Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #66 in Software
• Brand: Microsoft
• Model: GFC-00235
• Released on: 2009-10-22
• Platform: Windows 7
• Format: DVD-ROM
• Original language: English

Customer Reviews

Windows 7 fantastic - Family Upgrade pretty good
I tested Windows 7 thoroughly using the Release Candidates (RC1) in both 32-bit and 64-bit before buying - I bought Windows 7 Ultimate for my work machine and the family pack for home. You could say I'm biassed but one daughter has a new Mac (which is brilliant but oh so pricey) so I don't think so.

Windows 7 is brilliant!
At one level, it gets on with things and stays out of the way. Want to add a printer, it does a better job than Vista with none of the problems. Install software? Things that would not work with Vista now work with Windows 7. Aero interface (that transparent effect that gives a feeling of depth) works across both monitors instead of switching off - and on the same hardware that could only just run Vista!
At another level, it makes the operating system useful. Instead of a "Recent documents" list filled with Word documents when you want the last Excel document you looked at, the start menu shows the Recent Documents list for each application in an obvious way. You can 'pin' documents to this list, so for example I want my PDP (Professional Development Plan) where I can find it again, even though I may only use it once a week (by which time it's gone from the "recent documents" list). I pin it to the list.
Slideshows changing the screen background, just cheers up the day.
A taskbar (the menu at the bottom of the screen with start button and clock) that looks and behaves like the Apple Mac one (yes, Mac did get a lot of things right).

Why doesn't it work for some people?
1. I did a clean install instead of an upgrade - it's a new operating system, of course things need re-installing. You may have Vista fixes that aren't necessary for W7. Note Windows clean install put your data in a folder called "Windows.old" just in case you've forgotten to back up something important. It took about 14 hours to put everything back on, during most of which the computer was working hard but I was off doing something else.
2. although some of my equipment is old, I'm patient enough to search the internet for printer drivers etc and sensible enough to realise that a piece of kit that hasn't worked since Windows 98 may be beyond redemption

What's my beef with the Family Pack then?
It's overpriced. If you have two computers needing an upgrade, it's the same price to buy two individual upgrade packs as the family pack.

Conclusion:
If you're running Windows XP, then Windows 7 is just as compatible, much more friendly, and has features which will speed up your day's work
If you're running Windows Vista, then Window 7 is many times more compatible, works on old hardware that Vista found underpowered, and is more friendly. Your software will still work, AND your operating system will help you to get the most out of it.

Installed With No Problems...
Received my package and had finished the process of installing onto a laptop and a pc within 2 hours,simple automated process.
My hardware had been previously running Vista Home Premium and as well known by now ran quite slowly,but since the install of "7" quick boot-up,shut down and smooth operation all mean an enjoyable and easy experience.Cheers Microsoft.

What else do you expect from windows?
Been waiting for a while for this to be released because I had XP and I was not willing to get Vista because of obvious reasons. Works great for a gaming pc such as Windows Live because the updates are now automated rather than looking for hours on end trying to find the reason that it did not work. I also liked the performance rating system. But like all new OS's many driver's could not work with 7 especial networking. I have a Netgear Network hard drive and when I installed the ZAN drivers for this it could not make heads or tails for the thing to work. I rather liked 7 for the new taskbar is more assessable and solid compared with XP. The only reason you would buy this windows this early is if a: You hate Vista and you need a relief from the rubbish that it is or b:You need your brand new games to run smoothly without any hassle. If you are neither of the following wait for a few more months until they make more compatible drives for 7.