T-Minus One Month and Counting
A month from today, Microsoft’s newest best thing (Windows 7) will hit the streets and attempt to do what Windows Vista was supposed to do. Early signs look great, but as you may know if you can remember the last few Microsoft roll-outs, we will see. Here are a few things to check on before you try to upgrade from your current O.S.
1. Check the manufacturer websites for all of your devices for Windows 7 drivers (printers, scanners, cameras, etc). Older hardware might not be supported. If so, you’re S.O.L.
2. Make sure your computer’s specifications (RAM, Processor, Hard drive space, video card) are better than what Microsoft considers it’s “Recommeded System Requirements”.
3. Back up your data. If you are upgrading from Vista, you may be able to just upgrade over the top of your existing install. If you’re on XP or older, you probably won’t be able to. In any case, back up your important files just in case. Better safe than sorry.
4. Make sure all of the software you use is Windows 7 compatible. If you were running them all on Vista, you should be ok. If you were running them on XP, you might want to check just to be sure.
If you follow these 4 steps, you should be able to get through your upgrade without too much hastle. You should still schedule yourself a free day to do it just in case, though.