Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate, Upgrade Edition for XP or Vista users (PC DVD), 1 User

I recently bought a new Dell PC with Windows 7 installed and I decided to upgrade one of my existing PC's. This was partly because I liked it so much and partly because I thought it might be easier to manage our home network. I could have probably managed with Professional or even Home Premium and saved a considerable sum of money.
The target PC was a HP Pavilion Slimline s3621uk Desktop PC, Intel Pentium Dual Core E2200, NVIDIA nForce 630i chipset 256MB dedicated memory, 3GB RAM, 320GB HDD, Vista Home Premium) with 3GB Ram and Vista Home premium. Microsoft have said that any PC running Vista should be good for Windows 7 but I ran the compatibility test anyway with no reported issues. The next decision was whether to do a custom install or a straight upgrade. I decided to go for the custom option which basically wipes the slate clean and loads a fresh copy of Windows 7.
The execution was very straightforward. I backed up my documents, most of which were on the 250GB media drive which served as my documents. It was just a case of mopping up a few stray files from the desktop.
After inserting the 32-bit Setup disc, which is fine for a PC with 4GB of memory or less, both 32-bit and 64-bit editions are included, you are presented with the install options. You are also given the option to download updated setup files if your internet is available. In my case this was via a wireless connection and presented no problems. From what I had been hearing I was preparing myself for a lengthy process.
The whole process was completed in less two hours. This included several restarts. My input was only required towards the end to select regional options and create a user account and password. What amazed me was that every single device in the PC had been completely recognized and configured. I was impressed how simple it had been.
I went on to run Windows update which found about 60 updates which took another 30 minutes or so and to reinstall my Office suite, Photo and DVD burning software.
Window 7 is a pleasure to use and I have made the transition from Windows XP on my previous PC to Windows 7 64-bit, as well from Vista on the PC I just updated to Windows 7-32 bit. Windows 7 has a feature known as home group, this makes it very easy to share files and devices.
I am therefore happy to recommend 32 and 64-bit editions of Windows 7 both for ease of use as well as ease in updating . For somebody who has been using PC's prior to the advent of Windows I think this is the best version yet.

I later went on to carry ou an upgrade on my Sons Dell XPS m1330 notebook. This was said on the Dell website not to have all Windows 7 drivers available. Known to work with Windows 7 but Vista drivers may have to be used. I thefore decided to use the upgrade approach. I need not have been worried, the complete proceess finished in a couple of hours and all is perfect. Windows 7 found updated drivers for everything.

Recently upgrade to the 64bit edition of this version of Windows 7. Previously had Vista Ultimate and was having all kinds of stability problems - USB device issues, wireless connections dropping, freeze ups with graphic intensive apps....it goes on (and yes, all my drivers were up to date and regularly used Windows Update). Now, been running with Windows 7 for almost a month now and all these problems look to be a thing of the past. Well pleased :)

The upgrade process itself went smoothly - opted for the clean install.

I was VERY unsure about going to W7 seeing as I was so frustrated with Vista. I really didn't want to spend my hard cash on another white elephant.

However, I now realise that it's the little things in life that make you happy. :)

The first thing I encountered in W7 that made me REALLY happy are the desktop wallpaper options.... I know I know, that's not exactly important to most people. But to me it's a real blessing. You don't just have Strech(pointless option), Centre and Tile, but you have have "Fit"! meaning you can keep the aspect ratio on an image, but have it fit your screen, no matter how big it is! I know, I know, I'm a geek, but I've been waiting for that feature since Win 95!!! I'm a serial wallpaper changer! what can I say! :) Not just that but the dynamic slide show wallpaper was not expected but VERY welcome! I have my recent photos of my baby boy cycling my desk top now.

Aesthetics aside, there is also the speed of the thing! It's MUCH faster! and you don't get so much clutter all over the place! and random pop-ups are almost a thing of the past. Booting is faster, and shut down works much better!

There are tons of other handy features, such as the re-invented task bar.

Ability to change the UAC to be less annoying or more secure is a massive bonus. Catering for the paranoid and those that just don't care alike. :)

If you have Vista, trust me! you will be glad to get rid of that camel with only 3 legs, and get yourself W7.