From Microsoft Windows Vista to Windows 7

Vista users wanting to make the switch to Windows 7 will appreciate our inside look into how successful the upgrade was when we tried it with one of our own computers.

First off, we took a Vista production machine (that also has a broken-in Core i7 based computer). Before beginning the upgrade, make sure to mirror the entire hard drive to a second drive just in case stuff gets lost in the transition.

Once you've saved all your stuff, then it's time to boot the Windows 7 RC DVD. Unlike in the Vista setup routine, the option to perform an in-place upgrade from a booted DVD wasn't grayed out. Click yes to perform the upgrade and you're on your way to working with the new OS!

The setup routine churned away, taking nearly an hour. After jumping through a few hoops, accepted EULAs, and so on, and when the smoke cleared, the computer formerly known as a Vista-production machine was now a Windows 7 powerhouse without any problems.to our surprise!

The responsiveness was terrific. Thanks in part to the powerful, overclocked CPU and 6 GB of DDR3, Triple-Channel memory, the system flew as nicely as it did before the upgrade. Windows opened without hesitation. Applications-some of which needed reactivation-launched speedily. We didn't think it would go this smoothly, but it did, which is great news for you!

Of course, some of the old Sidebar gadgets weren't ready for the transition, so they had to go pending updated releases. Some programs got a bit weird, but overall some mishaps were already expected to happen from the beginning. With an in-place upgrade of a heavily used Windows Vista partition going too smoothly, it's tempting to recommend doing just that when the time comes. Still, we decided to see if Windows Easy Transfer worked as nicely as it did with a Win XP upgrade we previously tried (which didn't go too well, but of course, in-place upgrades aren't supported from Windows XP to Windows 7).

However, say you decide to start with a fresh machine for your Windows 7 adventure? Will your upgrade run as smoothly you wonder? Actually, it is! Moving from Vista to Windows 7 is just as simple if you do it from a new computer. You'll still need to install the new version of WeT to the Vista computer to proceed. Let it choose files and settings for you (it's pretty comprehensive, but does not include apps), and customize your selections as you see fit. Be sure to install all the affected applications on the new machine before you proceed.

So how should you upgrade? That depends on the state of your current system. If it's a much used, longtime loved computer, we'd go with getting a new computer entirely, installing Windows 7 on it, and using WeT or another method to move all your files and folders, as well as settings. If you're too busy to learn how to do it on your own, you can easily enroll in some computer based training courses to help you learn quickly and effectively how to make the transition. With CBT options, you can easily learn the new features and upgrades on your own time so that learning doesn't interfere with other priorities you have.

On the other hand, if it's a fairly powerful system, built within the past year from reasonably high-end components, then an in-place upgrade may work well, too. The system we upgraded to Windows 7 certainly surprised us with both its responsiveness and lack of glitches. Lightly used installations, even in older systems, might also benefit from an in-place upgrade. With the promised security, the natural ease of use, and the vast improvements to "user account control" (UAC), Windows 7 is looking more and more like a must-have. The smoother the upgrade, the better for everyone looking to upgrade to the new and improved operating system that comes out soon!

About CBT Planet:

With so much happening in life today, not everybody has time to take classes at an offsite location, which is where CBT Planet's useful CBT courses come into play since they are self-paced and self-guided. They provide quality and comprehensive computer training videos that are taught by certified instructors on one's own time, so that students can learn whenever is convenient for them. They don't have to worry about missing class or having to rearrange stuff in their schedule for class since all learning is taken from their computer's desktop. CBT Planet also offers tons of options for training, ranging from IT training to certification preparation courses and more!