Windows 7 ?

[MysticLlama]

I get away with 60-80GB drives on my laptops (SSDs), seems like 250 would be plenty of space.

[red-beard]

I'm running the Win 7 Business. I don't think there is a "home" version of the x64 operating system.

[David]

I LOVE IT !

I haven't loaded many programs and have only had it couple months, but so far I'm very impressed.

[legion]

Just put Win7 on my home laptop. I upgraded directly from XP.

I've finally gotten most of the drivers straightened out and programs re-installed.

[red-beard]

I guess the issue, other than the fact that Quickbooks is running 100%, is that there are a lot of changes which don't seem to be anything other than a change for the sake of change.

I like using my desktop as a workspace, then periodically moving the items to other folders. Win 7 is not friendly this way. Maybe there is a different way to do it under 7, but that is rather stupid. So far, I haven't noticed anything that is better than XP. And quite a few things that are worse.

[Scott R]

Originally Posted by red-beard

I guess the issue, other than the fact that Quickbooks is running 100%, is that there are a lot of changes which don't seem to be anything other than a change for the sake of change.

I like using my desktop as a workspace, then periodically moving the items to other folders. Win 7 is not friendly this way. Maybe there is a different way to do it under 7, but that is rather stupid. So far, I haven't noticed anything that is better than XP. And quite a few things that are worse.

Are you saying it's moving your desktop icons on it's own? If so you just right click on the desktop and go to "view" then uncheck "auto arrange" and possibly "Align to grid" as well.

[red-beard]

Even with Auto Arrange unchecked, they still move.

[NutmegCarrera]

Lots of good info, guys.
I appreciate all of the feedback.
At this time, my interest is waning.
The "pro's" for upgrading:
1. Better performance, more stable.
2. Now's the time to make an update, as we have a "license share" option available from work for the current version of office. (I'm running an ancient version).

The "con's" against:
1. Sounds like its a PITA to save files directy on the desktop (my bad habit )
2. I'm hearing that "classic" appearance isn't available. I cannot stand the "Vista" appearance. Maybe I'm old school. Maybe I just want function.
3. Time & $$$ to install.

I'll continue fence-sitting until something pushes me in one or the other direction.

Thanx again for info!!!

[island911]

Originally Posted by NutmegCarrera

...
The "con's" against:
1. Sounds like its a PITA to save files directy on the desktop (my bad habit )
2. I'm hearing that "classic" appearance isn't available....

1. I save/move files to the desktop no differently than before.

2. go to 'themes' and select classic. ...go into the settings and turn off all the automatic stuff.

[island911]

Originally Posted by red-beard

Even with Auto Arrange unchecked, they still move.

Mine move when going between screens. ...my laptop is 1920 x 1220, whereas my monitor is 2560 x 1600. Win7 isn't doing a great job shifting appropriately.

[red-beard]

I use the destop in XP for 2 functions.

1. I have a bunch of short cuts, both for programs and for folders and network folders.
2. I temporarily store/use it as a directory.

I don't really care if the items in part 2 get moved around. But "My Computer", and "My documents", Short cuts to folders and Network folders, it is much easier to find them if they are in the same place. Also, once I'm done with the items in part 2, I drag and drop them onto the short cuts.

This still works in Win 7, but the icons/files move around, and that is annoying.

I also keep some of the short cuts on the menu bar. Win 7 does this as well, but I only kept a few on the menu bar, and more on the desktop.

The other thing that is kind of annoying is when you save a file, it opens a full screen window, which covers up everything else. And a slight step backwards, when saving a file, if you want to create a new sub-driectory, XP had a small icon, Win 7 has the word spelled out "New Folder", in a different place. Strange.

[Windows7Guy]

Hello NutmegCarrera,
You can visit the official Microsoft Upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7 site here: Upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7 - Help & How-to - Microsoft Windows

There are some nice videos tutorials and steps to take when migrating from Windows XP to Windows 7. And yes it is true you cannot directly upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7 you can take some steps to ensure a smooth process.
Thanks again and good luck!

John M.
Microsoft Windows Client Support

[Windows7Guy]

Sorry for double posting.

[red-beard]

bumping this back

I have "fixed" the issue with the slow network access. It wasn't just slow network access, it was any drive, even local hard drive access.

I ran the "optimizer" program in the Control Panel and let it do its thing. I also killed all of the startup programs I didn't recognize including one called "unknown".

Performace is consistant and works like a charm.

I still have the wandering icon problem. Part of it appears to be when you open a desktop window and sort. But they also do it without this, on re-boot.

[red-beard]

New Guy, you can delete double posts. Delete is on the edit menu.

[Hendog]

Windows 7!!! You guys are soooo far behind. I'm already at 98...have been for years!

[mikester]

Since I posted last I have virtually stopped using XP. I still don't care for the aero interface though. I miss classic.

Also, there is a 64bit version of home (premium) - it came on the wife's new Dell but I blew that away the day we got it in favor of the 64bit ultimate.

Home still does not support inbound remote desktop connections. If I cant get to a machine remotely it is no good to me.

[red-beard]

I have no reason to upgrade the Netbooks, but I'm ready now that any new computer will be Win 7. The issue with Quickbooks has also gone away with the file system issue fix. I expect it was in fact the same issue.

Next Stop, Raid based file server. I'm trying to decide between an appliance (Western Digital Share Space 4GB - $549 including shipping), or to build one with an old XP machine.

[NutmegCarrera]

Good info, guys.
Still pondering the move here. Mainly due to: Spring is arriving here in WI, and I don't want to blink & miss it. Also, i'm currently tits-deep in my suspension. Priorities???

If I get really bored with life later this summer - maybe I'll "do it" then. however, until I have that car back on the street - first things first.


Thanks!