Windows Vista & Windows 7
By Keith Ward, About.com Guide to Windows
Windows Vista and Windows 7, its forthcoming replacement, have much in common: They are based on the same architecture and share similar features, functions and programs. But with Windows 7, Microsoft has fixed many of the issues that have made many Windows XP users reluctant to upgrade. We'll help you use either operating system and decide whether or not to upgrade.
Top User Questions
Here are the most frequently asked questions by readers.
- How Do I Defragment My Hard Drive?
- How Do I Speed Up My Computer?
- How Do I Take Screenshots?
- What Games are Available With Windows?
- How Do I Scan and Fix the Windows Operating System?
- How Do I Scan and Fix My Hard Drive?
- How Do I Compress Files?
- How Do I Find Files on My Computer?
Windows Vista
Windows Vista is a beautiful, feature-packed operating system that is much different than XP. The learning curve for people moving from XP to Vista is not a steep one, but it will take time to acclimate. Here's where to start:
- Optimize a Windows Vista Laptop
- Learn Vista by Using the Welcome Center
- What the Vista Control Panel Can Do For You
- Setup Sharing Files and Printers
- Configuring Windows Update
- How to Get the Latest Vista Service Pack (SP2)
- Hardware Needed to Make Windows Perform
- Speeding Up a Windows Vista Computer
- Games Included with Windows Vista
Windows 7
Windows 7 is the latest operating system to be released by Microsoft. It contains much of the functionality and features of Vista, but also is streamlined to run faster and avoid some of Vista's problems. For those considering upgrading to Windows 7, it is important to understand what the advantages are as well as what is required in the way of hardware and effort to successfully do it.
- Overview of Upgrade Process
- Games Included With Windows 7
- Book Review: Microsoft Windows 7 Unleashed by Paul McFedries
Protecting Your Computer and Information
Protecting your computer from hardware and software failures as well as from hackers that can use your personal data is a key component of owning a computer.
