Some quick tips !!

FIRST, let’s look at history:  How did Windows Vista earn such a bad reputation?  It is  my opinion that this operating system was doomed, causing many consumer frustrations, because of the lack of resources on the computers which were running Vista.

In the memory or RAM department, when Vista was launched, Microsoft claimed it would run fine on 512 MB of RAM and up.  However in the “Real World” that was a gross underestimation.  My experience has been that Vista 32-Bit version will not run well unless the computer has at least 3-4 GB of Ram (memory).  Vista 64-bit should have at least 6 GB of RAM (memory) to run efficiently.

Why did Microsoft do this?  When they release a new operating system, the goal is to push it out to the consumer as fast and as inexpensively as possible.  Regarding price, something always has to give and  a decision was made to short hardware resources to reach the desired price point.  A quick review of a local computer superstore shows Windows 7 is also without the proper hardware resources which will likely cause bad consumer experiences when the system does not operate as smoothly as advertised.

What do you need to know when shopping for a new computer or laptop?   In short, RAM and  the version of Windows.

What’s the difference in 32-Bit and 64-Bit Windows?  The amount of RAM (memory) the computer is capable of handling and using.  64-Bit is capable of using 8GB of RAM maximum and 32-Bit is 4GB.

1. The version of Windows 7 –  Is  it 32-bit or 64-bit? How will you know? If it is 64-bit, the ad you read will tell you; if there is no mention of the bit, then it is 32.
2. For Windows 7, 32-bit systems — RAM should be at least 4GB.  Do not compromise on this resource but, do not let the ad scare you away from the deal.  If the ad says 2GB or 3GB and the price of the system is good. then how much it will cost to install more RAM.  The price for extra RAM will range from $25 to $125, depending on how much you need to get to 4GB.  You do not need a larger system, you simply need to add more RAM.  If you are told the system you are buying is not “expandable” to 4GB of RAM –  FIND ANOTHER SYSTEM.
3. For Windows 7, 64-Bit systems — RAM should be no less than 6GB. Again, if the ad does not show enough RAM, ask the cost of installing more.  I saw one ad  presenting a Windows 7, 64-Bit system on a laptop, with 2GB of RAM (expandable up to 4GB).  Look at another system. The system cannot grow over time with 64-bit.  Go for a 32-Bit system instead.

Will sales people attempt to persuade you with different information?  Probably!   Remember, their motivation is to close the sale.

My motivation is to give you the benefit of lots of first-hand experience in the market place.  Requirements listed on the products are often too low.  The software will work.  But How Well Is the question !!

Don’t be frustrated with your new computer – BUY RIGHT THE FIRST TIME.

** This information does not apply to “netbooks”.  Please see the next article.