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General discussion

Windows 7 ( IS IT WORTH THE MONEY ??? )

Dec 15, 2009 3:29AM PST

I can understand that Microsoft messed up with windows vista and that it really wasn't worth the money but is windows 7 worth the money. I have used it with and without touchscreen and played around with it and all i can put my finger on is its a bit easier to use, apart from that Microsoft has just changed the theme and thought yer that will do. Maybe its just me being a cheapskate but

Discussion is locked

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That is up to you
Dec 15, 2009 3:33AM PST

You will surely get a range of answers here in the forums Happy

To figure out if it is worth it to YOU, the best thing to do would be to understand the new features and see if you think they will make a difference and improve the way you use a PC.

The Windows 7 homepage is a good place to start: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/home?os=win7

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I took a peek at the website
Dec 15, 2009 3:39AM PST

I had a look at the website and I dont think that the wording is right on this table:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/compare?T1=tab20

Of course your going to say its faster/easier but if you really take a look at it windows vista can do most of those tasks anyway. I suppose its a matter of if you want the speed or not. Thanks For Your Opinion

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Specific Features
Dec 15, 2009 3:47AM PST

The features on the right are what I think you should be looking into...

What do you primarily use your computer for?

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Computer Uses
Dec 15, 2009 3:51AM PST

Mostly I use it for programing/developing and vista seems to be able to compile the graphics fine. I have a quick launch bar to access all of my commonly used programs with one click or i just use RocketDock. I surf the web a lot and it seems to do that fine. I play games (CSS, Left 4 Dead etc...) and it does that fine. People will soon be deving a windows 7 theme/taskbar. I dont really see the need to spend

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win7
Dec 15, 2009 4:00AM PST

If you are just fine using Vista and none of the new features seem like they would help you then maybe it is not the time for you to upgrade. At the end of the day only you can make that call.

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Windows 7 Uses
Dec 15, 2009 4:08AM PST

What hobbies/uses would you need To have for windows 7 to enhance you're experience??? Or who was windows 7 aimed at???

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Windows 7
Dec 15, 2009 5:56AM PST

Windows 7 was aimed at just about everyone who uses a PC. I don't see why anyone wouldn't enjoy longer battery life or faster start-up times. Homegroup makes sharing files easier than previous versions of Windows.

There are numerous improvements that are beneficial in the workplace- http://www.microsoft.com/windows/works-the-way-you-want.aspx

I've seen many gamers say gaming on Windows 7 is a much better experience than with Vista.

XP mode let's people run older software in a virtual environment.

Sharing photos and streaming media to your home entertainment center is easy to do also with Windows 7.

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Fair Arguement
Dec 15, 2009 6:04AM PST

I think that is a very good argument and yer it would be nice to have a longer battery life and faster start up, however i don't think its worth

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If you...
Dec 15, 2009 12:01PM PST

Want a PC to look like a Mac and perform like Microsoft, get Win7 and that is your idea Wink

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But...
Dec 16, 2009 2:35AM PST

Is it worth

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It's your choice
Dec 16, 2009 4:33AM PST

to spend the money or not, but there is a lot more to Windows 7 that you can't see.
It's all about choice and what you want from it, everyone has different needs and wants.
I like the changes and was happy with it's performance and improvements. From the beta release through to the RTM version I haven't had any problems.
I do a lot of tv and video recording and edditing and find W7 a big enough improvement on Vista to upgrade to Windows 7.
My system is now nearly 3 years old and runs W7 just fine and should last me another 3 years and cost me about a $1 a week for W7.

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My mind is made up
Dec 17, 2009 6:22AM PST

Due to all the good comments about windows 7 i have decided to order a copy for christmas. thanks guys i'll post a new thread when i get it. Happy

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Great feedback!
Dec 17, 2009 7:40AM PST

Thank you for pointing that out. Windows 7 is more customizable- but to go along with Jeff's point the features have to make it worth it to you to upgrade.

Cheers,
Tara

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I see the light of Windows 7
Dec 17, 2009 6:17PM PST

I agree now that windows 7 has greatly improved performance and features of vista. I was only put off of it when i tried the RC and it messed up my computer. But that was an RC what was i expecting thanks for talking round. Happy

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Great feedback!
Dec 18, 2009 2:54AM PST

I am sorry the RC was a messy process- but I am happy you like windows 7! I love to hear more about what works and improved experience!

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XP
Dec 20, 2009 11:26AM PST

My laptop was the last Windows Purchase. I build barebone systems since they come without the Operating System. Since I started to use Linux, I like it even more. Each time I have to use a Windows system, it reminds me how sluggish it is. I gave up playing cat and mouse with Licenses and Malware, done with it.

I had a chance to play with Win7 (is that for Windows NT 7 ? If I am not mistaking Win2K was Win NT5 and XP was Win NT6 and Vista Win NT6.1? ) and seems a pretty much a resource hugger. I still running systems with Pentium 4 and 1GB of RAM and I can edit movies from my Camcorder and all is done in Linux.

IMHO, I am not impressed. A new GUI is not going to cut it for me.

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Windows 7
Dec 18, 2009 10:15AM PST

Just get a Mac and join the civilized world.

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Ok - Point me to
Dec 18, 2009 5:24PM PST

the $399 Mac laptop that can get the same things done I have been doing on my 3 year old Gateway one and I am all over it. Call me barbaric but I only need a tool not an investment.

Why would I pay more for a computer when a less price one has always worked for me?

This argument is really getting tired and old.

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You said you already decided, but......
Dec 18, 2009 9:36AM PST

Oh heck yeah!
I'm not a Tech dude, just a user. And have been a Windows user since before the thing was numbered, named or even "required" a mouse!!
This is, in my opinion, the best that Microsoft has put out yet.
I don't care if it looks or acts like a Mac, I'm not a purist.
I just want my machine to do what I want/need, without a bunch of 'issues'.
Windows 7 has yet to report a single problem with any of the software or hardware I had before and have moved over.
Even a laptop HDD that hadn't seen even a trickle of power since mid 2001 when the IBM Thinkpad it was in fell off a table and was destroyed.
Hooked it up to an SATA/IDE device then to a USB port on a Windows 7 machine, and it read it instantly! No need to download drivers, nothing.
I am well and truly impressed, and damned happy, with Windows 7.
And believe me, I rarely rave about much of anything new on computers.
But 7 is, apparently and FINALLY, done right.

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Yes, but maybe, no
Dec 18, 2009 10:47AM PST

If your moving from Windows XP or an earlier version of Windows to Windows 7 then, yes.

If from Windows Vista too Windows 7, I'd say no.

Why, system stability and increased capabilities with both scenarios.

I've used all three.

This thread untracked

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instability
Dec 21, 2009 3:59AM PST

What stability issues have you have with Windows 7 that would make you stick with Vista?

Just curious Happy

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Issues
Dec 21, 2009 9:14PM PST

None really but you might have some software trouble but that could be cleared up.

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more info
Dec 22, 2009 4:27AM PST

Software trouble?

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Software Trouble
Dec 23, 2009 4:34PM PST

I have had a bit of software trouble since moving my laptop over from Vista to 7 just a few days ago. The fingerprint scanner on my HP Pavillion dv6500 is recognized by the operating system, and the hardware drivers install correctly, but when I installed and tried to run the Bioscrypt VeriSoft Access Manager to make use of the fingerprint scanner and retrieve my passwords from my Windows Vista backup, Windows 7 prohibited the program from running due to compatibility issues. I can't even get the program to run in compatibility mode.

Sure, the program can be installed on my Windows XP Virtual PC for me to retrieve the passwords, but I can't use it with the hardware to simplify my sign-ons, and there is no easy way to transfer my passwords over to any new program I might find that works with the scanner. So far, I haven't found any program that works as simply as the VeriSoft Access Manager.

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have you run a troubleshooter
Dec 24, 2009 2:47AM PST
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More than compatibility
Dec 24, 2009 9:25AM PST

Actually, it looks like the compatibility issue first occurs when I install the program. During installation, a window comes up that says:
_______________________________________________________________

This program is blocked due to compatibility issues

Check online to see if solutions are available from the Microsoft website. If solutions are found, Windows will automatically display a website that lists steps you can take.

Program: VeriSoft Access Manager
Publisher: Cognizance Corporation
Location: C:\Program Files\Bioscrypt\Verisoft\Bin\AsGHost.exe

VeriSoft Access Manager is incompatible with this version of Windows. For more information, contact Cognizance Corporation.
_______________________________________________________________

That window gives me the option to check for solutions online, but none are available, so I just click cancel to exit out of it. The installer tells me that all is well, and then I restart my computer when prompted to complete installation. Once I'm back up and running, I try to run the program and encounter another window that says:
_______________________________________________________________

The VeriSoft Access Manager is not properly installed on your computer.

If this problem persists, please contact your system administrator.
_______________________________________________________________

This error occurs regardless of which compatibility mode I run in, and also even when I choose to run as Administrator. I have also tried running the install file in compatibility mode to try to troubleshoot the installation, to no avail

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Is Windows 7 worth it?
Dec 18, 2009 11:01AM PST

My humble opinion is a resounding yes! I have a fantastic old printer, a Canon BJC-85,USB, Color and B&W, totally transportable and prints on a battery for remote printing with a laptop. Also had an Ambir USB sheetfed scanner that works with the laptop. Neither worked with Vista, but both worked as designed with Windows 7 without the hassles of looking for drivers. Never had a blue screen of death and only had a small hang up with the older Outlook with Office 2003. I am currently running Windows 7 Home Premium and the beta of Office 2010. Unbelievable combination. Think how excited I'd be if I worked for Microsoft. An OS that finally works.