Windows 7

[gekko]

I know there are some people here running Windows 7 (I remember making fun of you for installing having to reinstall when the final version came out). So, has anyone run into any problems? Driver issues, printer issues, anything? Anyone running it on a Mac?

I ask because I have one license for it, and I would like to install it. The choice it between my MacBook Pro which currently runs XP, and my PC desktop running Vista Business (with no problems).

I'd like it on my laptop since I use it all day, every day, but I'm afraid I'll run into issues. I'd also like to code in DirectX 11 (targeting older hardware), and DX11 requires Vista or 7. But if people are having issues, I'll leave XP and upgrade the Vista machine.

[Vampyr]

I use Windows 7 and I love it. I had Vista installed for a few hours and was already frustrated with it.

Windows 7 is fantastic. The new task bar is great, and everything just runs much more smoothly than Vista. It feels more "together".

[gekko]

Well, my decision was made up for me. Apparently you can't upgrade from XP to 7. First of all, I'm not willing to give up days to reinstall and reconfigure everything, and I also have single-install licenses I'm not willing to give up.

So right now I'm upgrading my desktop from Vista Business SP2 to 7 Pro. Hopefully all goes well.

[Jonbo298]

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=1B544E90-7659-4BD9-9E51-2497C146AF15&displaylang=en

MS has a Win7 Upgrade Adviser program so you can be sure if you upgrade you won't have issues.

[gekko]

When i started the install, it scanned my computer and told me to uninstall iTunes, Virtual PC, and Borland Delphi first. I was actually impressed that it told me to de-authorize my computer from iTunes before uninstalling. Is that the same thing?

I ask, because I'm already mid-install, no going back now :D

[Jonbo298]

iirc, iTunes allows 4 authorizations before you have to have support disable 1/all authorizations. That's why it was reminding you to de-auth the computer since it's technically a change to the computer.

[Dyne]

I didn't know you could install past XP on Macs? I thought Bootcamp disallowed it.

My mom and brother both run it, and they have zero problems. My brother is on his computer 24/7 all the time because it's summer and he's had nothing but praise for it.

[gekko]

Boot Camp supported Vista since Leopard, if I remember correctly. I installed Vista Home Premium on my MBP originally, and only took it off because I had limited space and ran into issues when installing a stripped-down version. Also ran into random issues trying to install the drivers for my school's printers. So, I eventually gave up and installed XP.

I believe boot camp 3.0 (Snow Leopard) adds support for Win 7. Either way, I need support for an upgrade, so I didn't bother. Some day, when I have the luxury of time and another license, I'll install 7 on my laptop.

I just finished installing Win 7 (RTM) onto my desktop, replacing Vista Business SP2. The upgrade took forever (4 hours, roughly). I haven't noticed any problems though, all my programs seem to work and didn't have any driver issues, so I guess you can call that a smooth upgrade.

Not so sure I like what they did with the start bar. I actually liked the internet icon pinned at the top. Can I get it back? The taskbar will also take a little getting used to, but it doesn't seem horrible. Looks and feels like Vista. Not really sure how people hate Vista but can like 7. Seems like one and the same to me.

Anything new I should really look at?

[Angrist]

Still using Vista. I don't assume I could upgrade to 7 for free?

And what does 7 do with my PC performace, especially for games? Up or down?

[Vampyr]

Still using Vista. I don't assume I could upgrade to 7 for free?

And what does 7 do with my PC performace, especially for games? Up or down?

The upgrade isn't free...but 7 is miles and miles better than Vista. Other than having some great GUI upgrades, it just runs significantly better. It starts up better, shuts down smoother, and does everything in between so flawlessly. It really is a great OS.

Games seem to run better for me than they even did on XP. If you meet the system requirements to run Vista, then 7 will run better. It uses resources much more efficiently.

[Fyacin]

I like seven so far. It seems to run games better at the very least.