to allow use of programs compatible with XP.
http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Windows/Why-Microsoft-Windows-7-XP-Mode-Is-a-Major-Advancement-405072/

[jlreich]

This is a good thing if it works as stated. Only problem I can think of is the machine is going to need to be more powerful in order to basically run a virtual machine all the time. Some businesses will find this increase in cost unacceptable.

Solving the compatibility issue is a big win, but many businesses are still running workstations with single core systems. Actually over the last couple of years I have seen a small trend back to thin clients where appropriate.

It will be interesting to look more into it and see what kind of performance hit this is going to require.

[FrankSG]

As they say, "A rose is a rose is a rose." I suppose the same thing can be said about a beta--"A beta is a beta is a beta." I downloaded and installed Virtual PC and XP Mode. It can actually be a good thing for anyone running Vista or Win7 and are having problems running old applications or devices. But MS needs to get some bugs out first.When you Launch XP Mode, it looks as though you are actually in XP. Well, virtually you are. The problem came when I tried to install my HP Deskjet, my laser printer and my scanner. It simply could not find my USB ports. The only ports it would find were COM ports and LTP Ports. So they simply would not install. It would just sit there and do nothing or it would freeze. I tried several different ways and in every case it would not find my USB Ports. So, I un-installed it. One thing you need to keep in mind if you do install it and that's disk space. XP mode will take up a lot of space; and even though you have applications installed on your main OS, you'll still need to install them in XP mode if you want to use them. So, all in all, I think it's going to be OK as soon as they fix it.

[awaj]

what's the link the XP mode download?

[FrankSG]

what's the link the XP mode download?

Below is the link. Be sure to read the information concerning it. You're computer has to be capable for vitalization. If it's older than 3 years, it may not be. Even if it is, most have vitalization disabled by default. You have to go into the BIOS to enable it. The link below provides the information.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/default.aspx
Maybe you'll have better luck with it than I did. If you try it, why don't you post back and let us know what the results are?

[awaj]

yeah, it doesn't come with any drivers. Also, how secure is it? It keeps complaining about AV and such, should I put one on it?

Aside from having to install the drivers, it "seems" to be running fine I'm not doing too much in it yet, installing updates and such. I tried installing Starwars Knights of the old republic, and it's comming up with something about 3d graphics as an error and then crashing. hopefully with drivers it will work XD.

[FrankSG]

yeah, it doesn't come with any drivers. Also, how secure is it? It keeps complaining about AV and such, should I put one on it?

Aside from having to install the drivers, it "seems" to be running fine I'm not doing too much in it yet, installing updates and such. I tried installing Starwars Knights of the old republic, and it's comming up with something about 3d graphics as an error and then crashing. hopefully with drivers it will work XD.
Maybe it's telling you that you need AV or some-such anti virus software. As with any beta, one can never be sure how secure or stable it is. If it keeps freezing, you may want to disregard it until MS comes out with the final release. I uninstalled the one I had.

[awaj]

I theorize that once the drivers for it are installed, it should be fine... Windows 7 should provide the drivers though....

[awaj]

ok, so I'm thoroughly confused. There are 3 devices which are "unknown" to the device manager in the virtual XP, and Driver Genious won't download the drivers... It also seems like there is no driver for video. I can't change the resolution in XP, nor can I change it from 16bit color scheme. Does anyone else have that problem? or is it even a problem?

[FrankSG]

ok, so I'm thoroughly confused. There are 3 devices which are "unknown" to the device manager in the virtual XP, and Driver Genious won't download the drivers... It also seems like there is no driver for video. I can't change the resolution in XP, nor can I change it from 16bit color scheme. Does anyone else have that problem? or is it even a problem?

My guess is that it is a problem with the beta version of XP virtual. As I mentioned, it couldn't even see my USB ports. I'm sure there are other things that in won't find. That's the reason I uninstalled it.

[jlreich]

I am not certain how this integration thing works with the virtual machine, but you usually have to set up optical and USB drives in the virtual machine settings in order to be able to access them from the virtual machine.

My question is why do you need to do all this? I thought it was supposed to be seamless integration? Hmm, I am running 7 in a virtual machine in Linux, I think I will give it a shot see how it goes... Haha, running a virtual machine within a virtual machine. I will post back.

[FrankSG]

I might reinstall it and give it another shoot...

[jlreich]

I am downloading it in 7 right now. However, I am thinking I won't be able to install a vm in a vm, but will give a shot.

There seems to be some good info in the how-to guide (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/support/default.aspx) about this kind of thing and other good stuff. You might want to download the three PDFs and have a look through them. I think the bottom one is the how-to. No sorry, the middle one...

Edit - Nope, can't install a vm in a vm. The needed virtual capability of the computer doesn't come through. I guess I am going to have to actually install 7 outright at some point to try it out.

[awaj]

FrankSG, just wondering? Did the USB drives apear in the menu bar at the top of the Virtual XP? There's a couple up on the top that let's you close out of it, mount/unmount flash drives and a couple other things.

[FrankSG]

FrankSG, just wondering? Did the USB drives apear in the menu bar at the top of the Virtual XP? There's a couple up on the top that let's you close out of it, mount/unmount flash drives and a couple other things.

Yes, they do. I really didn't notice it until you mentioned it. I clicked on one of them, and am now able to use my printer. The link that jlreich provided give some good information. I clicked on that link and then on the second pdf file. It printed a lot of good information. I haven't read it yet but will do so later.

[Fruss Tray Ted]

I clicked on that link and then on the second pdf file. It printed a lot of good information.

Isn't having a computer part of today's 'Green society'? IE, to save paper and treees?!! :p I usually just save pdf files to my hard drive unless I want to bring a hard copy somewhere away from any PC or where using my laptop would be an inconvenience, such as greasy hands, too bright to see screen etc.

Besides, I'm running out of file cabinet space.... :o

[awaj]

Besides, I'm running out of file cabinet space.... :o

I found the perfect solution for that... especially if the papers are notes from school and such. That solution is a mixture of wood, steel wool, 9 volt battery, and notes, or wood, match, lint, and notes, or wood, fire starter, match, and notes...

All of those do great on reducing space needed to store school notes and such.

[awaj]

Ok, so I figured out a way to disable speakers and enable headphones using the windows 7 hardware. right click, personalize, click on the option to modify sounds, and then it's some tab like playback. (sorry for not being exact here.) When messing around with the headphone configuration, it goes to being disabled. Anyone else have that problem? is there a way around it?

[PrntRhd]

Last week Microsoft announced that they will offer free upgrades from Vista to Windows 7 on PCs purchased now and up to the October launch of Windows 7.
http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Windows/Microsoft-Will-Offer-Windows-7-Upgrade-With-Vista-Announces-Server-Launch-118377/
Expect no rush to buy PCs from business until the launch, they will avoid Vista compatibility issues by waiting.

[awaj]

cool, now if only I could afford a laptop to replace my old one...