Windows 7 buyer's guide

Designed by Microsoft® to make your PC easier to use, Windows 7 simplifies your everyday tasks, works the way you want it to and makes new exciting things possible.

Its streamline interface makes it easier to find what you want, keeps your favourite applications close to hand, simplifies home networking, offers a fast and secure web experience, and delivers premier media entertainment.

Whether you're an occasional home PC user, a demanding business user or a laptop user always on the move, you'll be able to get a tailored operating system to meet your specific needs.

Which operating system is right for me?

Microsoft has four different editions of Windows 7.

Each edition focuses on the needs of a specific type of person.

– Windows 7 Starter
Only available pre-installed on Netbook PCs, Starter is the basic Windows 7 package. It’s a great introduction to Windows 7 designed specifically for Netbooks and can be easily upgraded to any other Windows 7 package.

– Windows 7 Home Premium
For homes with advanced computing needs, Premium helps you use your laptop or desktop PC more effectively. You'll be able to enjoy new, exciting digital entertainment experiences all with the benefit of added security and reliability.

– Windows 7 Professional
Designed to meet the needs of business organisations of all sizes. Windows 7 Professional offers the ability to run an application in XP mode for backwards compatibility.

– Windows 7 Ultimate
All the features available for Windows 7. Also the only version to include other languages.

Upgrade to Windows 7

If you own a PC that was classed as Windows Vista Capable or Windows Vista Premium Ready, the good news is that it will run Windows 7.

The basic specification required is:

A modern processor, at least 1GHz in speed
1GB of system memory (2GB for 64bit)
A DirectX 9 capable graphics processor

For an enhanced experience it will also require:

A 128MB DirectX 9 capable graphics processor with WDDM driver and full Pixel Shader 2.0 support
40GB hard drive with 20GB of free space
A DVD drive, TV tuner and internet access

How to get Windows 7

– Upgrade from XP
When upgrading from Windows XP to any Windows 7 version all files and programs will need to be backed up as it will need to be a full 'clean' installation.

– Upgrade from Vista
Depending on your hardware and current edition of Windows Vista, you can use the 'Upgrade' option during Windows 7 installation to upgrade from Windows Vista to a corresponding or higher edition of Windows 7.

– Upgrade from lower version of Windows 7
Run Windows Anytime Upgrade from the 'start' menu.