Why should you leave Windows XP and get Windows 7?
A lot of people like being stuck in the past. They don’t like change, even when it comes to their operating system. The reasons why they don’t upgrade are:
- Learning the new OS
- The current OS just works
- Too lazy
- Costs money
- Because Microsoft is a monopoly so they wont support it by upgrading. They’ll stick with Windows XP. ( way to go! )
- Ignorance
- Don’t know there’s a new version of Windows
- Media. Ridiculous propaganda by ridiculous blogs who like sucking up to Apple and live an anti-Microsoft life.
- All of the above
While most of the reasons stated above are valid to some extent, such as the current version of Windows just works, such people actually miss out on many new features that can make computing better for them. For example, why wouldn’t anyone want to take advantage of the built in codecs available in Windows Media Player 12 in Windows 7? or the new Device Stage? or built in ISO burning? or the hardware accelerated user interface (AERO) that’s not just eye candy but actually helps in productivity as well, Aero Snap being the prime example. I could go on and on with many such features for Windows 7, but in the end it comes down to these basic points in my opinion – you should upgrade to Windows 7 because:
- It’s more secure. That’s the number one complaint from people who experience viruses and worms, they want a secure OS. Use Windows 7 with Microsoft Security Essentials, and you’re safe and sound. It also provides built in security enhancements and a refined User Account Control ( UAC). Although, no OS can claim responsibility for lack of common sense on behalf of the user.
- It’s faster. On recent hardware, it outperforms Windows XP. It’s not just a claim, it’s proven.
- It stays out of your way. With the new notifications system, and the improved system tray, built in and even third party applications won’t be able to harm your productivity.
- The Superbar. Improves multitasking in certain scenarios and provides better handling of multi-windowed applications.
- Built in troubleshooters. Windows 7 is smart. If it detects problems with your performance or a decrease in your battery time, it’ll automatically help you diagnose the issue instead of Googling or Binging around on the Internet.
- Better looking games. This is for all you gamers out there. With DirectX 11, you’ll not only get prettier graphics, but also improved frame rates.
- Windows Media Center. This alone is a solid reason for many people to upgrade to Windows 7.
- Easy networking via Homegroup. Easily discover and share media over your home network. Provide different access rights to users with just a right click. You can even access your home media over the Internet through other Windows 7 computers. No extra software/installation needed.
- More battery life. Better efficiency. Optimized for lengthier DVD playback time, which means you can watch those complete movies without worrying about the battery time left now and then.
- Customization and personalization features. You can make Windows 7 reflect your personality with themes and glass colors.
- Windows Touch. Multi-touch capabilities are built right into the OS and bundled applications.
I could go on and on with the features that Windows 7 provides both in the user interface and internal improvements that not only enhance your computing but make it easier and more enjoyable, whether you are a casual Internet user, gamer, programmer, social networking addict, blogger, video editor, photographer or anyone else. You can avail the %50 discount for Windows 7 while there’s time. But still, if people intend on using Windows XP, nothing can stop them. All I can say to such people is you don’t know what you’re missing.
Related posts:
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- When and What will Windows Mobile 6.5.1 bring
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- Windows 7 RTM FAQ – All you need to know about Windows 7
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I think its important to remember that, if a user is happy with XP and feels that it does everything they need with an adequate level of security, then there’s no real need for them to rock the boat with an upgrade unless they need to purchase new hardware as well. Keep in mind that there are ways to bolt on improvements to XP, often at less than the cost of a full system upgrade, and sometimes for free. Being lazy or ignorant has nothing to do with that kind of motivation; in fact not fixing things that aren’t broken is often a good way to avoid potential headaches. And if they need to purchase new hardware anyway, then it is best for them to look at their options in terms of software and hardware with eyes wide open and consider all their options. Besides, you should know that many businesses are wary of updating to any new Microsoft OS before the first service pack is released.
I know certain people who wouldn’t upgrade because they will have to back up their data even though they like the new features in newer versions. That is lazyness. Ignorance means most people don’t even know there’s a new OS, and that it can benefit them. And different rules apply to businesses therefore I didn’t target them in this article.
Oh and Goblin, you can stop trolling now. All your posts here onwards will be marked as spam. I don’t support trolling specially on my own blog. Do whatever you want on your blog, but your 15 minutes of fame here are over now. Take a screen dump of this, and frame it on your wall.
P.S. for you thinking you brought a discussion to my blog, I link to this image for your pleasure: http://www.twitpic.com/8ovc4
And go cry to your mom for freedom of speech. I just don’t allow bullshit.
I’m I too late? Is the “debate” already over?
No my friend! The war is still on…
Let’s start the war meme! lol. So Uzee I think your dp sucks
I’m I too late? Is the “debate” already over?
No my friend! The war is still on…
Let’s start the war meme! lol. So Uzee I think your dp sucks
The choice is purely personal. If you’re a typical “end-user”, you do not need to upgrade to Windows7. I’ve tried Windows7 out for a month or so (maybe, I’ll do a post on that soon on my own blog) and it is great … new features, lots of eyecandy as well. But there’s nothing there that you absolutely MUST need under any circumstances. WindowsXP SP3 is fine as it is, and will continue to be the most popular OS out there for a while. Bringing up Linux vs. Windows debate is meaningless, Windows is not worth paying hundreds of dollars unless it comes bundled with your machine to be very honest, and that is how MOST people end up using it. Linux is equally good (or even better), depends on your needs and who you ask.
The choice is purely personal. If you’re a typical “end-user”, you do not need to upgrade to Windows7. I’ve tried Windows7 out for a month or so (maybe, I’ll do a post on that soon on my own blog) and it is great … new features, lots of eyecandy as well. But there’s nothing there that you absolutely MUST need under any circumstances. WindowsXP SP3 is fine as it is, and will continue to be the most popular OS out there for a while. Bringing up Linux vs. Windows debate is meaningless, Windows is not worth paying hundreds of dollars unless it comes bundled with your machine to be very honest, and that is how MOST people end up using it. Linux is equally good (or even better), depends on your needs and who you ask.
I agree with some of your points, despite being a devoted Linux user. You didn’t mention the hardware requirements that make people stay with XP. Even though 7 has worked on low end hardware, it’s not really useable is it? XP still reins supreme there and will until that low end hardware becomes ancient. I still see XP being used until the next major Windows release.
As for Goblin, my advice is to ignore him. He seems to be overconfident and underestimates others. I understand the annoyance some people can be, but staying calm is the best way to see through situations.
I agree with some of your points, despite being a devoted Linux user. You didn’t mention the hardware requirements that make people stay with XP. Even though 7 has worked on low end hardware, it’s not really useable is it? XP still reins supreme there and will until that low end hardware becomes ancient. I still see XP being used until the next major Windows release.
As for Goblin, my advice is to ignore him. He seems to be overconfident and underestimates others. I understand the annoyance some people can be, but staying calm is the best way to see through situations.
I refuse to upgrade because they removed lots of features I used which I find unacceptable. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Features_removed_from_Windows_Vista and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Features_removed_from_Windows_7
which ones do you find unacceptable?
I refuse to upgrade because they removed lots of features I used which I find unacceptable. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Features_removed_from_Windows_Vista and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Features_removed_from_Windows_7
which ones do you find unacceptable?
Well, there’s a lot of good reasons not to upgrade to Windows 7. There’s Moon OS, Tiny Core, Slax, BSD Anywhere, Paldo, InstaLinux, ArtistX, Desktop BSD, 64 Studio, Absolute Linux, gOS, and so on, and so on.
Neither of your reasons apply to the average Joe who uses Windows.
Well, there’s a lot of good reasons not to upgrade to Windows 7. There’s Moon OS, Tiny Core, Slax, BSD Anywhere, Paldo, InstaLinux, ArtistX, Desktop BSD, 64 Studio, Absolute Linux, gOS, and so on, and so on.
Neither of your reasons apply to the average Joe who uses Windows.
Actually all of them apply. Most Windows users are blown away when they realize that there are operating systems that don’t require anti-virus, that there are operating systems that don’t Blue Screen, that there are operating systems which don’t need maintenance.
It’s the average joe who has the most to gain.
I have used many Operating Systems on many machines and what i have t say about this is that XP is still great for gaming, not counting the DX11 upgrade which in any case for gamers makes Windows 7 best choice and i would have totally agreed with Mr.Imran for that point if he had put that up……
Coming up to Linux vs. Win its not a topic to be discussed here coz whatever one say i myself believe Linux to be best for an average user and not a hardcore gamer for the availability of Wine makes games for windows playable in Linux too, no flaming is intended here.
The thing which I had like to say is that the final decision is always on users about whether he wants to use any software or not and calling them lazy for there decision is wrong for some of them may not have enough time to download that or not enough bandwidth……………………I myself have been using Win for last 3-4 years and now i am really bored of it but still have win 7 installed for its my requirement and for (b)ME(/b) win 7 is the best win ever but if someone who has tried different distros its always them they had like to choose
I have used many Operating Systems on many machines and what i have t say about this is that XP is still great for gaming, not counting the DX11 upgrade which in any case for gamers makes Windows 7 best choice and i would have totally agreed with Mr.Imran for that point if he had put that up……
Coming up to Linux vs. Win its not a topic to be discussed here coz whatever one say i myself believe Linux to be best for an average user and not a hardcore gamer for the availability of Wine makes games for windows playable in Linux too, no flaming is intended here.
The thing which I had like to say is that the final decision is always on users about whether he wants to use any software or not and calling them lazy for there decision is wrong for some of them may not have enough time to download that or not enough bandwidth……………………I myself have been using Win for last 3-4 years and now i am really bored of it but still have win 7 installed for its my requirement and for (b)ME(/b) win 7 is the best win ever but if someone who has tried different distros its always them they had like to choose
Why the rush for additional features? Add those when the “core” is great. It isn’t. Look at the pedigree of the stack. It was lousy in Vista and doesn’t seem any better in 7.
I’ll admit it.
I DON’T play games, FUNCTION outweighs FORM every time, stability means more to me than prettyness or that extra gadget.Changing OS isn’t about lazy/not lazy. Changing OS can be hard if you are in a business environment. In a corporate environment, try telling them that it is “better”. For something to be better, it must offer something you need at a price that is acceptible to whoever is paying the bill. “Media Centre functionality” or “extended DVD playback while on battery” won’t cut it in most corporations.
How can anyone claim that a brand-new OS is more secure? It can be built to be secure (and I have seen little real evidence of that) but the real test is when there is a few million or more, doing real things with it, installing all those apps on it, surfing wherever you want to surf and it doesn’t get compromised.
“Chase-the-next-version-because-it-is-better” – Surely we are smarter than that? If there is a compelling reason to upgrade (and I use that word with caution – the first release is usually troublesome) then do it. Otherwise you are spending time and money to achieve nothing apart from the “I’ve got Windows 7″ bragging rights. I’ll take an established, pretty strong, pretty reliable tool that XP SP3 had EVOLVED INTO, over the marketing hype of a new product that carries all of the “it’s faster”, “It’s more secure” etc comments that have been rolled out at every Windows launch.
I’m NOT anti-Windows, I am a business-grade user that doesn’t fall for the hype, doesn’t need a workspace with fancy effects, but needs security, stability and support. We have an all Windows environment. Change for the “better” is good, as long as you can clearly identify what better means for you. Change for the sake of change or because something is “shiny” is just dumb.
Why the rush for additional features? Add those when the “core” is great. It isn’t. Look at the pedigree of the stack. It was lousy in Vista and doesn’t seem any better in 7.
I’ll admit it.
I DON’T play games, FUNCTION outweighs FORM every time, stability means more to me than prettyness or that extra gadget.Changing OS isn’t about lazy/not lazy. Changing OS can be hard if you are in a business environment. In a corporate environment, try telling them that it is “better”. For something to be better, it must offer something you need at a price that is acceptible to whoever is paying the bill. “Media Centre functionality” or “extended DVD playback while on battery” won’t cut it in most corporations.
How can anyone claim that a brand-new OS is more secure? It can be built to be secure (and I have seen little real evidence of that) but the real test is when there is a few million or more, doing real things with it, installing all those apps on it, surfing wherever you want to surf and it doesn’t get compromised.
“Chase-the-next-version-because-it-is-better” – Surely we are smarter than that? If there is a compelling reason to upgrade (and I use that word with caution – the first release is usually troublesome) then do it. Otherwise you are spending time and money to achieve nothing apart from the “I’ve got Windows 7″ bragging rights. I’ll take an established, pretty strong, pretty reliable tool that XP SP3 had EVOLVED INTO, over the marketing hype of a new product that carries all of the “it’s faster”, “It’s more secure” etc comments that have been rolled out at every Windows launch.
I’m NOT anti-Windows, I am a business-grade user that doesn’t fall for the hype, doesn’t need a workspace with fancy effects, but needs security, stability and support. We have an all Windows environment. Change for the “better” is good, as long as you can clearly identify what better means for you. Change for the sake of change or because something is “shiny” is just dumb.
Why the rush for additional features? Add those when the “core” is great. It isn’t. Look at the pedigree of the stack. It was lousy in Vista and doesn’t seem any better in 7.
I’ll admit it.
I DON’T play games, FUNCTION outweighs FORM every time, stability means more to me than prettyness or that extra gadget.Changing OS isn’t about lazy/not lazy. Changing OS can be hard if you are in a business environment. In a corporate environment, try telling them that it is “better”. For something to be better, it must offer something you need at a price that is acceptible to whoever is paying the bill. “Media Centre functionality” or “extended DVD playback while on battery” won’t cut it in most corporations.
How can anyone claim that a brand-new OS is more secure? It can be built to be secure (and I have seen little real evidence of that) but the real test is when there is a few million or more, doing real things with it, installing all those apps on it, surfing wherever you want to surf and it doesn’t get compromised.
“Chase-the-next-version-because-it-is-better” – Surely we are smarter than that? If there is a compelling reason to upgrade (and I use that word with caution – the first release is usually troublesome) then do it. Otherwise you are spending time and money to achieve nothing apart from the “I’ve got Windows 7″ bragging rights. I’ll take an established, pretty strong, pretty reliable tool that XP SP3 had EVOLVED INTO, over the marketing hype of a new product that carries all of the “it’s faster”, “It’s more secure” etc comments that have been rolled out at every Windows launch.
I’m NOT anti-Windows, I am a business-grade user that doesn’t fall for the hype, doesn’t need a workspace with fancy effects, but needs security, stability and support. We have an all Windows environment. Change for the “better” is good, as long as you can clearly identify what better means for you. Change for the sake of change or because something is “shiny” is just dumb.
Actually all of them apply. Most Windows users are blown away when they realize that there are operating systems that don’t require anti-virus, that there are operating systems that don’t Blue Screen, that there are operating systems which don’t need maintenance.
It’s the average joe who has the most to gain.