Microsoft makes most editions of Windows 7 available in 32-bit or 64-bit versions, so to see which version your computer is using, go to the Start menu to Computer and click on the System Properties at the top of the window. In the System area of the box that appears, look next to System Type to see if the computer is running a 32 or 64-bit (x64) operating system.

The 64-bit systems handle data and memory efficiency that 32-bit systems; a popular analogy is to think of a 64-bit operating system as a 64-lane highway compared with a 32-lane highway in terms of a moving traffic. If you have the 32-bit version installed and want to see if your computer’s processor can run the 64-bit version of Windows 7, go to the Start menu to Control Panel.

In the Search box at the top of the window, start typing Performance Information and Tools and click on the window. In the Performance and Information Tools box, click on the option for “View and print detailed performance and system information.”

In the System area, look next to 64-bit capable to see if it says “Yes” which means the processor can handle the upgrade. If you choose to upgrade from the 32-bit version, you need to back-up all your files, install the 64-bit edition of Windows and the copy your files back to the PC.

One major thing to do before you upgrade: Make sure there are 64-bit drivers available for the hardware you use with the computer. Microsoft has other advice on upgrading to the 64-bit version of Windows 7 at http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/32-bit-and-64-bit-Windows-frequently-asked-questions

Source: NYT Special

by Stephen Williams

Did you put off buying a new computer after the launch of Microsoft’s Windows 7 operating system?

Join the crowd.

According to DigiTimes, a Taiwanese-based electronics news site, the release of the new OS in late October didn’t translate into “strong” demand for PCs and hardware that came loaded with the system.

The story also notes that a PC sales upswing is unlikely for 2009, “due to most Windows Vista users not needing to replace their PCs in order to upgrade to Windows 7.”

While it is likely that new notebook and netbook sales will experience a bump in sales as the holidays approach—already some stores are getting the jump on “black Friday” price slashing—even Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmar was cautious about PC sales predictions. “There will be a surge of PCs but it will probably not be huge,” Ballmer said last month at a press conference in Germany.

The sales of the software at retail, however, was another story. The NPD Group, a market-research firm, said that sales of Windows 7 in the United States were 234% higher than when Vista launched in January 2007.

The figures were “fantastic,” Ballmer said this week at a news conference in Tokyo, reported by Bloomberg, and exceeded revenue from any of Microsoft’s previous operating software releases in the first 10 days.

After deciding to shift to a Windows Vista OS, you need to decide on which Windows Vista version you should pick. Before you consider shelling out $400 for a Windows Vista Ultimate license, you really should ask yourself exactly what features you need and want so you can decide whether the price is right.

Windows Vista Home Basic

This is the most rudimentary version of Vista available. It has the more secure IE 7, the firewall, the quick search functionality, and easier connectivity. When it comes to the features that distinguish Vista from previous versions of the Windows OS, though, Home Basic is somewhat lacking, though it does offer parental control.

Windows Vista Home Basic is a good choice only if you use your computer solely for web surfing and basic document processing, or if your computer is just barely powerful enough to run Windows Vista.

Windows Vista Home Premium

For an extra $40, you can get much more out of Windows Vista. Aside from including all the features of the Home Basic version, Home Premium offers all of the window-dressing that makes Vista look like Vista. You will have pre-packaged games and Aero interface capability. Aero gives your windows and icons a 3D appearance and smoother transitions, as well as allowing you to add transparency effects to window borders. Home Premium offers tablet PC functionality, document collaboration, and scheduled backups. Home Premium also offers the fully integrated Windows Media Center for all your home entertainment needs, plus a moviemaker which is HD format-capable.

Windows Vista Home Premium is designed for the user who uses the computer for PC and network gaming, since Premium supports DirectX 10, with its advanced graphics technologies incredible graphics rendering. Premium is also designed for watching High Definition movie, editing/making video clips, burning DVD copies, and interfacing with the Xbox 360, which Home Premium edition automatically detects to allow for Video, Audio, and Picture sharing.

Windows Vista Business

Windows Vista Business drops Parental controls, Media Center features, and pre-installed games for obvious reasons. Vista Business does have the rest of the Home Premium features plus support for business applications and business data security (fax, remote desktop connectivity, file encryption, and complete shadow incremental backup). This version of Windows Vista is, as the name implies, strictly for business purposes.

Windows Vista Enterprise

Windows Vista Enterprise adds Microsoft’s BitLocker encryption technology to the feature set found in Windows Vista Business, but this version of Windows is only offered to businesses participating in Microsoft’s Software Assurance program.

Windows Vista Ultimate

This edition has everything that is included in the Home Premium and Business editions. Vista Ultimate also adds Enterprise’s BitLocker encryption technology for the computer’s hard drives, protecting the drives so that only authorized users can boot up the OS or view the files contained in the drives.

Because of its full complement of features, Vista Ultimate is perfect for people who use the PC for fun and business in equal parts, as well as users who want to be protected from data loss and PC theft.

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