Should I get windows 7?

[Dida]

My pc currently runs XP home, it has the following specs:

- Phenom II X4 3.7ghz
- ATI 5770
- 4gb DDR3 ram, XP recognizes 3.4ghz
- 1tb HDD

I don't expect to upgrade the hardware any time soon. I am wondering whether the computer will run slower or faster with Win7? How about game performance?
the $100 price tag on the upgrade is a little pricey. I think $50-70 would be a more reasonable price.

 

[Zelig]

Yes, I recommend against XP for anyone.

Windows 7 will run faster.

$100 is pretty cheap in comparison to other software on your computer; is there anything else you'll use as often as your OS?

If you don't want to purchase Win7, I can recommend several flavours of linux which are also much better than XP

 

[Dida]

I am thinking about putting Ubuntu on dual boot with XP for now. How is that?

 

[PeteAtoms]

Well, my RSS reader has been full of news about Microsoft extending their support for windows XP well into the future (I guess it's a big deal). So I think that might be a factor to consider in this decision (not that it's a HUGE factor...)

I think you ought to make sure your hardware is Ubuntu compatible, too (you never know).

 

[Aramazd]

I'm loath to spend $100 on anything, but Windows 7 is a considerable step up from XP and it's really only about the price of ~2 games.

I am thinking about putting Ubuntu on dual boot with XP for now. How is that?

Ubuntu is one of the nicer distros, imho. Definitely a good choice, although I haven't used 10.04 so I couldn't tell you specifically about that. The help forums are far by the most active of any linux distro.

I personally use Fedora, so I'll plug that.

Pop in a live CD, try Ubuntu out and see how you enjoy it, check that your hardware works. If you like it install it, or try out a different linux distro if you want too.

 

[Genocidicbunny]

If you're a student, you can also get Windows 7 for much cheaper -- something like 30$.

I also second the Linux sentiment. If you want to try Ubuntu without messing with partitions, try using Wubi. It uses a virtual disk that your Windows install sees as just a file to run off. Good way to try it out and see if it works on your hardware.

 

[Dida]

If you're a student, you can also get Windows 7 for much cheaper -- something like 30$.

I also second the Linux sentiment. If you want to try Ubuntu without messing with partitions, try using Wubi. It uses a virtual disk that your Windows install sees as just a file to run off. Good way to try it out and see if it works on your hardware.

Thanks for the nice reminder. Although technically not a student, I am affiliated with a law school and that seems to qualified me for the promotion, per Microsoft website. I think I will definitely get Win7 for $30, and also try out Ubuntu. My question is, how do I go about putting these two on my system without screwing everything up.

I heard Win7 and and Ubuntu both uses different file system from the NTFS used by XP. Can I preserve the files I currently have on my computer?

Microsoft is trying to sell me a "Upgrade Disc Kit" for $13. What is this thing?

 

[LightFang]

Windows 7 is nice, and if you're a CS student, you can upgrade for free.

Do try Linux out! Fedora's the distro that I use, and it's pretty nice.

 

[Genocidicbunny]

Windows 7 uses NTFS as well.

As for trying it out, look at Wubi. You wont have to muck around with partitions at all.

 

[Dida]

I got directed to a site called http://store.digitalriver.com
this place is legit right?

 

[civ_king]

yes, I bought Windows 7 Home premium from them (through a forum member because I'm not in college)

 

[Dida]

Now regarding the installation, upgrading from XP to Win7 requires a clean installation. The instruction from MSFT says just pop in the Win7 CD and install the OS onto the partition XP is currently on. Isn't it better to wipe my C drive clean, and then put Win7 on it?

I have downloaded the Win7 files. My new PC does not have a CD drive. Can I put the files on an USB drive and boot from there?

 

[Genocidicbunny]

My opinion is that yes it's better. The windows partition can get rather ugly from upgrading and general long-term use.

 

[mdwh]

Windows 7 is fine, and given a choice between buying either, I'd recommend Windows 7. But if you've already got XP, I'm not sure there's any compelling reasons to spend the money, if you're happy with it - are there particular issues you're facing that XP would solve?

Ubuntu is fine too, but again it depends on your needs (e.g., if you want to run Windows specific software or games).

 

[PeteAtoms]

With the specs in the OP, it looks like Kubuntu is a good option too. It's flashier w/ more eye candy, and more familiar to windows users (or so I've read).

 

[Dida]

I already have Win7 and Ubuntu set up and running on my 2 computers. The main reason for contemplating the switch was that WinXP couldn't effectively uses the available memory. Even though it recognized 3.4gb, every time I get close to 2gb, it would slow down. Indeed I would not have switched for $110, but at the bargain price of $30, it is definitely worth it if for nothing other than the visual and GUI tweaks.
Ubuntu is working great as well, I am amazed at how well it worked on low-end hardwares. I also tried Kubuntu. It is too bloated and slow on my laptop, so I will stick with Ubuntu. Is there any good guides on how to use Ubuntu?

 

[cardgame]

I'm sure there are

google is your friend...

 

[GoodGame]

Is RAM an issue currently with whether or not to upgrade to 7?

Also do users of older software (say 2001-2008) "era" have issues with using XP-designed software on a 7 system? (i.e. most of my gaming is on older software .

 

[Genocidicbunny]

I havemt had any problems, except maybe with Daemon Tools.