Microsoft have dominated the PC operating system market for many years and each time a new one comes out we ask ourselves, is it worth upgrading?

In this article we will review some of the pros and cons of the new Microsoft Operating system and will hopefully help answer this important question for you.

A brief History of Windows

Windows first took off with version 3.1.  Those who can remember that far back will recall that this wasn't a true operating system, it actually ran from DOS!  Soon after we had Windows 95 which was a major breakthrough for PC operating systems. 

Shortly after Windows 98 came through and in many ways was ahead of its time featuring many Internet enabled features despite few people having always on connections at this time.  However this proved a great decision as is time broadband took off in a big way, but not before XP was released! 

Believe it or not, Windows XP did not go down well when it was first revealed.   It was not until service pack 2 was released did a number of difficult issues get solved and widespread uptake began.  XP went on to be the most used operating system in the world.  Vista did not get great reviews either and quickly lead to the development and release of Windows 7.

Reasons you shouldn't upgrade to Windows 7

• Windows 7 is following very closely to Vista.  If you upgraded just a year ago then you may not want to upgrade again so soon.
  
• Vista and Win 7 are very similar in a number of ways, the overall difference might not be enough to entice new users.  Those still on XP may well be happy with a proven operating system that just works.
  
• Upgrading isn't cheap, if your current setup already works then spending more money might not be top of your list in the current economic conditions.
  

Reasons you should upgrade to Windows 7

• Windows 7 is Microsoft's new baby.  Although MS are often criticised they are world class creators of user orientated software and this will be no different.  Expect a unique and superior user interface that will help you operate your PC in a new and exciting way.
  
• The new operating system is thought to be the fastest and most efficient yet.  Many people have been runing the beta version on low cost low powered netbooks with great performance results.
  
• Although on the surface there aren't many changes, ultimately Microsoft have performed a vast overhaul of their code and added some important functionality where it counts.
  

So, is it worth upgrading to windows 7?

Anyone who has worked with windows since the first version will know that upgrading is inevitable. The question is when will you need to do it. Much will depend on how you use your PC and what your current operating system is.

Should I upgrade from XP to Windows 7?

Many Windows 98 users resited upgrading to XP initially but eventually the early problems were sorted out and as time went on using the older operating system became harder and harder. Software quickly became XP only, new hardware didn't come with the right drivers for use on 98. And soon we all had to go out and buy a copy of Windows 7.

Because of the shakey start that Vista had, and the resistance for businesses to upgrade to the new version, this switch off hasn't yet been seen with XP. However sooner or later this will begin to happen andremaining with the old operating system will become a struggle. Inevitably you will find that less and less software and hardware will support this aging OS and you will have to bite the bullit and upgrade. Probably better to do it sooner rather than later.

Should I upgrade from Vista to Windows 7?

Vista promised a number of great enhancements but sadly failed to capture the publics imagination. With this kind of negative PR Vista struggled to become the accepted replacement for XP. Microsoft made the right decision to bring in something new and start off on a more positive note.

Win 7 does fix a number of problems that hampered Vista users, it is faster to use, has extra features and crucially, copying files from one folder to another no longer takes a lifetime! My personal view would be to draw a line under the Vista experience and move on to the next big thing confident that some of the historic problems that had plagued users have now been resolved.

Upgrade Below

Windows 7 gives you:

• Easiest Windows to use so far
• Cool new navigation features such as Aero Shake, Jump Lists, and Snap
• Start up, sleep and resume faster
• Easily set up and connect to networks
• Watch and record TV with the latest edition of Media Center
• DirectX11 takes games to the next level
• Touch screen integration
• ...and much more!
  

Click through the links below to find out more about Windows 7: