So far, in our Windows 7 Overview series, we have published the following:
- Windows 7 beta quick review
- Windows 7: HomeGroup Overview
- Windows 7: BitLocker To Go & Biometric improvements overview
- Windows 7: Easy Connect
- Windows 7: Problem Steps Recorder
- Windows 7: Action Center Overview
- Windows 7: User Account Control (UAC) Overview
- Windows 7: Calibate Your Display
- Windows 7: Federated Search
- Windows 7: Device Stage
- Windows 7: Internet Explorer 8 Overview
Over the next few weeks we will be adding many more focus items on Windows 7 including Touch, Windows 7 networking and media enhancements. Stay tuned for the ultimate Windows 7 focus from Neowin.net. Here is an overview of Windows Vista to Windows 7 Beta upgrade.
What did I upgrade?
I upgraded my Macbook (previous generation) which had Windows Vista Ultimate (64bit), to Windows 7 Ultimate beta (64bit). Remember that there is only Windows 7 Ultimate available for download in this beta and Windows 7 Home Premium is released to select beta testers.
My Macbook specs:
- Intel Core 2 Duo T8300 @ 2.4GHz
- 4GB RAM
Existing Applications:
- Skype
- Oovoo
- VirtualBox
- Twhirl
- Microsoft Office 2007
- Windows Live Essentials
- Mozilla Firefox
Upgrade Process
The upgrade was smooth but it took nearly one hour to complete. Below are the screenshots for your pleasure
Windows 7 did complain that Skype and some of the Apple devices were not compatible during the upgrade:
And after the upgrade, here is my Windows 7 Desktop:
I had to reinstall Apple Bootcamp as Windows 7 was complaining about some driver issues. If you want Skype working in Windows 7, download their latest beta. Other than these two things, the upgrade process was very smooth without any problems. Most importantly, I did not lose any files and all applications (except for Skype) worked!
We also have a a screenshot gallery of the Anytime Upgrade from Windows 7 Home Premium to Windows 7 Ultimate. Anytime Upgrade allows users who purchase equipment with Home Premium to Upgrade to the Ultimate SKU of Windows 7 and enjoy the upgraded features without having to re-install Windows 7. It"s not clear which features will be Ultimate only as Microsoft has not confirmed this.