Latest Windows OS released
Keith Hobin
Issue date: 11/6/09 Section: News
"Some students, staff and faculty may have specialized, yet critical, applications that might not work," Ken Blackney, associate vice president of IRT, wrote in an e-mail. "For those folks who know how to dual-boot (have two operating systems installed at once), experimenting with Windows 7 is a fine idea. Doing so will let such users confirm that their specialized software works without hiccups and paves the way for an eventual switch to the [Windows 7] as their primary one."
Misczak shares a similar point of view.
"Windows 7 has been surprisingly stable through its beta and release candidate stages, so any fears about its performance and reliability right out of the gate are unwarranted," Misczak said. "However, upgrading or installing a new operating system in the middle of a term can always be a bit risky, so make sure your data is backed up and you don't have any pressing assignments."
Blackney has been operating Window 7. as his primary OS for seven months, and that things have been great other than one device for which no driver was available until June, he said.
Misczak has been using Windows 7 for several months while attending classes at Drexel and has not run into a problem, whether it be connecting to Dragonfly, running Microsoft Office or accessing Bb Vista.
Users that are currently running Windows XP will have to go through more steps to upgrade to Windows Vista, as there is no direct upgrade path. Users will also have to backup all of their data and perform "clean install," which removes all of the data remaining on the hard drive.
According to Misczak, most computers purchased near the end of Windows XP's lifespan and throughout the Windows Vista lifespan should be able to run Windows 7. However, if a user has an earlier Windows XP machine or is due for an upgrade, a new computer may be preferable.
"I have heard about Windows 7," Alicia Kriete, a sophomore material engineering student said, "I heard it is supposed to be really good, but I have not gotten a chance to use it myself."
Kriete said she is not planning on upgrading from Windows Vista, because she is comfortable right now with Vista and doesn't see the immediate need to upgrade to Windows 7.
"I would have to hear more good things about 7 before I would plan on upgrading," Kriete commented.
Several default applications, such as Windows Live Mail, Photo Gallery, Calendar and others will not be included with Windows 7. Instead, they will be available for free from the Microsoft Web site as part of the Windows Live Essentials pack.
Students who do want to upgrade to Windows 7 will be able to do so for free later in the term, according to Blackney. They will be getting the "Enterprise" edition, which has a few extra features such as drive encryption. It will not be available any sooner unless a retail copy is purchased.
Misczak shares a similar point of view.
"Windows 7 has been surprisingly stable through its beta and release candidate stages, so any fears about its performance and reliability right out of the gate are unwarranted," Misczak said. "However, upgrading or installing a new operating system in the middle of a term can always be a bit risky, so make sure your data is backed up and you don't have any pressing assignments."
Blackney has been operating Window 7. as his primary OS for seven months, and that things have been great other than one device for which no driver was available until June, he said.
Misczak has been using Windows 7 for several months while attending classes at Drexel and has not run into a problem, whether it be connecting to Dragonfly, running Microsoft Office or accessing Bb Vista.
Users that are currently running Windows XP will have to go through more steps to upgrade to Windows Vista, as there is no direct upgrade path. Users will also have to backup all of their data and perform "clean install," which removes all of the data remaining on the hard drive.
According to Misczak, most computers purchased near the end of Windows XP's lifespan and throughout the Windows Vista lifespan should be able to run Windows 7. However, if a user has an earlier Windows XP machine or is due for an upgrade, a new computer may be preferable.
"I have heard about Windows 7," Alicia Kriete, a sophomore material engineering student said, "I heard it is supposed to be really good, but I have not gotten a chance to use it myself."
Kriete said she is not planning on upgrading from Windows Vista, because she is comfortable right now with Vista and doesn't see the immediate need to upgrade to Windows 7.
"I would have to hear more good things about 7 before I would plan on upgrading," Kriete commented.
Several default applications, such as Windows Live Mail, Photo Gallery, Calendar and others will not be included with Windows 7. Instead, they will be available for free from the Microsoft Web site as part of the Windows Live Essentials pack.
Students who do want to upgrade to Windows 7 will be able to do so for free later in the term, according to Blackney. They will be getting the "Enterprise" edition, which has a few extra features such as drive encryption. It will not be available any sooner unless a retail copy is purchased.
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