Windows 7 upgrade
27 Oct 2009 19:58:13 UTC
Topic 194601
(moderation:
And so my fellow crunchkins, it is now time to ponder the possibilities of Windows 7. The question is whether I should upgrade or should I get the full version. In the past I have tried to reformat the HD and install the new version fresh. But finances are not as alive as they usually are, so I am considering the upgrade version. So,
A) are there any real disadvantages to upgrade versus full versions?
B) does BOINC run okay with Win 7?
C) should I back up my important data folders despite the fact that this is an upgrade, not a full version?
D) and what about Thunderbird and Firefox? Are they good with Win 7?
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Windows 7 upgrade
)
Hold off and wait for the dust to settle first? See what comments you hear first? I know I was rather disappointed with Vista...
There's also the ever present Linux with two new distro versions due out very soon:
Karmic Koala; Ubuntu Gets The "K"
(Special note: The "K" and desktop bit is just a bit of humour...)
More seriously:
New features [in 9.10] since Ubuntu 9.04
And there's Mandriva 2010:
Mandriva announces the upcoming launch of Mandriva Linux 2010
And there is some friendly rivalry from at least the Linux side of things:
Linus Torvalds: Windows 7 Rocks!
For those new to Linux, a good "Q&A" FAQ is:
Linux frequently asked questions for those new to Linux
Good luck,
Cheers,
Martin
See new freedom: Mageia Linux
Take a look for yourself: Linux Format
The Future is what We all make IT (GPLv3)
Just noticed this for
)
Just noticed this for Mandriva 2009.1:
Powerpack 2009 Spring Clearance Sale
(Note that Mandriva 2010 is being released in a few days time.)
It's an awful lot cheaper than Windows 7, for cost (money) and in my opinion for cost in terms of time!
Happy crunchin',
Martin
See new freedom: Mageia Linux
Take a look for yourself: Linux Format
The Future is what We all make IT (GPLv3)
RE: And so my fellow
)
Personally, I would prefer a new installation, a nice opportunity to 'clean up' your computer. You're considering an upgrade, does this mean you're running Vista? I vaguely remember reading upgrading from XP is not possible.
RE: And so my fellow
)
Of course, you could also ask yourself if there's really a compelling need to upgrade. For me, there's not. My two XP machines are too old to be worth the cost of a Win 7 upgrade. My one lone Vista machine performs well, and so I won't try to jinx things by doing an upgrade.
RE: Just noticed this for
)
And, if you don't mind doing a bit of tweaking, there's always Slackware 13. I have it on three machines here, and it runs beautifully.
UPgrade versions usually
)
UPgrade versions usually require the use of the prior installation DVD/CD at some point in the install process. So, you have to keep both sets about. Reinstalls may require you to actually reinstall the prior OS first before you can install the upgrade thus making the install process longer.
If you have multiple PCs to upgrade, buy one full and use the media to do the installations but use the keys from upgrades...
Long term you can make your next machine a Mac and leave that nonsense behind ... but I digress ... :)
RE: And so my fellow
)
Well i've upgraded a Vista laptop. The upgrade will only upgrade from Vista. If you have XP previously its a clean install. I took the precaution of backing up anyway.
Can't comment on BOINC, Thunderbird or Firefox as I don't use the laptop for crunching nor the other two.
It seems to be faster and more reliable than Vista. Its using 150Mb RAM, whereas my XP boxes are using 52Mb, so a larger footprint, but not as bad as Vista.
I had to uninstall the fingerprint reader s/w as its not compatible with Win 7 and there doesn't appear to be a Win 7 version around yet. I also have a problem with my printer (Officejet 5500) no longer honouring the top margin setting of 1/2". I have to update my anti-virus s/w (NOD32 v2.7) to the current version. Its working but Win 7 says "its reporting its status in a format that is no longer supported". All in all still a lot better than Vista I think, despite the issues.
BOINC blog
RE: Personally, I would
)
Actually, I prefer a new install as well for the same reason. Come to think of it, is there a way to upgrade and still have the benefits of a new install? I'm thinking format, install old version, then upgrade as mentioned earlier by Paul. Now I just have to get the instructions for a format off the net. Would this work?
By the way, much of the reason for the upgrade is the student discount. Unfortunately, the full version is not available, and it doesn't look like it will ever be available, so waiting doesn't help. And yes, I absolutely HATE Vista. Had to check into St. Elizabeth's in Washington, DC. due to the hang-ups with early Vista. Drove me batty and insane all at once! Lucky I survived! :-)
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RE: D) and what about
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One of the guys I work with has also upgraded and he says Firefox is fine with it.
BOINC blog
I have now updated one
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I have now updated one cruncher from XP (32 bit) to 7 (64 bit). You can see the host here
Work done prior to the 8th of November was under XP and the stuff returned on the 8th onwards was using Win 7.
From the BOINC perspective 64 bit Windows 7 seems to about the same speed. I have based that on the average cpu time of the work done under XP and then under Win 7. It is by no means accurate, but gives a rough idea on any performance change.
Average Win 7 (64 bit): 19,338 (5 wu)
Average WinXP (32 bit): 19,379 (8 wu)
It might benefit from a 64 bit app, but there isn't one as far as I know.
BOINC blog