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Windows 7, Microsoft’s latest operating system, makes it easy to create a network of computers and share all of your favourite photos, videos and music. You can even watch, pause, rewind and record TV.

Windows 7, as a full edition, is suitable for both new Windows users and Windows Vista users looking to upgrade. Although a ‘clean install’ is not essential for existing Windows Vista users, this is recommended by Microsoft UK. All editions of Windows 7 include the Internet Explorer 8 web browser as standard.

With Windows 7, you can manage lots of open programs, documents and browser windows easily with thumbnail and full-screen previews of open windows, whilst with Snap, you can arrange two windows side-by-side just by dragging them to opposite sides of your screen, and you can open files you use regularly in just two clicks with Jump Lists on the improved taskbar.

Simplify your PC with navigation features such as Aero Shake, and customise Windows 7 to look and feel the way you like by changing themes and taskbar programs. To set up a network and connect to printers / devices is easier than before, and Windows 7 supports the latest hardware and software. Designed to make your PC sleep and resume quicker, Windows 7 takes full advantage of 64-bit PC hardware and memory, connecting to wireless networks quickly.

For the best in PC entertainment, you can watch, pause, rewind and record TV with Windows Media Centre. Windows 7 also has Blu-ray read/write support for data files and includes integrated video and Dolby audio codecs, and provides large screen support.

Improved functions include Pin where you can ‘pin’ programs you use regularly to the taskbar and launch them with just one click, enables you to peek behind open windows for a quick look at your desktop, search more easily and open just about any file on your PC from the Start menu with Windows Search, open files in just two clicks with Jump Lists on the taskbar, and arrange windows side-by-side just by dragging them to opposite sides of your screen.

Setting up wireless connections is easier with consistent, one-click connections to available networks, whether those networks are based on Wi-Fi, mobile broadband, dial-up or corporate VPN. You can also connect Windows 7 computers on a home network in just four clicks, source photos, music and files on each computer, and even share printers, all with HomeGroup.

With Internet Explorer 8, it is easy to browse the web and visual search helps you quickly find the information you want by adding visual cues and previews to search results from top search providers including Live Search, Wikipedia, Yahoo, Amazon and others. By using Web slices, you can conveniently keep up with changes on frequently updated websites, like eBay auctions or traffic sites, all directly from the Internet Explorer 8 toolbar.

Windows Live Mail makes managing multiple email accounts easy, and Windows Live Family Safety helps to keep your children safe by managing the sites they can visit, and who they can send/receive emails and IM communications from.

Windows 7 is faster and more reliable than previous Microsoft operating systems and is designed to help computers sleep and resume more quickly, improving the management of drivers, programs and power. Microsoft have reduced the amount of memory your computer needs for open windows and to execute commands so that it is more responsive to commands.

The DirectX 11 technology included delivers very realistic game graphics, whilst the Play To function enables you to easily send music, photos and videos from your computer to a networked device throughout the home or office. Windows touch is also available making computers with touch screens easier and more intuitive to use.

Where & How To Buy

Microsoft Windows 7 can be bought from a range of computer outlets, such as PC World, Currys or Dixons, specialist computer distributors, as well as online, either direct from the manufacturer – Microsoft – or from online outlets, such as Amazon, or via specialist online computer outlets, such as www.CoastalSoftware.co.uk. When buying the software, you will often have the option to purchase the program CD through the post, or be able to download the software direct to your computer. The download option is often cheaper as the supplier does not have to cover the CD, packaging or postage costs. However, buying online does not allow you to visually see the product or ask any specific questions. If you wish to actually view the product or see it tested, then buying from a high street shop or store will be a better option for you.

Pricing

Pricing varies depending on where and how you purchase your software. Microsoft Store Online is currently offering Windows 7 at £150 plus VAT to upgrade three family computers, whilst Amazon.com is currently quoting a price of £90 plus VAT for the full version, and prices range from £70 to £150 plus VAT (and any postage/delivery costs) depending on whether you buy the Home Premium version, the Home and Student version, the Ultimate or the Professional versions. Upgrade options are cheaper, starting at approximately £50 plus VAT, and if you only need the Product Key Card the prices start lower. Pricing is also dependent on the number of users of the software, one user/computer or up to 3 users/computers. Prices will be more expensive for the boxed software packages as these will include the CD-ROM or DVD, a user guide and the packaging, so if you have the opportunity to purchase online and download the application, this will be a cheaper option.

Special Offers & Discounts

Microsoft Store Online is currently offering free delivery on everything. Most online stores will offer discounts if you purchase more than one software application from them. Students often receive discounts, as do some small businesses. Special offers and discounts really are dependent on what the retailer is prepared to offer at the time you buy. There is also the option from Microsoft of Volume Licensing, tailoring programs to meet the needs of your organisation and making it easier and more affordable to run software on multiple computers (250 or more) within a single purchase, and you may also be able to purchase a Software Assurance licence to allow for future upgrades at a more cost effective price.

System Requirements

PCs with multi-core processors: Windows 7 was designed to work with today’s multi-core processors. All 32-bit versions of Windows 7 can support up to 32 processor cores, while 64 bit versions can support up to 256 processor cores.

PCs with multiple processors (CPUs): Commercial servers, workstations and other high-end PCs may have more than one physical processor. Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise and Ultimate allow for two physical processors, providing the best performance on these computers. Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic and Home Premium will recognise only one physical processor.

Upgrading

Before upgrading, it is advisable to go to Microsoft’s Windows website and complete a compatibility test. This takes no more than a few minutes.

When upgrading from Microsoft 98, XP or Vista, you should not need to upgrade your hardware, although you might need to upgrade to a supported operating system. When upgrading from Microsoft 98, XP or Vista, you will have to make sure that your hardware and operating system meet the minimum 2007 Microsoft Office system requirements.

We highly recommend that you evaluate your computer before you install Windows 7 system products to verify your computer meets or exceeds the minimum system requirements.

Note: The Windows 7 system programs client is a 32-bit application and can run on a Windows 64-bit platform (Windows XP, Windows Server 2003 and Windows Vista) but there may be some feature limitations as noted in the system requirements below.

Summary

Windows 7 is a huge improvement on Microsoft’s Vista operating system, with many more features that really enhance your computer, be it a home computer for the family to use or computers in your office. The system makes it easy to create a network, using HomeGroup, and share all of your favourite photos, videos and music–you can even watch, pause, rewind and record TV. It helps to make the things you do every day easier with improved desktop navigation, you can start programs faster and more easily, and quickly find the documents you use most often. Your web experience is faster, easier and safer than before with Internet Explorer 8.