I just heard from a techno-geek friend that Microsoft will offer Windows 7 free for any computer purchase made in 2009. The free download will be available October 15th.

Yippee!!! Except,

a) not confirmed

b) I already pre-bought Windows 7 Pro from Best Buy for $99.

c) Do I install it directly on top of Vista, or do I reformat my C: drive and start clean like Leo LaPorte "the Tech Guy" says I should?

 

it was available on machines purchased after 7/25.
you have to register with the vendor you made the purchase from.

and yup #2 son will be upgraded.

I do like win7.
I wasn't clever enough to buy at half price but I suspect as an upgrade it will be close to the same price by next spring when my RC copy expires.

 

I understand that it is more difficult to install Windows 7 if you have XP instead of Vista, which I do. So I may get Computer Geeks to install it for me.

 

I went from XP to win7 beta with no problem.
then reloaded with win7 RC without issue.

just save off everything first since it is a complete install not a true upgrade.

 

^ Right...OK, I may go for it myself first and see what happens. I read there were "issues" with the install.

 

It sounds like I can take the "easy way out" and install over Vista, instead of cleaning the drive and re-installing all software. My new HP came with software installed but no hard copy discs, so circumstances are gently pushing me in this direction.

My friend at Marvell said that not only is 7 more stable than a very stable Vista, but they've removed a lot of bloat from it. It's cleaner, faster, better.

 

will be watching for more news....thanks

i bought about 2 months ago....reconditioned DELL Optiplex GX520 w/SP pre-loaded, which has been a God-send

 

The only bad thing I can say about windows 7 is they didn't get the deep sleep functionality right as it still has some erratic behavior.
sort of like a teenager waking up.

other than that it has been really, really good.

 

My four year old and me also resemble that remark.

 

Just want to correct the OP, it is not free for all computers bought in 2009. You must have bought a computer that was pre loaded with windows vista home premium or higher.

If you purchased a computer with windows vista home basic pre-installed you do not qualify for the free upgrade. Also your machine has to have been purchased after june 27th.


Windows 7 runs much more efficiently than vista but there are many underlying changes. Not all programs will work with it as of now.