Last time on STrRedWolf's Twitter feed...

( If you really want to see a Drygerskunk chirp... )

On Windows 7.

I've already been asked this, so I'm going to lay it out to you straight.  If you think you want to upgrade to Windows 7, ask yourself a few questions:

1. How old is my hardware?  Are you running Windows 2000 or below?  Or are you running on an Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon XP (or older)?  Right-click your "My Computer" icon and hit "Properties".    If you're running old hardware, it's time to get a new PC with Windows 7 on it.
   
   
2. Really, how old is my hardware?  You're running XP on semi-decent hardware.  Just how decent?  Some hardware can enhance Window's security tremendously.  The Windows Upgrade Advisor can help there, off of Microsoft's site.
   
   That said, if you've upgraded your system to handle Vista, you're set for Windows 7.
   
   
3. How crappy is my software?  Vista is pure crap, and took three service packs to get right.  Windows 7's Beta and Release Candidate tests were very very public and Microsoft took the advise of "more is better" to heart.  Windows 7 isn't crap.  Flush Vista and get a speed boost with Windows 7.
   
   
4. Do I go 32-bit or 64-bit? This is more complicated, but there's a small utility you can use to help answer this -- and no, I don't mean the Windows Upgrade Advisor.  I'm talking about GRC's free SecurAble utility at http://www.grc.com/securable.htm. ; Just pull it and run it -- and if it says you can do 64-bit, and you got at least 4 gigs of RAM in there, you're using the 64-bit install DVD (the retail box has both 32-bit and 64-bit).
   
   
   
5. Is it worth it? Yes.