I like Wndows 7 but unfortunately I will not pay $120 more just so I can install a language pack, the difference between pro and ultimate just doesn't justify it.

I just got a new PC with Vista 64bit I cant get the free upgrade and vista works grate on my new Quad core system, plus I checked and no one has ant windows 7 beta drivers out yet so I cant see pre ordeing if it will not support my hardware and I am not dishing out 200$ for a OS so I guess I will have to pass on 7

Yeah I guess I'll buy the Home Premium OEM upgrade...unfortunately. I miss the days when there was no product activation :D

YES, Why not?

I think that everyone needs to remember on Windows 7 is that if you decide to upgrade to windows 7 or stay with Vista you need to contact your computer company to make sure that they will give you full support of upgrading to windows 7, this really applies to everyone not just novices but really experts as well, please remember that If you do contact them and they tell you that they will not support you upgrading to Windows 7 that if you choose to continue upgrading to windows 7 you most likely will terminate or void your software warranty with them.

Three letters: OEM

i will certainly not pay to upgrade from vista. XP I would.

I never payed to upgrade to Vista (but did get it on a new computer), and I won't pay to upgrade to Windows 7. Might get it when I buy a new computer, or that new computer might have OS X on it, not sure yet.

Well, with Windows you don't "Need" any Anti-Virus / Anti-Spyware. Only those who do not understand the concept of safe browsing need Anti-virus/spyware. I for one don't use it and I have never had a virus... I guess if you are an OS X user and believe PC's get viruses, your wrong! It's not the computers fault it got a virus, it is the idiot running it.

Also, when one writes a virus/spyware, why would they write it to attack OS X when like 90% of computers out there run WIndows?

But relating to the subject, Windows 7 is by far the best! It's so much faster than XP. However, if you are used to XP, changing settings and such may be a bit of a search to find.

"Windows 7 is by far the best! It's so much faster than XP"

Faster at what? Emptying your wallet with its outrageous price?

You've never had a virus, yet you don't use an AV? How do you even know? And it's not just browsing you have to worry about. I'm a heavy downloader and files pass through my system on a regular basis. I'd rather be safe than sorry. Security is a healthy practice no matter what you think you may know.

@fatty:

XP Home: $90 (after being out for 8+ years...$200 at launch)

Win7 Home: $120. (at launch)

For those of us who make more than mommy's $10 a week allowance, $30...not that much.

...and I don't have to buy a new PC. My 4 year old system (that I paid a whopping $580 for) still runs just fine, even with Win7. So yeah, you still paid more than I...even buying Vista Ultimate and Win7 Home.

I know because my computer still runs as fast as the day in installed it (And I remove Viruses and Spyware for a living...so I think I would know what they do and look like!) Also, I download stuff all the time aswell, I just don't download stuff from sites I don't know or haven't heard are clean.

@dmprox: at work, we have DEV machines which never go out to the internet. Some of them got hit by Conflicker in January. Some users receive a bogus attachments via MSN by friends. They open and got hit. May be their Windows are ot up to date or because they may not be expert in security. However, this is not their fault that the system got hit so easily. These SAME attacks will not do absolutely anything on my Linux machine, and I don't do anything special to prevent it. Although the users could be to blame but there is definitely something sloppy in the security design of Windows.

Conficker only hit systems that were not up to date.

User error.

Running a program through MSN is just as easy as running a program in whatever KDE equivalent is currently out there. The only difference is that no-one's sending anything through IM's aimed at Linux.

User error.

No modern operating system runs with the user in Admin any more. But those same morons opening attachments and IM links in Windows would do the *same* in any other OS. Them not using the OS in question doesn't make the OS inherently more secure.

@dmprox you will regret not using an anti-virus one day... Even "clean" websites will have the once-in-a-blue-moon trojan infection either by an "authorized" user, or by a stolen privileged account... Now you may get infected regardless of having an AV installed ... that's why you need to do a full HD image every few months, and keep IN THE MINIMUM your critical data backed up weekly/daily - all can be done automatically with smart config...

But the point of having an AV, is that you'll know pretty soon that you have a trojan. It WILL be detected within a few days/weeks, or you'll notice your AV turned off itself suspiciously. That's when you use your HD image recovery plus hot backups, and then you change all your critical passwords (banks etc).

Living in a "I'm smarter than all of them malware authors" dream..you're bound to have it turn into a nightmare...

Oh yeah, and the more intelligent trojans out there, that sniff your bank passwords, are designed to be very very light on resources, so your method of "knowing" you're "clean" is ridicously flawed... I hope you at least protect your peepee...hehehehehehe

@PC_Tool: I respectfully disagree. It is possible for a novice user to click on attachment and IM link in linux. The payload will do no harm on the computer because the system will stop the action and ask for password. Even a super novice user will stop and wonder what is going on. On the other hand, I saw "power users" of Windows got hit all the time.

Also, if I have a DEV machine that never goes out to the Internet, how comes it becomes "User Error" if I don't update my machine? The DEV machine was configured for a certain scenario, if Windows Update runs every two weeks, after a few months it may go out too far from the test scenario.

Do you make a chemical analysis of each chewingum you eat? No, it's not your job and you don't have the skills (I assume so). It's almost the same for computer, people doesn't need to be an IT expert just for the trivial act of surfing the web or using IM.

"It is possible for a novice user to click on attachment and IM link in linux. The payload will do no harm on the computer because the system will stop the action and ask for password

Huh...sounds like UAC which most folks state people pay no attention to. You think that would change just because "it's linux"??

"Also, if I have a DEV machine that never goes out to the Internet, how comes it becomes "User Error" if I don't update my machine?"

*laughing*

If anyone puts USB or Optical (or magnetic) media into the machine, it *needs* to be updated. You *do* know that the internet is *not* the only way to infect a computer, right? Oh, BTW: You can download the updates on another PC and install them on your DEV machine.

"people doesn't need to be an IT expert just for the trivial act of surfing the web or using IM."

...hence Windows Auto Update and UAC. You aren't for a moment suggesting that your DEV machine is "normal/trivial", are you?

A nostalgic "me too" comment...

Yes, I lied. Just saw Win7 "in the wild" and I'm sold. Worth $50 for sure (probably even $80). Buying 3 licenses off Amazon. Don't really need 3, but "just in case".

After running the Beta and RC for months and loving it, I happily ordered two copies of the Home Premium upgrade from Amazon. :-)

For the discount prices it would be rude NOT to upgrade.

We may not agree fully with the pricing of Windows 7. Especially with Windows 7 Ultimate Upgrade. The cost of upgrading from Windows Vista Ultimate to Windows 7 Ultimate for $219.95 just does not seem reasonable. We do value Windows 7 as one of Microsoft's best operating systems yet.

Yeah on July 1 we'll be getting about 6 upgrade licenses. at $50/pop for 3+ years of support it's an easy decision.

3 years of support ( I'd use an interrobang here, to show surprise and exclamation, but I can't figure out how to get one in) so WTF?!?!?!

Windows 7 will be supported AT LEAST 3 years longer than Windows Vista.

I had the price wrong, pro is $100. Oh well.

I say, call it even.

We're paying $50-$250 more for our new operating system. You're paying $1000-$2000 more for "equivalent, but generally slightly subpar hardware" to run your $30 Mac OSX.

*ROFL* show me a Dell which is 1000-2000 USD less than a 13" Mac Book Pro which has "equivalent" hardware. Microsoft fanboys are so predictable....Anything else you can try besides this ludicrous drivel?

Sure you can buy some cheapo $650 Dell, with much slower processer, less RAM, slower RAM, much worse graphics, much worse sound, much worse display, much worse about everything, then add in your super expensive "upgrade" to Vista Ultimate to try and get close to features which come with _all_ versions of OSX for $200 more, add in anti-virus for another $40 + yearly subs, add in anti-spyware another $40, add in software to equal iLife for another $120, then the machine actually costs more than the Apple. Which then you might as well move up to the 15" Mac Book Pro.

And that is even if bloated pig Vista even runs on the cheapo Dell along with all the anti-malware software. No big deal if opening a web browser takes 25 seconds i guess...hey you got some cheapo cloner box for less than the Apple.

Next add in the cost for FireDog to clean your machine once it becomes infested with viruses and trojans.

then another two years go by and you want to upgrade your OS. Pay Microsoft another $200 for the "upgrade" or like in the past, you have to buy a new computer because Microsoft only supports the newest DRM infested hardware like they did with Vista.

But hey, you were "smart" and bought the "cheaper" cloner box.

You're still unable to comprehend that not everyone needs "top of the line"? ...or wants to pay for it?

That $650 Dell probably runs basic web-browsing, email, IM, and document editing programs just fine. (Note; this is the most the majority of computer users will *ever* use their computers for...)

Oh, and WSE, the security suite from Microsoft using the award-winning Forefront engine? Free. uses 3-4% of CPU and about 29MB of RAM.

That, with the $50(or $119) upgrade to Win7 *still* costs less than the lowest-end MacBook Pro and if it gets the job done?

Of course, if you want to throw money away on performance and feature's you'll never need or use....or does OS X *require* all that power to accomplish those basic tasks? ;)

Who is saying anything about top of the line computer? Can you post anything near on topic, ever?

Show me a Dell for 1000 to 2000 USD less than the 13" Mac Book Pro? Hint, 2000 is _way_ more than it even costs.

Oh and why in the world doesn't Microsoft fix their insecure OS rather than give away a bolt on anti-virus product which does nothing? Anti-virus is a total farce.

*laughing*

You're the idiot who brought up the 13".

$1000 less? Where the hell did you pull *that* number from? No, wait.. I *really* don't want to know. That was never the point.

What you utterly and consistently *fail* to comprehend (not at all shocking) is that we can get a laptop or a desktop for hundreds less that *meets our needs*. Apple can't say that...

Someone needs a system to do web-browsing? They can pay $1000 for the Macbook or $2500 for a desktop. *or* they can pay *much* less for something that only has what they need. (Or they can get a netbook...which would be even cheaper)

...and get over the AV thing. First you claim it costs money, then you claim it bogs down your system...you really cannot tell the truth about anything Windows related, can you?

Have you tried Windows 7? It is far better than Vista,

Its an Operating system not a way of life, not a cult following its used to perform day to day tasks...get help please...

In case you haven't noticed, ALL APPLE STUFF IS ALSO MADE IN CHINA.

You people in the U.S should think yourself lucky, Premeum will be about 149 British pounds here, which is about 245 of your dollars. Once again we are taken as mugs and people will pay it as they are mugs. Rip off Britain. Microsoft wonder why so many people pirate windows?

I will not be buying windows 7, I got the RC version on this computer and I like it, but not t so much as to go out and buy it, I will go back to Xp and save up to buy a MAC, better OS anyway.

People pirate because they want something for free. It does nto matter what the actual cost is.
Blame the EU for those high prices not MS. If they quit trying to screw over MS maybe that price would drop.

Merely a link in a chain. EU tells Microsoft to stop being anti-competetive, so Microsoft complies and bends over the users, who then either accept or complain accordingly. Perhaps if Microsoft stopped trying to get over on everyone, and merely make a reasonable profit for a reasonable product this would change.

But then even thinking that shows how far from reality I am.

The discount price will be about 45 sovs (UK Pounds)

Well, you can't spell...
Have no idea what you actually use...
Believe everything you read...

Yup, you are a prime candidate for an apple computer!

FYI "MAC" is not an OS, its not even a computer, its a Media Access Control which is a unique id most commonly used for NICs
OSX is the operating system aka Panther, Tiger, Leopard, Snow Leopard and Hippopotamus
or 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 10.7 etcetc

Hmmm... your life must be really sad and depressing. You claim all is peachy and happy with the MAC.... yet you are here in a Windows forum trolling. Instead of offering up something informative or worth-while, we get to read your sniveling and whining. There are drugs that may help your manic depression. Might I suggest a sanitarium... in either case... please go away.

Oh...DRM infested.... are you even remotely suggesting that MACs have no DRM? Laughs at your ignorance.

Monster hardware to run?

So what you are saying is Apples OS run on underpowered hardware.

I pre-ordered the $99 Pro upgrade and I recently got several Vista Ultimates for free in MS's stupid Technet subscription leak.

I use Vista Ultimate and have had no problems whatsoever. In fact, I think the software is excellent in many ways. I also have a copy of Vista Premium, which I think is a "dumbed down" version of the former. I'm not talking features alone, but the overall functionality of the OS. Ultimate is much more stable and intuitive, IMHO. I can only imagine the problems inherent to the Home Basic. Unfortunately for Microsoft, most Vista users (and perhaps the most critical) had experience with the bottom two versions. I have not used Business, therefore I can only guess (based on various reviews) that it may have more in common with the Ultimate design.

My point is: Why does Microsoft insist on publishing substandard software to the critical mass? Do they not realize what was the root of Vista's downfall?

Now comes Windows 7. Great piece of software with a much warmer reception. This is mainly due to the "Ultimate" version being widely and freely available. What is going to happen when folks start using the less capable versions? WHY?

Since there are no reviews available on the different versions, I can only hope that this is not the case. It would be a poor business strategy in so many levels! I say, stop the tier pricing/features crap and publish your great software as it was designed, not tampered with.

There is NO DIFFERENCE between Vista Ultimate and Vista Premium. Same thing with Windows 7 Ultimate and Windows 7 Premium. What difference did you think there was? More stable and intuitive- ITS THE SAME THING!

???

Features Windows 7 Ultimate has that Windows 7 Home Premium does not:

- ability to join a server domain. (Pro)
- location aware printing (Pro)
- remote desktop server (Pro)
- encrypted filesystem (Pro)
- Presentation mode (Pro)
- XP Mode (Pro)
- MUI (Enterprise/Ultimate)
- Bitlocker (Enterprise/Ultimate)
- Applocker (Enterprise/Ultimate)
- UNIX application support

So yes, in fact. They are quite a bit different. For home systems though, I'd stick with Home unless you are running some kind of Server setup...which would beg the question...why?

"unless you are running some kind of Server setup...which would beg the question...why?"

You can't imagine ANY possible reasons to be running a server setup in the home?

lolzzzz...well...u will miss following things

Encrypting File System
Location Aware Printing
Remote Desktop Host
Presentation Mode
Windows Server domain joining
Windows XP Mode
AppLocker No
BitLocker Drive Encryption
BranchCache Distributed Cache
DirectAccess
Subsystem for Unix-based Applications
Multilingual User Interface Pack
Virtual Hard Disk Booting

@uberfly

Of course I can.... Still begs the question, though, doesn't it? What feature of the server OS is needed in the home? Sure, some people *want* to just for the hell of it (Techies, hobbyists, etc..) but the necessity? Not there.

@tunelvoer

Half of the things you mentioned...were in my list. I wasn't being comprehensive, merely proving a point.

I seriously doubt I'll pay for Win7 on DVD... I'll probably do what I've done for Vista -- wait a year before I buy a new (sub-$1000 17") laptop by which time SP1 of the new OS is out and I enjoy keeping my hairs and can even make a nice wig from all the hair the others have pulled out in that timeframe...hehehehe ;) Every new OS has AN INSANE AMOUNT OF NEW PROBLEMS... And if not problems, then new things to learn. Give it a year and there'll be ample tutorials/tips/tweaks/software-hardware-compatibility/whatever.

Both XP & Vista ain't that bad -- both do a GREAT JOB actually. I used to be much more excited about every new fart coming from MS direction and every new gadget... Used to be able to pirate Windows and Office with no difficulty... Win7 and future Offices will be IMPOSSIBLE to pirate. Anyone who thinks otherwise is a fool. Nobody can crack 4096bit encryption...nobody can break into a bank digitally...nobody will be able to crack software in the far-future. And I know more about cracking than 99% of you reading this then I'd save my breath with the "everything is crackable" debate. Nothing is crackable when you have hardware encryption assistance (portion of running code is impossible to trace as it runs in a black box and it will self-destruct the moment it recognizes that you're tampering with it physically or software-wise i.e. trying to analyze input/output or feeding it invalid=cryptographically-unsigned data)... Slower than direct-access to the CPU? Not really..Not when you have 128-cores on future CPU platforms...

Pirate Windows? Most have already figured out that XP was/is the zenith for Microsoft operating systems extant, and either continue with that, or switch to something not needing any eye patch or pegleg. Linux is more and more like Windows XP all the time, and in underpinnings, years ahead of the latest from Microsoft.

i will agree with the linux is much better then windows. but there is a problem with that

its not user friendly at all
takes much work to get working right
but it is great on system resources fast most of the time stable as hell but for when its not working right

has a huge learning curve

but i have played with it to think that its pretty fast stable you can do just about any thing you want with it has better graphic look at "compiz-fusion" so on

but like i said its just a pain to set up and some times use

but has tons of free open software that one can do any thing that they wish to do with it

i know this will piss most off

its not the year of linux on the destop nore will it be for any thing soon

not untill its is easy to use set up and configure

the distros get there s*** together and theres nots 200 dif distros to pick from

its just hard for people to make a choice when theres so much choice
ubuntu kubuntu cent os red hat just to name a few then you got different desk tops kde, gnome

im not saying this is a bad thing at all its good
but needs to be slimmed down to a managabele way
when some thing does not work you have the forums is a great place
but search always brings up stuff completely unrelated or outdated as
most of the linux likes ubuntu have 2 releases a year

but once set up and woking the way one wants its great

only other probem i see is that the free software is sometimes just not as good as the software on windows or some times you can only do stuff only runs right in widows or runs in windows with out a system hit and works right so on

yes we all know about win

any ways i ranted enough LOL
FLAME ON

Windows 7: Will you pay to upgrade or won't you? No for me. Switched from Vista to Linux in Jan 2009. Have had some rough times for the learning curve but now it's over, prefer to stay with Linux.

I second that. I switched to Linux a year ago and haven't looked back. There is just no value in shelling out the $ for Windows 7 when Linux handles all of my computing requirements.

"There is just no value in shelling out the $ for Windows 7 when Linux handles all of my computing requirements."

Wow.... Sense and logic from a Linux user.

Very nice to see once in a while.

Sadly, for the majority of users, though it meets their computing requirements it hasn't yet the "ease of use"/"familiarity" for *most* folks to make it a reasonable alternative. It's getting there, though. Just isn't ever going to happen for me. I hate console gaming and WINE doesn't cut it for me. ;)

yes true i think that games designed for windows should be played on windows as there is no hit on performance in the game caused over win

now dont flame i under stand that you can play and do windows games over a virtal pc or over win same idea but the game experience is much better over windows

if i ever move to linux i would need to keep a windows box or partion just for gameing

Are you a Ubuntu/Kubuntu/Fubuntu/Luluntu......./Zumuntu's employee?

... I own two licensed OEM copies of Vista. Both work wonderfully for me with SP2. For only $49.99, I'm happy to continue running licensed software and am looking forward to Windows 7.

I do not understand the negativity on this forum.

If 'M$' owes anyone anything, then simply do not use their operating system. By using a product, you do owe something to the license by which it is distributed. A sensible person will choose to not use Windows and respect that their choice in and of itself is enough of a protest.

What I do think would have been a nice move on Microsoft's part would be to have nixed the 'Ultimate' version and just rolled in the 'bonus features' to the other versions. I do not personally feel that Ultimate offers most users anything unique that is worth the price difference. I also do personally feel that Microsoft did poorly on their promise to provide bonus downloadable content for Vista Ultimate users. The upgrade should be $50 for Ultimate users as they've already paid the premium once.

Nope, staying with WindowsXP until they no longer support it, then I may well upgrade, but not until, they can have their over priced software.

YEAH!!

You tell them hows it gonna be...!

incidentally, there is a tiny problem that we all will have to face in the future.

if one of our peripherials that is designed for winxp goes kapoot,

then it will have to be repaired or sacrificed since new replacements will only be compatiable with the current o.s.

cuba is a good example. win3.1 is their most current version.

Any stats on Linux usage there? Seems like communism would love free and open software.

No i wont pay for the upgrade nor for a full version. I'll take a look in a year or so if there are some special offers on p2p. I paid MS tax since the 80's they owe me.

confirmation?

http://tinyurl.com/madhlj

i tred out the win7 ulitmate and i don't agree with the price for the upgrade posted above,.

perhaps, the price is justified to jump from xp to win7, but not from vista.

but xp users/buyer beware.

paying for win7 upgrade may not be the only expenditure involved.

I've used Windows 7 now for months, beta and RC on a system with a pentium 4, and I have to say that Windows 7 is IT. Snappy, well thought out -easy on my system. I've had no problems with "Se7en". Kudos to Microsoft this time. I've purchased the upgrade.

I'll wait until the bugs are fixed and then buy the full version and do a clean installl. And before the wacko fanboys start up, I could care less what you use- that is your choice. Just as it is my choice to uses the OS I want:)

Upgrading to win 7 isn't very necessary in my case.
Adding that I have a DirectX 9 graphic card (hardware, drivers do software DirectX10 I guess)
ATI Radeon X1600,
which is not supported any more.
That means that the drivers won't be of good quality, good chance that it just won't work?
It would be very stupid to do this in my case, as you see.

Why the hell would I pay another 100$ to get a decent OS.
Sorry MS, you won't be in my pocket with this.
This is outrageous!
I've already paid a lot for an OS,
now I should pay even more to get a decent version of that OS?,
on the condition that my graphic card drivers would work which is very unlikely.

I'm also planning to change to Linux, planning to install Ubuntu 9.10 later this year.
(GRUB2 is good, GRUB1 is just not a good boot manager, sorry Ubuntu 9.04
I won't use you and also can't recommend you to my friends in this state)

Hopefully wine will let me play all the Vista-incompatible games.
Tell me MS, why do you have that compatibility mode?
It never worked for anything.

Ah well, doesn't matter now.
I'll try later this year to get the win-XP-only-stuff working under wine,
if it doesn't, just wait a few wine versions further and try again.

"Why the hell would I pay another 100$ to get a decent OS", exactly...they should be giving _all_ Vista owners a free copy of the non-arbitrarily stripped down Windows 7 version...ultimate, super, ultra, whatever edition.

Drivers that work with Vista will work with Windows 7. They use the same driver model. The compatibility mode has worked for me from time to time. And Windows 7 is better than Vista, and not just in minor ways.

well.. yes, but they can still reduce other functionality, far better to get real win7 drivers if possible.

Run the Windows 7 advisor and see if you computer would work or not, and its $50 unless you need the professional version.

Also you are free to use the release candidate until march 2010 to decide if its an OS you want to use or not...

"Free" upgrades will probably be in the form of the OEM guarantee - OEM buys a specially marked SKU of Vista, that comes with a redemption form for upgrade. You can fill in the form, and Microsoft will send out your license for Windows 7 when it is released. That doesn't include re-installation by the OEM, or anything else like it.

I know we won't be installing Windows 7 for free on Vista machines, even if the new license is free. I can't imagine any small OEM wanting to work for free. :p

Actually, they're not free.

I just checked pricing for the Vista OEMs with Microsoft's distributor and the version that includes the Windows 7 upgrade form is dearer than the standard OEM Vista. Price difference is about 10%.

Free? Hardly. :p

No, I won't be upgrading after these price announcements. I don't need to - Vista is perfectly fine, so if the pricing isn't enticing, why would I? Bad move, Microsoft.

I have several copies of Vista Ultimate, but I've had difficulties with drivers. The Vista drivers for my Creative X-FI made my speakers go snap, crackle, pop no matter what filters I installed. I reloaded XP and my drivers worked perfectly. Since Windows 7 uses Vista drivers I'm not likely to go that route.

What is more surprising here is that Ultimate gets no discount at all. Considering Windows Vista ultimate basically release NO Ultimate features other than a few language packs and game or so.

I honestly think that windows 7 is a better OS than Vista, so im prepared to pay a little more for it. But I bet you will quickly see OEM editions for a lot cheaper than the MSRP prices just announced.

"I honestly think that windows 7 is a better OS than Vista"

LOL, that is not saying much

"A fool and his money is soon parted."

LOL...no problems with Vista here - try using it...sheep...sheesh....

I won't pay to upgrade. That's because, due to Software Assurance, my workplace will get 15 copies of Windows 7 at no charge (15 copies of Vista Business was $150). In addition, TechNet Plus ($21 for 2 years) will give me at least 10 copies of each version.

TechNet Plus for $21 for 2 years? Where did that deal come from? Please tell us how we can be subscribed for that amount!

Technically then your office is paying then. Gotta love software assurance though..

And the copies you get with Technet are meant for evaluation purposes and to be used only by the licensed technet subscriber.

TechNet Plus Single User Subscription (2 year) (includes Software Assurance) $21 http://www.techsoup.org/...Tools+MS&CatCount=2

Visual Studio 2008 Professional with MSDN Professional (Includes Software Assurance) $48 http://www.techsoup.org/...Tools+MS&CatCount=2

Windows XP Professional Upgrade (Includes Software Assurance) $8 http://www.techsoup.org/...rvers+MS&CatCount=1

Windows Vista Business Upgrade 64-Bit (Includes Software Assurance) $10 http://www.techsoup.org/...rvers+MS&CatCount=1 (32-bit also available)

You have to be a non-profit or library to take advantage of that offer

Yep. And I work at a nonprofit that helps people with disabilities become more independent.

No, i will pay $29 to upgrade my OSX. Have fun paying $219 to bug fix Windows

So you're saying that you're paying $29 to bug fix OS X.

Agreed - You (OSX) are doing no better than Windows subscribers are.

"Agreed - You (OSX) are doing no better than Windows subscribers are."

Wrong, i am doing $189 better!

i will pay full retail for ultimate :P who the f*ck upgrades

If you have the disks for Vista, the "upgrade" can be full installed, or at least that's the way it's been with every Windows version thus far...

Windows 7 experience has been flawless so far. It's been my main OS from the day RC was out.

I will pay...a good product like this need to be recognized.

"the small print makes it clear that manufacturers will also be allowed to charge their customers as they will."

Seriously...I am wondering from the tone what *else* you think Microsoft would be able to say about that? That Microsoft has strong-armed the OEM's illegally to *force* them to offer it for free to recent buyers of OEM PCs??

Also, for those not reading the other "Microsoft will *make* you pay for your free upgrade" article...or the incredibly fine print under upgrade pricing...

Pre-order availability starts tomorrow. You can get a retail upgrade until July 11th of Home Premium for $49 or Professional for $99.

What exactly do you lose from the ultimate version to home or professional? any idea?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_7_editions

Exactly what I'd have posted goawayou. ;)

Now if only these comment moderations actually *meant* anything... :p

Vista users shouldn't pay. They were already robbed when Microsoft promised a "remade OS", faster and more efficient then ever.

Those were my 5 cents of the month.

Then don't buy it, no one is holding a gun to your head to do so. But $50 for an upgrade which will allow a full install, that isn't a bad deal...

Where did you see that you can use the upgrade edition for a full install? Microsoft has never made that easy in the past.

Actually, they HAVE made that easy in the past. Just stick your disc in at the appropriate point to confirm your right to upgrade. You can still do a fresh install. I remember doing it for XP (from 2K) and I've no doubt the option was there before that....

Here - http://community.winsupe...about-x64-upgrades.aspx

I'd also like to know if you can upgrade from Vista Ultimate to 7 Pro...as i no longer have the need for the Ultimate features in 7.

From what I've been reading, you're stuck with a side-side upgrade (no discount for you...gotta pony up the $200+)

Now the only question is can you upgrade from Vista Home Premium to 7 Pro for $99.99 or if it's only Vista Business to 7 Pro?

All versions are upgradeable to the current and next steps on the ladder. All versions are now super/sub sets of the one's above/below them.

Short answer: Yes. You can upgrade from Home Premium to Pro.

Except that the question wasn't about steps on the same ladder... but jumping from one ladder to the one set up somewhat nearby.

Question Would Upgrade work from XP Home edtion? I don't own vista would 50 buck price work for me? just wondering?

No. There's no XP upgrade pricing as yet, although it's still said to be an option.

Didn't Vista just check to see if there was any version of windows and allowed the full install from the upgrade disk if there was?

I bought the upgrade when it hit retail shelves and never looked back at xp since.

Yes you can get the $50 upgrade if you have XP. You just won't beable to do a update from XP. You will have to install win7 on a clean drive(w/o putting your key in) and then once your finished. Do it all over again but upgrade from the Win 7 desktop and this time put your key in. This is the method of having a clean install with an upgrade. It was the same way with Vista.

Mayme:

Learn2read.

"can you upgrade from Vista Home Premium to 7 Pro for $99.99"

Vista Home Premium = 7 Home Premium. Home Premium is therefore upgradeable to 7 Pro.