Is anyone else steering people away from Win 7?

[thecomputerguy]

Windows is fine you are answering the questions wrong.

1.) Is this your first time activating this product?

A - yes

2.) How many computers have this copy of windows installed on them?

A - 1

3.) What is your reason for activating?

A - got a virus and had to reformat.

4.) Has your computer had any significant hardware changes?

A - no


Good luck

 

[Appleby]

1. Win 7 is available in both bit-flavours, however I don't see the point in recommending the 32-bit version as it offers little by way of future-proofing.
2. Most 32 bit software will run fine in a 64-bit OS
3. The only significant issue end-users are likely to encounter running a 64-bit OS is finding drivers for legacy hardware. Pretty much everything that comes out now has 64-bit drivers available. It's a simple matter to check first if older peripherals are a concern.
4. Win 7 has some nice features for end users including easier networking (homegroups), better firewall, better security (like it or not, UAC is an important feature), remote media streaming, DX 11, built-in media center, better error handling, and a better/more versatile UI

I can see reasons for netbook users to stay with XP because of the hardware limitations of their machines. For anyone who has the hardware power, though, I see no reason for them not to use 7 as it has so many advantages over the (soon-to-be) legacy OS.

Excellent post and explanation. I do not like to name call but Carl's post was very uninformed. As you pointed out, most all 32 bit software will run on Win 7 64 bit. I have actually yet to find any software that will not work on Win 7 64 bit. I've purchased new computers for many of my businesses customers who use a vast array of customized industry software (doctor's offices, cleaners, tanning salons, tractor dealerships etc) and in every case I've contacted their software provider and asked about 32 bit vs 64 bit. The answer is the same every time....."Our software works fine on either. There is no reason our software wouldn't work on a 64 bit system."

And as for legacy support....I've yet to see a name brand peripheral that didn't have updated drivers. The only item I've found that wouldn't install automatically in Win 7 and I couldn't find drivers for, was a 12 year old off brand flat bed scanner that had a drive CD with with it for Win 98.

I cannot in good conscious recommend anyone downgrade to an OS that will soon no longer be supported, nor security patched by MS.

 

[ProTech-MN]

Excellent post and explanation. I do not like to name call but Carl's post was very uninformed. As you pointed out, most all 32 bit software will run on Win 7 64 bit. I have actually yet to find any software that will not work on Win 7 64 bit. I've purchased new computers for many of my businesses customers who use a vast array of customized industry software (doctor's offices, cleaners, tanning salons, tractor dealerships etc) and in every case I've contacted their software provider and asked about 32 bit vs 64 bit. The answer is the same every time....."Our software works fine on either. There is no reason our software wouldn't work on a 64 bit system."

I have a couple of business clients that run some very antiquated applications that don't work under 64-bit Windows.. heck, I even have some customers running DOS apps yet. Some of these clients also have older hardware that lack Win 7 drivers as well. I would like nothing more than to get away from supporting this old stuff or NT4, Win2k, Win98, etc... preferably BEFORE it goes down hard and is an issue for the customer!

I tend to agree though, I would rather make the move to 64-bit whenever possible.

-Randy

 

[allchannels99]

Windows 7 64 is where it's at!

 

[Eric_whitbypc]

we give the clients the choice when we build them a system, they can either have a hardware only system, linux or windows 7 home prem x64, most people choose to go with windows7, i have a couple that take the system with no o/s but almost all systems we sell have win7 on them now!

 

[C.Quill]

How can you possibly consult in IT if this is so?

Do you not recommend backup medium? Hard drive brands? CPU brand? Hardware? Topology of Networks? our entire job is proselytizing and if our customers don't need our knowledge then why would they pay us $120 per hour for our advice?

There hasn't been a version of Microsoft Windows since 98 that most EXPERIENCED tech's and consultant's haven't recommended staying away from until at least service pack 1 comes out. Microsoft is known for releasing beta quality software and then fixing it a few months down the line.

If this is a misconception then great, we will find out soon enough and that is another matter all together. But the difference in a parts changer and a consultant is one changes parts and the other offers advice......some call proselytizing.

In some of your other posts you keep repeating that hard drives have a MAC address. A MAC address is for network adapters.

Regarding service packs. If I recall correctly most of the time (and with Windows 7 which has SP1 out) a service pack is merely a convenient collection of already released updates nothing more.

I feel that the attitude of waiting for the first service pack is a pointless holdover from the old days. An operating system is decent from it's original release (Windows 7) or it's not (Windows Vista).

I generally don't recommend that my clients go to Linux. Not because I don't like it (I do like it) and I'm not against doing that. But it depends on your market, in my market the support calls of people expecting free support on it would be outrageous. And if they called someone else, they would end up with someone who doesn't know much but would take advantage of the situation and would say "Why would your last guy switch you to Linux? That's a terrible thing to do because of such and such"

 

[TeeterTooter]

In my experience Ive never had to buy a new copy of Windows because of hardware changes. Its typically a pretty easy process on OEM machines as long as your using the OEM disc. If you try to install a non OEM version then yes you will run into activation problems and rightfully so since your not installing the software that the computer is licensed for. Every single one of our workstations and laptops are Dell and we've replaced plenty of hard drives and components and not once have we had an activation issue. The key thing though is to make sure your using the proper version of Windows. You cannot install a VLK copy and expect Dell to activate it as this is illegal. Windows 7 is and has been for me a very stable operating system and I highly recommend it to customers. Windows 7 has been stable since day one and a very good replacement for Windows XP. Every single one of our workstations and laptops are Dell and we've replaced plenty of hard drives and components and not once have we had an activation issue.