Recently we’ve been getting calls from clients reporting that either they have just added a new workstation at their office that runs the new Windows 7 operating system, or they are about to do so. The questions we hear from them are – What are the system requirements for Windows 7? What edition is best for them? And how well will their existing programs work with it?
The Basics
The Windows 7 operating system is offered in several versions: Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate. It’s important to understand what features are contained (and not included!) in each version so that you won’t be disappointed with your machine.
If you are going to use your laptop, computer, or workstation for any business or other serious purpose, forget about the Starter, Home Basic and Home Premium versions. Unfortunately, one of these is usually what’s installed if you buy the machine from online discounters or in large electronic stores.
- The Starter Edition is a stripped-down version of Window 7. It runs mainly on netbooks and is good mainly for Web browsing and simple word processing.
- Windows 7 Home Basic is a version that was issued for developing countries. Besides the features found in the Starter Edition, it gives improved graphics and internet connection sharing.
- Windows 7 Home Premium adds the ability to let people watch and record TV on their PCs, as well as create DVDs from video footage.
You may have noticed I haven’t said a thing yet about networking. That ability comes with Windows 7 Professional or higher. And the Professional edition is the first level in which Microsoft includes an XP license to allow older (or legacy) programs to work.
If you bought first and asked questions later, all is not lost. Windows 7 is the first Microsoft operating system that has an “anytime upgrade” feature. No matter what edition of Windows 7 you have, all the features are present, just waiting to be unlocked. With an Anytime Upgrade, Microsoft provides a code that can transform a Home Premium to Professional or even Ultimate in as little as 10 minutes. No disks. No delays.
System Requirements
Whenever people ask how powerful a machine has to be, there’s the “official” answer from Microsoft – and then there is the reality. Let’s look at some things to consider:
- Video: Windows 7 requires powerful graphics for its fanciest 3-D features. A good graphics card costs about $50. However, if you’re working on a laptop that was not built for gamers or, if you’ve spent your hard-earned cash on other features, Windows 7 will still work – just not with 3-D views.
- Memory: The “official” requirement is 1 GB of RAM. Now for the reality check – Windows 7 loves memory! My machine has 4 GB of RAM. My college-age son sniffs at this and would not consider less than 6-8 GB of RAM.
- DVD Drive: Windows XP computers came with CD-ROM drives. But the Windows 7 installation disk can only be run on a DVD drive. Be sure your computer has a drive that can play DVDs, or at least have access to one.
32- or 64-bit?
If you’re concerned that your older programs may not work with this new operating system – or if you’re really attached to some antiquated printer or other peripheral equipment — you may want to consider getting the 32-bit version of Windows 7. It’s basically Windows XP with a new interface. The 64-bit version is what is most commonly sold so be sure to tell your I.T. professional that you prefer to have the 32-bit version instead.
What About My Programs?
In the weeks to come, we’re going to discuss how Windows 7 works with some of the programs we support at Eastern Legal Systems: Time Matters, PCLaw, and Timeslips. Stay tuned, or call us at 1-877-ELS-0555 for information.
Dana Riel is President and Founder of Business Solutions, Inc., serving the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area since 1985. Her firm is the authorized training center for the region for Time Matters and PCLaw by PCLaw|Time Matters, PLLC; Timeslips and Sage 50 Accounting by Sage Software; and QuickBooks by Intuit Corporation. She also serves as a consultant for Caret Legal (formerly known as Zola Suite), CosmoLex, Soluno & TimeSolv. As a trainer, Dana has provided training services to organizations such as the DOD Defense Logistics Agency, Judge Advocate General’s Office (JAG)/Department of the Navy, University of the District of Columbia School of Law, U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as with small‐ to mid‐size law firms in the Baltimore‐Washington D.C. area. In 2009, she participated in the series of day‐long seminars sponsored by the District of Columbia Bar Association Practice Management Section, titled “Basic Training: Learn About Running a Law Office”. Ms. Riel also served as an Adjunct Professor in Georgetown University’s Paralegal Studies Program, having taught the course, “Legal Ethics/Legal Technology” in 2009; and “Legal Technology” for the Spring and Summer Semesters of 2010. She presently serves on the Advisory Board for PCLaw|Time Matters, PLLC.