Three years on from the launch of Windows Vista, this month sees the release of Windows 7, Microsoft newest operating system for desktop, laptop and netbook computers.

So why is Microsoft launching their new operating system now?

Are they releasing Windows 7 because Vista is so bad?

Microsoft are releasing now because a new operating system is due as Vista has completed its three year lifecycle. Windows Vista wasn’t bad, it was over ambitious. It tried to be more secure, but tighter security brings less usability.

But most of the problems with Windows Vista where related to slow performance and incapability, and both of these issues could of been avoided if the purchaser understands the history of Microsoft Windows.

When buying new hardware, buying the minimum specification for the operating system / main software will reduce the lifespan of the machine. Microsoft Windows and other business software programs are living products, they are amended throughout their life, with additional features, plug-ins and security updates. Each update takes more resources, rendering the minimum specification machine old and slow quickly.

For example, Windows XP when released in 2001, required a minimum memory requirement of 64Mbs. Current Microsoft Windows XP machines being sold by Unitec IT Solutions have a recommended minimum memory of 2Gbs (2048Mbs)

To understand this, think about buying a car. You need a car, and buy a small one litre engine car. It’s fine for getting around town like you intended. Over the next few months, your partner comes with you in the car, and you take longer journeys. Now the car feels slow because it doesn’t like the upgrade to motorways. A few months later, children occupy the back seats, and the car is cramped, noisy and slow with all the extra people.

Going back to computers, if you purchase a well specified machine, will lots of additional power for all your computing needs of today and in the future, then you will receive a long return on your investment and a satisfaction with your purchase. If this machine was a car, you brought a good sized hatchback with a strong engine.

Incompatibility also dogged Windows Vista, but this wasn’t Microsoft’s fault. Microsoft makes available the code for its new operating system in advance for other manufactures to ensure that their products have the correct “drivers” to work with the operating system. Windows 7 has been available to test for 12 months, so only the third-party manufacturers can be blamed if a printer or camera does not work with Windows 7.

To help with identifying which products are not compatible with Windows 7, Microsoft have maybe available a free system compatibility tool, which can be downloaded from http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/upgrade-advisor.aspx

There are two major questions to be asked when investing in your new Windows 7 desktop, laptop or netbook. What is the specification I should I be buying for long term use? Should I be thinking of a 64-bit system? For many businesses, these may be questions where the answer could mean very little, thankfully, Unitec IT Solutions are here to help.

With every release of a new Microsoft Windows operating system, there will be a pining for the previous system. Windows 7 is the future, and with Unitec IT Solutions, together we will ensure your next IT purchases are an investment for you to be proud of.

This article was created for Unitec IT Solutions and republished with their permisson.