Windows 7 disk

[GRENADE MAGNET]

Hey there,

I'm still running Win XP 32 bit and want to switch to Win 7 64 bit.

I'm a casual gamer, It's been about 5+ years since I've done a build.

I want to buy an OS disk but I know next to nothing about windows 7 and there are a lot of versions out there.

Was looking on amazon, exactly what disk/version should I be looking at?

Some of them are home, professional, SP1, some say old version.

Figure I would cut down on the learning curve by just asking what to buy, don't want to make a silly mistake.

Thank you in advance.

 

[CyganyZed]

The versions that say SP1 have Service Pack 1 already part of the the installation build. You will still want to apply the bajillion patches since SP1.

• Windows 7 Home Basic is well, basic.
• Windows 7 Home Premium has more features like Windows Media Center and Aero (the updated GUI).
• Windows 7 Professional is more for the business user with the ability to join a Windows Server domain, Encrypting File System, Remote Desktop server, and a few other things. It has everything in Home Premium.
• Windows 7 Ultimate might also be an option you see, but I don't recall what features it adds that are of any practical value.

You might also see OEM System Builder License as well. You can not get support from Microsoft if you buy this version.

Microsoft is cutting back on the ability to buy Windows 7, but it is still mostly available, and will still be supported with patches and security fixes for some time.


My suggestion is Home Premium, or go with Pro if the price is comparable. If you are a student, some times these are available in the bookstore for a discount.

 

[Snipeye]

Get Windows 7 Home Premium w/ SP1. If you're going to reuse the hard drive that your current OS is on, be sure you completely reformat the hard drive before installing the new OS on it.

 

[GRENADE MAGNET]

Thanks for the straight forward answers. Feel a bit lazy asking but since I'm not familiar with the versions that makes it a lot easier.

 

[Spectre GT]

I believe I have an extra Windows 7 key if you're interested.

EDIT: Or are you just wanting to buy a copy?