Upgrading to Windows 7

Sammamish, WA – August 17 –Microsoft unleashes Windows 7 to the public later this year and although it is strongly encouraging users to download the new operating system what are the benefits - if any - behind doing so?

Pointing out that the upgrade will look to "improve performance", Microsoft claims is has been designed to make everyday computer tasks "more responsive and simpler" to carry out.

One potential benefit comes in the redesign of the taskbar - the area at the bottom of the screen used to launch programs - where icons can now be rearranged simply by clicking and dragging. And being larger, hovering over the icons with the mouse will see thumbnails of every file or window open within that program be brought up.

This is something, Harry McCracken points out in a PC World article, that will make "better use of screen space".

Mr McCracken goes on to praise Windows 7 for "being sprightly enough" to perform well across a variety of devices, including netbooks, something he states Windows Vista has struggled with.

An often key reason to install official updates - whether it is for operating systems, internet browsers such as Firefox or any other element of computer software - is to help protect a system against security attacks. And Windows 7 is no different, as Microsoft reveals it has revamped its Control Panel. Now entitled Action Center, it acts as a hub containing all manner of messages related to security - such as the detection of a malicious file - and critical updates.

Indeed, such a feature allows users to opt in whether they want Action Center to check for security problems related to specific areas - such as computer viruses and spyware - and send them messages if anything is detected, an article on the How-To Geek reveals.

However, Mr McCracken suggests there could still be some drawbacks when it comes to security updates of the system. Stating that there is "no reason to believe that Windows 7 will require less patching than earlier versions", he claims those using Windows Update in the way Microsoft recommends will still find that a computer demands to be shut down in order to update the latest Microsoft patch. "This aggressive approach to updates is a flashback to Windows' pushy past," he asserts.

Due to be released on October 22, those looking to get Windows 7 may also want to purchase a new computer while they are at it, as the cost of getting the upgrade in this manner will vary between PC manufacturers.

Those looking to download the operating system are reminded by Microsoft that their PC will require at least 16 gigabyte (GB) in available hard disk space, one GB ram and a minimum of a one gigahertz 32 or 64-bit processor. However, extra features such as internet access and a compatible optical drive will be required in order to get the most out the upgrade.

Meanwhile, a reader poll by PC World revealed that as of Thursday August 13 just under 41 percent) of people claim they will "definitely" get Windows 7 as soon as it is released.

Some 39.5 percent are looking to take a more pensive approach and will wait for any security vulnerabilities to be discovered and repaired before purchasing, while around 19.6 percent claim they are happy with their existing software and will not be downloading the upgrade.

With numerous pros and cons to getting Windows 7 - not to mention the cost involved if people want to get a new PC - making the decision as to whether or not to get the upgrade could be a difficult one. However, some good advice could be found in the words of Mr McCracken claiming that despite initial testing running "surprisingly smoothly", the millions of users set to the system upon release are almost certain to "encounter problems that Microsoft didn't anticipate".

And although he states the upgrade is "appealing" taking the time to put off such a purchase so that others can find - and fix - its faults may be a sensible move.

Regardless of when they make the upgrade, "you'll almost certainly consider it an improvement over whatever version of Windows you're using now".