Windows 7 - when can I have it?
Windows 7 was released on 22nd October 2009, popular versions are now held in stock. For users running the free 'Release Candidate' version made available last year, the system will shut down after 2 hours use from March 1, 2010 and expire entirely on June 1, 2010 - so make sure to purchase a new license before then ! OEM or Upgrade?
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) versions of operating systems are intended to be bundled with new PCs, but you can also purchase them with qualifying hardware (hard disk, motherboard or barebones) and it enables a significant cost saving when purchasing an operating system compared to a full 'retail' version. Be aware that the license agreement states that it can only be used on one system, and when that system is replaced, the operating system 'dies with the PC' and is not transferrable. Upgrade editions are a 'retail' license and although they may only be installed on one system at a time, they can be transferred to a new system at a later date and also include licenses for both 32bit and 64bit versions of the operating system. With Vista 7, upgrade versions are great value although will expire your existing XP or Vista license. 32bit or 64bit?
32bit versions of Windows 7 are restricted to accessing a maximum of 4Gb physical memory - bear in mind that this includes all memory addresses in your system, so installing 4Gb RAM in a PC with a 512Mb graphics card would only show 3.5Gb available since the graphics card (and perhaps other devices with RAM) would use up some of the memory address space. 64bit versions support 128Gb RAM and perform slightly faster on processors with 64bit instruction sets, at the downside of having poorer driver compatability. Now though, this is less of an issue with Windows 7 being the 3rd generation 64bit Operating System, typically only significantly older hardware and software does not work with it. What's the difference between the different versions of Windows 7?  | Home Premium : Faster Performance, Improved Desktop Navigation, Internet Explorer 8, Improved networking and Home Group support, Windows Media Centre for TV recording / viewing |
|  | Professional : As Home Premium, but with Windows XP Mode for increased compatability and domain login support |
|  | Ultimate : As Professional but with automatic backup facility, Bitlocker data protection and support to switch between 35 languages. |
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