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Q. How do I know if I can use the cheaper “upgrade” version of Windows 7 or have to pay more for the "full" version?
A. In addition to having several editions of Windows 7 on the market, Microsoft also has differently priced versions of those editions based on which version of Windows you are currently using.
If you have Windows XP or Windows Vista on your computer, you can buy the upgrade edition of Windows 7. If your operating system is older than Windows XP, you need to purchase the full version of the software. So the price for the upgrade edition of Windows 7 Home Premium for someone using Windows XP is about $120. Someone upgrading from a more ancient version of Windows or a Linux system needs the $200 full version of Windows 7 Home Premium.
Microsoft’s Windows 7 Compatibility Center has a Windows Upgrade Advisor tool that scans your PC to make sure it will work with the new operating system. The site also has information on getting driver software that will let your hardware peripherals work with Windows 7.
Keep in mind that Windows Vista systems can use the comparatively easy "in-place" upgrade option that installs Windows 7 on the computer without disturbing the documents and files that are already on there. Windows XP users, on the other hand, need to perform a clean install by copying all the data off the machine onto an external drive, installing Windows 7 and then transferring the files back onto the computer and reinstalling programs.
Microsoft has its own step-by-step instructions for the Windows 7 upgrade process. If you’d prefer a more automated approach, migration aids like Laplink’s PCmover or iYogi’s Windows 7 service might make it an easier trip to the new system.
CONTACT
Vishal Dhar
President Marketing
iYogi, Inc.
12 Desbrosses St.
New York, NY 10013
Phone: 212-203-2681
Fax: 1+888-867-2715
vishal@iyogi.net
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