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Eager To Upgrade To Win 7? Be Sure PC Can Take It By Edward C. Baig October 16, 2009 7:06AM     Does my computer have what it takes? Most PCs bought in the last few years should handle Windows 7 just fine. But keep in mind that you'll need at least one or two gigabytes of RAM and 16 to 20 GB of free disk space (more is better, of course). The sums depend on whether you have an older 32-bit type computer or newer 64-bit system.   Related Topics Microsoft Windows 7 Windows Vista Operating Systems Enterprise Software Latest News Plasma-TV Ban Could Be Costly Barnes & Noble Nook Is Delayed Flat PC Shipments Hurt Dell's Stock Ballmer Says Windows 7 Sales Good New Pogoplug 'Cloud' Gets Social You're tempted by Windows 7, the superior operating system Microsoft delivers next week. But you're not sure if your computer can run the latest software, or if you can avoid the palpitations that typically accompany the upgrade ordeal. It depends on where you're coming from. If you're running Windows Vista, Microsoft's current operating system, the move to Windows 7 should be relatively stress-free. If you're traveling from the older XP, brace yourself for a more exasperating time. Not all of you should upgrade an existing PC to Windows 7, even if you pine for a better computing experience. (Windows 7 is far friendlier than the Windows Vista operating system it replaces on Oct. 22 -- my full review is coming shortly.) There are risks, however small, associated with surgery, and migrating from one computer operating system to another qualifies as a big-time operation. If your computer is getting close to retirement anyway, take the plunge and buy a new PC if you can afford one. A new machine in which Windows 7 comes installed arrives with far fewer hassles, naturally. In this troubled economy, there are almost certainly deals to be had. Versions of Windows 7 even run on sub-$500 computers. If you're inclined to upgrade, the procedure doesn't have to be painful. My own experience has been smoother than any Windows upgrade I've performed in the past. It costs $120 to upgrade to the Home Premium version of the software, sure to be the most popular. What you need to know: *Does my computer have what it takes? Most PCs bought in the last few years should handle Windows 7 just fine. But keep in mind you'll need at least 1 or 2 gigabytes of RAM and 16 to 20 GB of free disk space (more is better, of course). The sums depend on whether you have an older 32-bit type computer or newer 64-bit system. In simple terms, 64-bit machines can digest more data in any one chunk. By contrast, 32-bit systems can't take advantage of more than 3 GB of memory no matter how much RAM is installed. Meeting minimum storage requirements might be an even bigger obstacle on some systems, especially if you had a cramped drive to begin with. *Upgrading from XP. There are way more Windows XP computers out there than there are Vista PCs. Upgrading from XP is far more tedious. (continued...) 1  |  2  |  Next Page >   © 2009 USA TODAY under contract with MarketWatch. All rights reserved.   Advertisement  Software 1.   FAA Glitch Causes Air Travel Delays 2.   Call of Duty Is Setting Records 3.   MS Told To Stop Some Windows Sales 4.   Peer-to-Peer Software Ban Sought 5.   Better Maps, Made by Volunteers

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Network Security Spotlight

House Lawmakers Push Ban on Peer-to-Peer Software Stung by an embarrassing electronic leak revealing ethics investigations into dozens of lawmakers, Congress moved to prohibit federal employees from using the file-sharing software blamed for the disclosure.   GAO: Los Alamos Computer Security Has Weaknesses Security weaknesses uncovered in Los Alamos National Laboratory's computer network increase the risk of a classified-information breach, says the Government Accountability Office.   Computer Security Firm Fortinet Plans IPO This Week Fortinet plans to go public in an initial public offering, giving investors a chance to tap a network security provider with sales that are expected to grow. The IPO could be valued at $137.5 million or more.

Enterprise Hardware Spotlight

Flat Shipments Hurt Dell Despite Increased Earnings Dell's earnings are up and expectations are solid, but the company's stock still took a hit after analysts signaled the company isn't playing a key role in the PC market recovery.   New Pogoplug 'Personal Cloud' Does Social Networking Cloud Engines has released its newest version of the Pogoplug, a small "multimedia sharing device" that connects hard drives to the Internet and allows a user to access the files remotely.   Apple Tablet Rumored Delayed as Publisher Gears Up There have been so many rumors of an Apple tablet that it has taken on legendary status. But now the legend is being revised with reports of a delay and that a major publisher is getting ready.

Enterprise Technology Spotlight

Flat Shipments Hurt Dell Despite Increased Earnings Dell's earnings are up and expectations are solid, but the company's stock still took a hit after analysts signaled the company isn't playing a key role in the PC market recovery.   Smartphones: A Bigger Target for Security Threats Smartphones are increasingly prevalent and adept at handling more tasks, including trading stocks, paying bills, and buying stuff online. That makes them attractive to thieves and hackers.   FBI Says Hackers Targeting Law Firms, PR Companies Hackers are targeting law firms and public relations companies with a sophisticated e-mail scheme that breaks into their computer networks to steal sensitive data, often linked to large corporate clients.

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