Computer upgrades are Tough but Necessary

If you're considering a new computer or an Computer upgrade, here's what you need to know about the different versions of Windows 7 and which version you need to pop for:

Home. This is the version that comes installed on most computers you buy at your local electronics or office retailer. It's going to be sufficient for most self-employed individuals who do not rely on any Windows XP software.

Professional. I have two reasons you would want to pay extra for this version: Your company uses a server (like mine) or you need to use older software programs that were built to run with XP (like my sister whose industry software requires it).

Ultimate. The only reason you would want to pay more for this is to use the software in a foreign language. Only Ultimate lets you change languages.

Before you upgrade computer, any operating system or buy a new computer with a new operating system, you MUST make sure your critical software and equipment will run on it.

This is especially true if you have custom-developed, industry-specific, or expensive third-party software. For instance, when I switched to Windows Vista a few years ago, I had to get a new keyboard and monitor.

But more important, our expensive contact management system wouldn't work with it.

Microsoft is trying to mitigate some of those problems. Here's how:

1. BEFORE you switch, check for compatibility problems. Go to Microsoft's Upgrade Advisor to scan your own software and hardware. This is very important.

2. Also check Microsoft's Compatibility Center to see which software or hardware will work with Win 7 at microsoft.com/compatibility. This is a list, rather than a diagnostic, as the Upgrade Advisor is.

3. Win 7 Professional and Ultimate Editions can run in XP mode, so programs written for XP theoretically should be able to operate with it. But this is not true for the Home edition.

4. Until July 30, Microsoft has a deal with a company called Change Base to provide their service free to help remediate your current programs to make them compatible with Windows 7.

Source: Usatoday.com