No sooner have we got around to the idea of upgrading Windows XP to Windows Vista Microsoft decides to bring another version of its Operating System out, this time renamed Windows 7. 

I have been fortunate enough to have another PC that I use to evaluate Beta software. So I wanted to see what Windows 7 could offer over Windows Vista.

Well, knock me down with a feather. Firstly some of my peripherals that Windows Vista recommended I upgraded will work fine with Windows 7, all my software was also fine in Windows 7, but in Vista my Nero software was flagged to purchase newer version, I never did by the way but at times I did have some issues burning discs. The only thing that was flagged, but this will be flagged for all users is that you download Internet Explorer 8 as Windows 7 is not shipped with any Internet Explorer software. Having already downloaded Internet explorer 8 to a flash drive for later use with the full version of Windows 7 I installed the Beta version of Windows 7.

Installation had to be done from a Windows platform, so I used XP Pro. The installation was smooth enough and the only issue I really had was with the on board LAN, fortunately I had the motherboard disc and located the drivers for the LAN, once installed and Internet access was available Windows 7 quickly identified my Graphics card, Monitor and sound card and installed the drivers. A note about my monitor; it's a TFT PnP, in Windows XP it was recoginsed and identified correctly with the title LM19T, Windows 7 also did this, but Windows Vista could never, it was always displayed a standard monitor which I found a little annoying.

I have preordered Windows7 the Ultimate version which I feel is a great improvement over Vista. I also have to mention that it runs quicker than Vista. I wonder what it will be like after I upgrade my board to Dual core which is in progress.