The release of Windows 7 is just around the corner, so if you are planning on upgrading or just interested about the new OS here is some updated information.

System Requirements:
The recommended requirements for Windows 7 have more or less remained the same as those for Windows Vista:
* A 1GHz processor.
* 1GB of RAM.
* A 20GB hard drive with 16GB free space.
* A graphics card that supports DirectX 9 with a WDDM driver.
* 128MB dedicated memory for the graphics card.

However, Windows 7 has been tweaked to maximize system performance, meaning Windows 7 will perform better on a computer than Windows Vista. In some tests, it is even faster than Windows XP. This enables users of Netbooks and older computers to run Windows 7 where it may have been difficult or impossible with Windows Vista. It also means that you can run Windows 7 on a system with lower specifications than above, although it is not recommended in order to take full advantage of the operating system.  Most new systems, including NetBooks, exceed these specifications, anyway.

Considerations To Keep In Mind Before Upgrading to Windows 7:
You may perform an upgrade to Windows 7 from either Windows XP SP3 (or higher) or Windows Vista SP1 (or higher). Note, however, that it is impossible to upgrade from a 32-bit version of Windows to a 64-bit version of Windows or vice versa. Therefore, if you wish to install Windows 7 as a replacement for a previous version (Windows 95/98/ME/2000) or you wish to cross the 32-bit/64-bit boundary, you must perform a clean installation. This entails backing up your personal files, erasing the hard drive, and installing everything from scratch.  When you create the backups of your personal files BE SURE TO DUBLE CHECK ALL IS THERE BEFORE ERASING THE DISK.  If you make a mistake download the Recuva Utility from Priform.com.  You may be able to recover files that have not been overwritten.

Windows 7 Compatibility:
Any application and any peripheral which worked with Windows Vista should work with Windows 7.  Microsoft has attempted to prevent another compatibility disaster like the one associated with Windows Vista. In addition, some applications and devices which did not work with Windows Vista may work with Windows 7's expanded compatibility. However, those upgrading from Windows XP will still face potentially significant compatibility issues. With that in mind, I would suggest checking with the manufacture of your hardware/software to confirm compatibility. Microsoft recently compiled their own list, which can be found by clicking_here. Those listings should serve as a guide to compatible hardware and software until more comprehensive Windows 7 listings become available.

Aside from that, keep in mind that some software that fails to install or run on Windows Vista can be dealt with in one of two ways:

1.) Use Compatibility Mode. Windows 7 is designed to enter Compatibility Mode automatically for programs it detects are designed for a previous version of Windows. Like in Windows XP and Vista, compatibility can be enabled manually. To manually enable Compatibility Mode, right-click the program, select Properties, and select the Compatibility tab. You can then enable Compatibility Mode for that program and select a previous version of Windows from the drop-down menu.

2.) Make sure you check back to the author's website for updated versions, patches, and drivers that enable Windows 7 compatibility. Not all software will be made compatible, but in the months after Windows 7's release you should see a dramatic increase in support by third-party vendors.

If you have any questions about upgrading your OS, or buying a new PC with Windows 7 pre installed, please make sure ALL your hardware and software will work before taking the leap.  If you need help feel free to call the CCS Support Department at 800-672-4806 or email_us to make an appointment to review your plans.

-Bryan