Is It-Too Big a Leap,32b HB to 64b Win7?

[kesume]

Hi Guys & Gals, thank's for the welcome posts last night as my intro in the forum.

As some may remember I was thinking of going from 32b Home Basic to 64b Win7.
Good advice was given of course.

Thinking about it, as a novice computer person, would I be better first upgrading slowly to Home Premium? At least it has a few more 'bells & whistles'. But is it enough of change?

If so where do I get it from, and is it easy to do? Don't forget i'm new at this! But want & willing to learn

Hope you can come up with something for me!

 

[richc46]

Being a new computer user, should not influence your decision to go from 32 to 64. Look at the features that both have and just decide the best for you. 64 is the wave of the future and if you think that you enjoy computers and the interest is not just short term, I think that I would go with Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit. The cost will be about the same as Vista (if you can even find Vista HP anymore)
The big change, other than bells and whistles, going to 64 Seven HP, is more power and the additional features
Explore Windows 7 features - Microsoft Windows
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/compare/default.aspx
Currently, you have memory that will not improve the performance either with Seven or Vista 64 bit.

Be sure that you buy the upgrade edition of 7. It is cheaper and we can show you how to install so it is just like the more expensive full retail DVD.

 

[kesume]

Hi Rich,
Sorry had to go away from the computer for a while!
I've done some checking today in windows w/sites - my system will take it, as it is.
I am very tempted to 'go for it' as I do want to progress both in knowledge & capability.
Any upgrading in better quality parts, like memory could come later I guess.

What do I do when I'm ready for downloading to get you guys to help me?

Thank's again for your good advice.

 

[richc46]

This is what you do first, make sure that you can use 64 bit Windows 7
Download details: Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor
Then decided on the edition that you want, Basic, Home Premium etc
Then buy the upgrade DVD, a lot cheaper than the full retail DVD. You have vista so you qualify for the cheaper upgrade.
Then join our seven forums
Windows 7 Forums
Then let me know that you have joined, I will hold your hand and guide you step by step.
Until then go to you tube and watch an install and read this.
Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version - Windows 7 Forums[2]=General Tips

 

[kesume]

Hey Rich,
The cheaper version upgrade cd here in the UK is $40 more the US price
US is $120--- UK - $161, phew !!

 

[richc46]

Thats a big hit. But the upgrade will always be cheaper than the full retail.

 

[Patonb]

You have a prebuilt system, so upgrades are limited.

You most likeoly nwill not see any difference in a 32 to 64 switch, or even a vista to 7 switch.
btw Overclockers has win7 64bit for £81.98 inc VAT
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=SW-127-MS&groupid=33&catid=1555&subcat=

Which is about $133us

I think youre mixing up oem vs retail.

Edit

Infact the upgrades more than the full version aT 90!

 

[richc46]

Make sure you take the upgrade advisor test as suggested.

 

[kesume]

Thank's for the last post & advice.
I will surely check out all your recommendations, and study like a good boy!!
Do I need the original installation disc? Lost it, but have key codes.

Will let you know when I'm ready.
Thank you.

 

[richc46]

If you follow the clean install, per the tut given above. You do not need the CD.

 

[kesume]

I take your points re cost, one has to speculate to accumulate, in business & knowledge, right!

 

[kesume]

OK,
A weekend of study looms.

 

[richc46]

When I installed my first OS, Seven. I viewed you tube, it helps a lot. You know what each screen will say, before it even come up. YOu will be prepared.

 

[kesume]

Patonb,
Thank's for your post.
But sorry, did't quite understand, Sorry!
Are you saying there is little benefit in upgrading to 64bit win.?

 

[richc46]

I do not want to assume what another meant, so speaking for myself, with your memory you will not see improvement with 64.

 

[kesume]

Rich'
Re: Your last post, point taken regarding memory, thought that myself.
Will put more memory in once win7 loaded.
This sure is going to be an exciting venture.

 

[richc46]

Did you test your computer at the upgrade center, to see if its capable of handling 7?

 

[kesume]

Hi Patonb,
The info for over overclockers, thank's.
Must admit not very good yet at sorting different types of downloads, retail,oem etc.
Where is full version @ 90 from?
And not had time to shop around for best deals, your tip looks goood though, cheers!

Will try & do my homework over the weekend.

 

[Patonb]

I don't think youre getting any benifit from going to Win 7.

I'd say if you got a new system... then you might aswell go to 7.

I think its a waste of money.

The biggest difference between OEM and retail is oem is tied to the computer you install it on. That means if yu get a new compjuter, you can't put it on to it.... Retail you can move the os to a new computer.

However, "proper" wording of your call to microsoft, you can get the oem os transfered

 

[richc46]

These are the minumum requirements to have Windows 7
Windows 7 System Requirements
If you just meet the minimum, you will not really enjoy Seven.
Seven has a lot of eye candy that I enjoy, but you have to surpass the minumum requirements to get the full benefit.
Although, you may not see a significant improvement in performance. There are many other reasons to go with Seven.
Compare Windows 7 Windows Vista Windows XP Features Offers Upgrades
I have a rather good computer, 6gb ram. I went from HP 64 Vista to 64 HP Seven and although, I did not see a tremendous increase in performance, I am glad that I made the change.
Built in System Image,
Back up and restore-(its available in Vista if you download shadow explorer)
are just a few of the features that I enjoy

I stand with my advice, even assuming that you will not see a big increase in performance, go for it.

If your computer just meets the minimum requirements, I would save my money, for a new computer and then get the current OS.