CNN) -- OK, so after eight years and a lot of grumbling -- Vista, anyone? -- Microsoft has finally released a new Windows 7, which went on sale Thursday, promises a smoother user experience, multi-touchscreen capability and more seamless networking with other computers. Early reviews have been good.
When compared to Vista ...
"We think it's a far superior product to the previous Microsoft operating systems," says Vishal Dhar, co-founder of iYogi, a tech services company. "It's got a more intuitive interface."
Boy howdy, there's a low bar: better than previous MS OS. Better than ME? Better than 98 SE?
Great. But it is right for you? Which version of the software best fits your needs?
The one that costs the most, of course ...
And are there tricks to installing Windows 7 and navigating its new features?
With Windows 7 Professional you get prayer beads ...
We anticipate seven of the most common questions about Windows 7 and offer some advice:
Will my aging computer run Windows 7?
Maybe. If your PC can run the much-maligned Windows Vista, it can probably run Windows 7.
It could also run Windows ME ...
Check your computer's specs: To install Windows 7, you'll need at least a 1 gigahertz or faster 32-bit (x86) processor, plus at least 2 GB of RAM and at least 16 GB of available hard disk space.
Yes, that sounds like a foreign language to most people. If you're not sure what all that means, try downloading a free Microsoft tool called a Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor, which will scan your PC, report any potential problems and offer ways to fix them.
And report you to MS if you don't buy Windows 7 in the next 7 days ...
Is upgrading to Windows 7 worth it?
That depends on your budget and how you use your computer. The software will cost you from $120 to $220, depending on which version you buy. If you're broke and you're happy with your Vista or Windows XP system, then there's probably no rush.
But keep in mind that Windows XP is eight-year-old software, and that it will eventually stop running new applications. Newer operating systems also offer better security against hackers. You'll need to upgrade someday.
And since you have to copy all your stuff and archive it, you might as well buy a Mac ...
Depending on how old your computer is, you may be better off buying a new laptop or PC, preloaded with Windows 7, instead of trying to refresh your aging machine. Retailers such as Best Buy and Dell.com are offering Windows 7-loaded laptops for as low as $499.
Or visit the Apple store for laptops and iMacs that just work.
Which version of Windows 7 should I buy?
Snow Leopard ...
Most casual computer users will probably be satisfied with the Home Premium edition ($119.99), which includes most of the basic features you'll need. That includes Home Group, which makes it easier to share music, video and documents -- a common printer, too -- between Windows 7-enabled computers in a home.
Small business owners and people who work from home may opt for the Professional edition ($199.99), which supports all the Home Premium features while automatically backing up all your data to a networked hard drive.
If you guard corporate secrets or work for the CIA, you'll want the Ultimate edition ($219.99). It comes with BitLocker encryption, which prevents thieves from accessing your files if your laptop is stolen.
All versions of Snow Leopard cost $29.99.
How tricky is Windows 7 to install?
If you can juggle bowling balls, recite haiku and do linear algebra in your head all at the same time then it's a breeze ...
| Of course, can't everyone? You won't mind if I recite a few of my own poems instead of one from the classic Japanese, I hope -- trailing daughter #2 does not approve of my accent. |
"Why, it was almost as easy as upgrading a Mac!"
Upgrading from Windows XP is more complicated. Users will need to back up their files, format their hard drive, install Windows 7 and then reinstall browsers, reimport bookmarks and so on. Microsoft has a wizard called Easy Transfer that uses a USB cable to help you transfer files and settings.
Or just copy your stuff to your new Mac ...
It's not officially recommended, but Bruzzese says XP users also can install a borrowed copy of Vista, then upgrade easily from there to Windows 7.
What if I need help?
Go to the Microsoft store and ask a 'guru', if you can find one ...
If you don't have a tech-savvy friend, nephew or neighbor, try Microsoft's online Windows 7 Solution Center, which will walk you through the installation process.
Wonder if you can reach it with XP ...
You may also want to consider hiring a tech-support service such as iYogi, whose technicians connect to your computer remotely to diagnose problems, help you install Windows 7 and show you how to migrate your old applications onto your new system. Services start at about $30.
Great. $219 for an upgrade and I need to hire an IT twerp to install it.
Will Windows 7 run my old XP programs?
Most likely. Heeding complaints about Vista's compatibility problems, Microsoft is introducing something called XP Mode, which creates a virtual, or "shadow" Windows XP operating system running inside Windows 7.
Sort of like how you could run Mac OS 9 inside OS X which Apple did about five years ago.
Once XP Mode is running, it fools your older apps into thinking they're on Windows XP.
And fools you into thinking you're okay ...
Here you'll find an XP start menu and all your familiar XP features -- all of which should work as they did before. XP Mode is only available in the higher-priced Professional and Ultimate editions, though.
Chi-ching ...
Does Windows 7 have any cool new bells and whistles?
In other words, it's more like Mac OS X ...