windows 7

My computer committed Hari Kari, so I was considering upgrading from XP to Win7 but I'm wondering if all my stuff will work on the Win7 OS (I heard Vista had a bunch of driver issues). I would also like to know if it mattered whether I went 32 or 64 bit (currently 32 bit XP)?

I have a Nikon V ED, and was using Vuescan free. I would get this again to use over Nikon scan, but would get the pro version.

I have an Epson 750 Pro, with Silverfast (Ai?- can't remember the version that comes with the 750). Would I have any problems with Silverfast?

I assume my printer, external hard-drives, webcam, other peripherals and system internals would be unaffected?

The most important function this computer has is scanning, printing and photoediting so I want to make sure I would be able to do all the things I was doing previously.

Thx

If your CPU is 64-bit capable it would be beneficial to have a 64-bit OS.

You will not notice much difference in computing speed unless you are using 64-bit clean application programs but the computer can use memory more efficiently so, operationally, you are better off.

The newest version of Photoshop is 64-bit clean if your OS is also 64-bit.

Windows 7 is essentially just Vista that's been spiffed up. There are some differences but most things under the hood are the same. Most of the bugs in Vista have been ironed out. If you have been running Vista you should have no problem running Windows 7.

Going from XP to Windows 7 should not present much problem but there are always those little "adjustments" that are impossible to predict.

Microshaft will continue to support Windows XP until 2014. You could certainly stay with XP and you would be "safe" until then but there will come a day when you will need to upgrade to Windows 7 or face the possibility of not being able to run some software applications.

I guess I would ask myself how long I intend to keep this current computer. If I was going to keep it 5 years and get a new one, I'd be content to keep using XP. If I was going to use it until the next, latest & greatest thing came along I'd be considering going to Windows 7 because my upgrade path will be easier in the future.

Also, look at all the software you use now and do some research to see how all those applications work under Windows 7 versus XP then pick the one which has the better track record.

Tim--

I don't know if you're aware of this, but not only is it possible to install W7 without entering the serial number on the package and run it for 30 days (MS doesn't require activation until 30 days), it's also possible to "reset" the trial clock (using utilities provided on the MS install CD) to extend the non-activation period to 120 days. This should give you plenty of time to determine what applications are compatible or not, and to find alternatives.

If you ultimately decide to not keep W7, you can sell your copy without hassle, as you never activated the serial #.

I want to make it clear that I'm not advocating anything illegal here (though there are, of course, illegal options). The method to extend use of W7 up to 120 days is widely published and uses utilities provided by MS on the install CD.

Good luck with your migration...I'm trying to decide if I should update my 4 year old laptop to W7, or get a shiny, new laptop.

--Greg

Thanks to you both. Good advice. So, I assume using my scanners won't make a difference, as neither of you said anything about them?

I just re-built this computer after a hard-drive burnout 2 months ago, but the brains are probably 2, maybe 3 years old. Not sure exactly. My buddy built it so I'm trying to figure out if it'll handle a 64 bit OS. If not, I'd consider the 32 bit OS, but you raise a valid point about PS. I just got a 5D MK2, and will maybe need to stay current as I use this camera more and more. I'd been OK using it with CS4 on XP so far though. Not sure that I even need to go further. I'm not a "heavy user".

I would hope to keep this computer at least 4 more years, butr I seem to have horrid luck with them. My plan on re-building 2 months ago was to keep it as it had been, wait 2-4 years until Solid State drives came down in price then buy a separate one and load win7 onto it.

I had heard about the trial period with win7, but right now (being quite computer illiterate) I don't know if I want to go that route yet. I don't have the time or knowledge to find all the Win7 drivers for all my components (soundcard, motherboard, CPU, vidcard, printer, scanners, webcam, etc etc). Just by making this statement probably gives you an idea of how little I know about what I'm doing. ;P

I'll maybe try to get XP back on and get it back to how it was happy for a good number of years, when I *was* a heavy user for scanning, PS, etc. If I can't get it to work, I'll be forced to go to Win7. I just don't want to have to deal with a relatively new and untested OS, and all the little "surprises" that are likely to arise.

Tim

If you have a fairly recent scanner you should not have trouble using it but that's not a guarantee. You can do a little homework and check the model of your scanner with the manufacturer's website and see if they are compatible. I know my Canon Scanner is compatible with just about everything.

When it comes to buying computers and equipment I think it is wise to buy a much or as up-to-date as you can afford right from the start. That way your stuff should last as long as possible after you buy it and you should have to worry less about obsolescence.

Best strategy you can take is to do your homework as much as possible before you buy.

Go to the Microsoft Windows 7 page and run the Win 7 upgrade adviser. It does a credible job of checking hardware and drivers.

My laptop at home is Windows 7, and we're testing applications at work on Windows 7 as we'll be migrating to that in the coming year. I have one application at home that didn't work on Windows 7, however you can get a virtual XP desktop that will run XP applications. I've been doing this, and have had no issues. You'll want enough memory etc, otherwise it might bog down. Your other option is to have a dual boot system since you have a licensed version of XP on your dead machine you can install.

As a footnote, I have Windows 7 Ultimate at home, and I'm not sure whether all versions of Windows 7 will support virtual desktops.