Major upgrade versions. To see which features each version of Windows 7 has, go to Microsoft's Compare Windows page.

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1 Windows 7 Upgrading to Windows 7 Introduction Page 1 Now that you have explored what Windows 7 has to offer, we can help you understand what's involved in moving to the new operating system. In this lesson, we will review the various versions of Windows 7 and the system requirements for running the operating system. We will discuss the process of upgrading and any considerations you need to be aware of before switching to Windows 7. Windows 7 Versions and Pricing Page 2 The major upgrade versions of Windows 7 are Home Premium ($119.99), Professional ($199.99) and Ultimate ($219.99). Home Premium is the most popular version of Windows 7 and will likely suit the needs of most users. The Professional version may appeal to small to medium business owners as it has extras like Windows XP mode and networking back up features. Ultimate is the most powerful version with added security features, such as Bitlocker and the flexibility of use in 35 languages. Major upgrade versions To see which features each version of Windows 7 has, go to Microsoft's Compare Windows page. You may come across a Windows 7 Starter version. This version is made for smaller laptops (sometimes called netbooks) and will have limited performance and features compared to Home Premium. There is also a Windows 7 Home Premium Family Pack ($149.99) for upgrading up to three PCs in the home.

2 Full versions of the above products are more expensive, but will only be required if you are not already running Windows XP or Vista. Windows 7 Requirements for Upgrade Page 3 In order to run Windows 7, your PC must have the following: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor 1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit) 16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit) DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver Additional System Requirements may be needed to run certain features. Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor Microsoft is providing a tool called the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor so customers can determine if their PC is able to run Windows 7. It is a good idea to download the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor before upgrading. It will analyze your computer's processor, memory, storage, graphics capabilities and any other compatibility issues. If possible, it will also provide guidance for resolving issues. Please note, you should plug in and connect all USB devices, printers, external hard drives, etc. when running the Upgrade Advisor. This will provide the best analysis of your system. Windows Experience Index The Windows Experience Index is another indicator of how well your computer will respond to Windows 7. The Windows Experience Index tests your system and rates it with a score between 1 and 7.9. The higher the score the better your computer's performance. Some Windows 7 features, like Aero, need a score of at least 3 to run. 1. To check your Windows Experience Index, click on the Start Menu and select Computer. The Computer window will appear. 2. Select System Properties in the button bar at the top of the screen. The System Window displays your computer's Windows Experience Index rating. It also shows other system info, including whether your computer has a 32-bit or 64-bit processor. Viewing System Properties

3 3. Select the Windows Experience Index link to view the ratings of the individual computer components that are scored. The rating is determined by the lowest subscore. Explanation of Windows Experience Index In this case, the score of 4.3 should be sufficient to experience most of the new windows features. If your system scores lower than a 3, you may miss out on some of the digital media and graphics features, including Window's Aero. What to Consider before You Upgrade? Page 4 Once you have run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor and reviewed your system's Windows Experience Index, you will have a better idea of how Windows 7 will perform on your computer. Just to be sure, here are a few things to consider: Do you have a 32-bit or 64-bit processor? The 64-bit processor can handle larger amounts of information and increase the responsiveness of the computer. Windows 7 can run on 32-bit and 64-bit computers, but some features may not perform as well on 32-bit computers. Will you be upgrading from XP or Vista? Windows 7 was designed to be upgraded from Vista. If you are currently using the XP operating system, then your upgrade experience may be complicated. You will have to back up your current files, programs and settings and do a custom (clean) installation. Microsoft has subtly suggested that XP users should consider getting a new PC for Windows 7. If this is not an option and you are going to do a custom (clean) installation then you may want to get help from a computer service professional. Are you interested in gaming, multimedia and Windows Touch? Microsoft has put a heavy emphasis on promoting how "new things are possible" with Windows 7. These include graphics capabilities for gaming, the multimedia features of Windows Media Player and the use of touch screen. If these digital media features are important to you, then make sure to review the Additional System Requirements before upgrading.

4 Using Windows 7 on a touch screen Are you in the market for a new computer with Windows 7? Microsoft suggests Windows 7 will work better on a new PC, especially if you are interested in the Digital Media functions. Check out Microsoft's recommendations for Windows 7 Compatible Laptops and PCs. Do you currently use Windows Mail or Outlook Express? Windows Mail and Outlook Express are not available on Windows 7. You will need to replace them with Windows Live Mail or another program. What Kind of Upgrade do I Need? Page 5 If you are currently using Windows Vista then your upgrade experience might be quite easy. If you have XP, then upgrading will likely be more complicated. Either way, it is probably best to download and run the Windows Upgrade Advisor before proceeding. Based on the current version of your operating system, you will need to figure out if you have to perform a simple upgrade or a custom (clean) installation. You can visit Microsoft's Upgrade to Windows 7 page to determine what type of upgrade you need and what additional information should be considered before performing the upgrade. Even if you do not need to do the custom (clean) installation, it is a good idea to back up your files before upgrading. For more information, read Backing Up Your Computer in our Computer Basics tutorial. Microsoft provides instructions for doing a custom (clean) installation. However, you may want to consider using a computer service professional if you are not comfortable with this process. Once you have determined which Windows 7 version you want and what kind of upgrade you need to perform, you may go to a retail outlet or the online Microsoft Store to purchase your upgrade. Windows versions

5 Conclusion Page 6 Now that you know what it takes to upgrade, you have a better idea of whether Windows 7 is right for you. Depending on your circumstances, upgrading may be an easy or complicated process. As previously mentioned you should weigh any complications you may experience with your desire for the improvements and features that Windows 7 has to offer. Time and cost are also factors, especially if you are considering purchasing a new computer.