FRancis,
Let's take this from the beginning. If you choose to upgrade to Windows 7,
that is of course your decision. But, I'd like to raise some points of
consideration first.
1. What reasons do you have for wanting to upgrade? Some of us, such as
myself, do some assistive technology training, and therefore, I have chosen
to have access to XP, Vista, and Windows 7. Since my wife is also blind, I
can steal her Win 7 machine if I need to check something. If your current
programs etc. are working fine, there is no immediate reason to upgrade
unless you either just want to use it or for work-related reasons you need
to start using Windows 7. You should know that, as long as you have Service
Pack 3 for XP, it will be supported by Microsoft for another four years.
2. Have you made sure before you upgrade that your machine and its
peripherals will support Windows 7? I would recommend installing the
Microsoft Windows 7 upgrade advisor and see what it reports. After that,
take a look at your printer and scanner drivers, look on the manufacturer's
site for each and make sure they have drivers that will support Windows 7.
Some manufacturers with older equipment don't support either, while others
may have drivers for the 32-bit version but not the 64-bit version.
3. There are several versions of Windows 7. The Basic version is stripped
down and only used in the sub-powered netbook computers. Your option for
most home users is Home Premium. There is also a Professional version that
adds some network enhancements like more secure company network domain
log-on, and the ability to run in XP simulation mode; and ultimate which
builds on the enhancements in Windows 7 professional such as BitLocker to
secure your personal data from theft or loss. For a comparison, see
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/compare/default.aspx
4. Legally, you are supposed to buy the full version because you supposedly
can't upgrade from XP to Windows 7 directly. However, if you look around,
you will find articles that will tell you how to upgrade using the upgrade
copy of Windows 7. That will save you a fair amount of money. For example,
http://www.windowssecrets.com/2009/11/12/02-Clean-install-Windows-7-from-the-upgrade-disc
Take my advice, I don't use it anyway.
Steve
Lansing, MI
----- Original Message -----
From: "Francis E. Khan" <fek...@tstt.net.tt>
To: "Jaws Users List" <jaws-users-list@jaws-users.com>
Sent: Saturday, September 18, 2010 1:41 PM
Subject: [JAWS-Users] Upgrading to Windows 7
I have been using Windows XP for a while and now that I have heard a lot
about Windows 7 and what it can do, I want to purchase a full version of
the program to update my computer. However, I have heard that there are
several versions to choose from such as Home Premium, etc. I want a
version that won't cost a figure which will cause me to apply to the bank
for a loan to be paid off in three years. It should also work with JAWS 11
and later.
I understand that there are many experts on what Windows 7 does and I hope
you can give me advice on what I can buy. Will $200 be enough to purchase
my copy of Windows 7? And from where, directly from Microsoft or Amazon.
One more thing. How do I keep my programs that I use now so that they can
work after the Windows 7 has been installed.
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