Are you ready for Windows 7?

Windows 7 is coming! This is the operating system that folks say Vista should have been but wasn't. If you already have Vista, Microsoft is pre-selling Windows 7 Upgrades now for those of you who might want Windows 7 but want to avoid the rush. For those with Windows XP, a full and clean installation is required and these can also be pre-ordered. The actual program will be delivered when Windows 7 is officially released on October 22, 2009. Both of these items were being pre-sold at about half price, but this offer expired on July 11th, so now it's full price for both of them.

Wondering if your computer can handle Windows 7 or not? Generally speaking, if you're already successfully running Vista, you're "probably" all set to go. To be sure, you can download and install the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor from here . If anything, you might have to update a driver or two. It's important that all your peripherals be plugged in so the Upgrade Advisor program can scan these too. In my case, that meant one webcam driver needed upgrading. In the rare event that an upgraded item is not available, it's still possible to run these items in "compatibility mode" as it has been previously.

Of course, most computer manufacturers already have the Windows 7 Final Release so that their new computers will come with the OEM version of Windows 7 already installed, and any new computer from most of the main manufacturers which are sold from now on with Vista already installed, will be entitled to a free upgrade to the identical edition in Windows 7 when it is released on October 22nd. There's all sorts of additional information available online to answer any other questions you may have. Will you go "Windows 7", or not?