Windows 7: which version yo

[Kit]

I?d like to make the move to Windows 7 (fancy some dx 10/11 eye candy ) but I'm unsure which version to buy.

I mainly game, browse, mess about in photoshop and occasionally edit videos. I have a ton of old games and programs (like photoshop 7) so another concern is compatibility.

I was thinking the 64 bit route would be my best bet for more memory (I like my RTS's ), but which version (home, premium and so on) is best for my needs?

[sj33]

Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit. No need for anything higher than that unless you have more than 16GB RAM, and anything lower has key features missing.

64-bit is the way to go, all new computers come loaded with the 64-bit version. There are basically no compatibility issues with 64-bit aside from the inability to run 16-bit (read: Windows 3.1) applications.

[briareos_kerensky]

64-bit is the way to go, all new computers come loaded with the 64-bit version. There are basically no compatibility issues with 64-bit aside from the inability to run 16-bit (read: Windows 3.1) applications.

Or some random Win95 applications; so far I've encountered two installation programs that won't run: MechCommander (game runs fine, the install only copies files from CD to HDD) and Brood War (Starcraft's expansion...curiously enough Starcraft runs fine). However this can be easily solved by using Microsoft's own WinXP virtual machine.

[sj33]

Yeah there's a couple of old Windows 95 games that use 16-bit installers. Quite often, you can download third party installers to install these on 64-bit OSes (such as C&C: Red Alert). Overall though, I think it would be a mistake to go with 32-bit, especially seeing as there's usually a workaround for the occasional problem app.

[kernow]

I use the 32bit version mainly because I have 2GB RAM and see no reason to upgrade. 32bit is fine for my needs. I agree on home premium being most suited for you though.

[sj33]

You certainly may as well stick with 32-bit if you don't have 4GB RAM. But for gaming, you really want 4GB RAM at least.

[FelixofMars]

Yep stick to 64bit for gaming. I have 32/64 bit on one of the discs I bought and 64 makes the impact with a better spec machine.

[charlesr]

My scanner didn't work with 64bit, so I sold it and replaced. Otherwise all fine.

[smouty]

Most modern PCs should be powerful enough to run anything from the Win95 era in a virtual machine perfectly.
A bit of a faff to setup but there is the free MS XP mode VM which is very easy - http://www.microsoft.com/windows/vir.../download.aspx
This works on Win7 HP 64 bit.

[Ebisamaru]

well ive just moved up to Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit from xp and bar my email being a bit twitchy at first im loveing it, so id say go for it.

[Number45]

However this can be easily solved by using Microsoft's own WinXP virtual machine.

Not on Home Premium it can't.

[Mayhem]

You need Professional for it...

[smouty]

Oops. Just realised my laptop has Ultimate. Looks like you'd need to create your own virtual PC so a little bit more effort but still an option.