Image from digitaltrends.com
Install now?What? Windows 7?
Isn't it a bit late to talk about Windows 7 now? Well, yeah, I have to agree, because I am kind of slow with computer stuff these days, but on the another hand, I don't like to constantly update my computer software. I usually do that once every 2-3 years after most of the bugs have been fixed, or when I realised that it is not enough for me anymore. So, even though Photoshop is running CS5 now, I am still using CS3. My computer is too slow for any software upgrade anyway.
What I really find interesting these days is how fast Windows 7 boots up my computer. When my computer had nothing but Windows XP after installation, I enjoyed 30 secs boot-up time. That was simply an amazing feeling, almost like coming out from a hot tub after a whole day of tiring work! Then as you install more and more software, it gets slower and slower. Well, still tolerable, but I miss that amazing feeling of quick-booting.
And I have heard that Windows 7 allows me to regain that long-gone feeling, so I would like to give it a try. And I feel good!!!! Haven't really done the timing, but from pressing the power button to seeing sky-blue starting screen on an Intel Core i5 4GB RAM computer, feels like roughly 5 seconds. Then another 15 after keying in the password, so that is about 20 seconds.
Now, the computer at my home is still Intel Pentium Dual-Core E2180 (1M Cache, 2.00Hz, 800 MHz FSB), 2GB RAM, will I be able to install Windows 7 and enjoy the same speed?
Here's my mini-research from Wikipedia,
So looks like I am fit for a 64-bit upgrade, but 2 GB RAM is the minimum requirement, so looks like it would be safer for a 32-bit version. Since my computer is getting moody and is constantly crashing, it might soon be time to give it a fresh soul!
But for now, when it is in a good mood, I would rather let it stay in good mood, because it will surely take a long time to format and install all the software that I am using.
And also, don't just rely on feelings, there are some Pros who do benchmark tests out there. Check this out!
Updated: I found a Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor to check if I can upgrade my XP to 7, Check it out here if you would like to know if your computer can upgrade or not.
Resources:
http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/family/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_7#Hardware_requirements
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E2180
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_i5
http://download.cnet.com/Windows-7-Professional/3000-18513_4-10906772.html?tag=mncol;6
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/upgrade-advisor.aspx
