Is Windows 7 'only' Vista tweaked?

[Oldandeasilyconfused]

I recently acquired a copy of Windows 7 (32 bit). I was thinking of installing it, so started looking around.

People on tech forums are saying Win 7 is only Vista with some tweaks and still pretty hopeless. That XP users will hate it and a lot of their hardware won't work with it. I've checked the driver disc which came with my Dell. It's compatible with Vista as are the drivers for my printer and camera.

I'd be most interested to learn some opinions. I'm actually quite happy with XP and don't want to change unless Win 7 is noticeably a lot better.

[Minimalist]

I've had 7 for months and it is so far above Vista it isn't funny. My son, who is an IT tech hated Vista so much that he stripped it out of my wife's computer and put XP Pro in its place.

[Darwinian]

Half your drivers will stop working and a lot of programmes will not like it either. If you don't need to I'd stick with XP. If it's not broken, don't fix it

[Minimalist]

But Microsoft no longer supports XP.

[Tiberius]

Windows 7 is a vast improvement over Vista. As long as you computer was made in the last few years, it will be compatible with 7; if not, stick with what works.

[leo-rcc]

But Microsoft no longer supports XP.

Not true. Microsoft stopped supporting Windows XP systems that are not on SP3, and Vista without SP2.

We would like to make you aware of important news regarding certain versions of Windows that could affect your computers and servers. On July 13, Microsoft support—including the release of new security updates—will end for Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), Windows 2000 Server and Windows 2000 Professional. It is also important to note that support for Windows Vista Release to Manufacturing (or RTM, as it is commonly referred to, which indicates the original version without any service packs installed) ended on April 13.

[Oldandeasilyconfused]

Is that a 'yes' or a 'no'?

My PC is a Dell, about 2 years old. As I said,the drivers I have on disc are compatible with Vista. I believe they should work with Win 7. Is that belief correct?


Specifically what drivers are most likely to stop working?

Is Windows 7 superior to XP ? Is it like say Win 98 vs XP? That's what it will need to be before I will use it overt XP.


PS: I still receive regular XP auto updates.

[leo-rcc]

Padriac, there is a tool called the Windows 7 upgrade advisor http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/detai...laylang=en

This tool makes a detailed analysis of your current system and tells you what needs to be updated or changed or uninstalled to run Windows 7.

I ran this tool on my Dell PC that is close to 5 years old and is running Vista Business SP2 on 3GB of RAM and only found little driver problems with my logitech webcam that needs a driver update and I need more free harddrive space.

[Autumnlicious]

Windows 7, is in my professional and personal opinion, the best "groundbreaking" Windows since Win95. Yeah.

Vista was done wrong. 7 is done right.

I'm an opensource loving guy, but I know quality when I see it.

/have ultimate.

[Minimalist]

But Microsoft no longer supports XP.

Not true. Microsoft stopped supporting Windows XP systems that are not on SP3, and Vista without SP2.

We would like to make you aware of important news regarding certain versions of Windows that could affect your computers and servers. On July 13, Microsoft support—including the release of new security updates—will end for Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), Windows 2000 Server and Windows 2000 Professional. It is also important to note that support for Windows Vista Release to Manufacturing (or RTM, as it is commonly referred to, which indicates the original version without any service packs installed) ended on April 13.

Well...sort of.

http://news.softpedia.com/news/Windows-X...8491.shtml

XP Support - Mainstream vs. Extended

In April 2009 Microsoft will retire Mainstream support for Windows XP SP3; however, users will still be able to enjoy Extended support until April 2014. Even though the XP era ends on June 30, 2008, the death of the operating system will only come in 2014. This means that long after Windows Vista and even Windows 7, Windows XP will still be clinging to the last crumbs of market share, with customers too stubborn, or simply incapable to let go.

"Mainstream support delivers complimentary as well as paid support, free security updates and bug fixes to all Windows customers who purchase a retail copy of Windows XP (i.e. a shrink-wrapped, not pre-installed, copy). Extended support delivers free security updates to all Windows customers. Customers can also pay for support on a per-incident basis. New bug fixes require the Extended Hotfix Support program," Microsoft added.