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The Kitchen Table

XP vs Windows 7

15 years ago

I am getting a new Dell computer tomorrow, hopefully!!

I have used XP for years. This computer comes with Windows 7. What are the major differences? Is it going

to be rough to learn for this old mamaw? Don't get really technical I wouldn't understand!! LOL

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Comments (12)

OklaMoni
15 years ago
Let me know, what you find out. I have XP as well, and am looking for a new computer, lap top this time.

I really think, that it won't be to much of a challenge, but let me know your experience please.

Moni
Holly_ON
15 years ago
I just converted to Windows 7 from XP. I have only used it briefly but am finding it fairly intuitive. Did need some technical help though with moving my embroidery programs over and my printer that was twenty years old and too reliable to do without for black and white copies. The problem there was getting a compatible USB bi directional cable that was needed. I was planning on keeping the old computer but don't think I will.
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When evaluating software or hardware, it makes sense to ignore the popular press, especially the tech blogs and to an extent, consumer opinion. Change is difficult for us humans and the early reviews of XP bear it out. Below is a snapshot of cnet's Windows XP review back in 2001. I got to this page using the web archive. Note that cnet bemoans the fact that a user can only load XP on one computer. Really cnet? And note user opinions: 48% disliked XP after its first several months. Microsoft was roundly criticized for not having an OS that would work across all platforms: computer, tablet and mobile phone. Now Win 8 is negatively reviewed for not having a start button. Anyone remember when the criticism was that Windows had a start button? I use Win7 home premium on this computer and Win7 Pro on my daytrading rig. The next computer I buy will have Windows 8. I am sure it will be fine. Here is a link that might be useful: XP back then
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I had a tech "build" me a machine, have all I wanted from previous XP, but had I known that the folder for the docs would be sideways, and could could have no pics on them, would have stayed XP if at all possible, nothing you can do about that, tried it and no go. Also had trubble finding downloads, and docs in my background, they seem to be more hidden, or were anyway, I have had my W7 about 3 months now, and have become used to it, not a fan by any means, but am used to it finally. One final note, I also had files that simply disappeared from the documents, and googled, W7 has this problem, and it has since been rectified, at least in my case. I also had a friend find me an add on, for the pdf's has pics on them which helps find what I am searching for, rather than on the folders as in XP. Brought all the goodies with me from XP that I could, love my Word, my pdf makers, and learning a new mail program, I would not pay the hundred dollars for OE mail, and as I had TB on the XP computer, took that along as well. All in all, has been a heck of a learning process, those that find or found it easy, good for them, for those of us that have trubble, well, it is hard, and I am not ashamed to admit it was hard for me. ADD is part of the reason, and had to redo, redo and redo before I could get programs and how they worked into my head. Since I wrote everything down, has helped a great deal, and am so grateful that I did not have to take W8. Maybe by the time I need a new machine again, they will have redone the OS and come up with something simple again, I know it can be done, and senior or not, there are things that are hard for even youngsters, anyone younger than 65. Just remember folks, one day you will be older as well, and understand what I am speaking of, let's hope you can move thru the process as easily as you can, for those of us with issues, it is a real hardship.
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the best thing to do is simply go to the website of those programs and see if they have support for windows 7 64 bit, some programs will run just fine on it, some just need another driver and many companies are putting out those drivers on their websites. 32-bit and 64-bit Windows: frequently asked questions If you do some searching around you can also find several places that tell you how you can get the windows xp mode to work on home premium, this is one, also windows secrets newsletter published that info in one of their newsletters a while back so you could search there or just do a google search for more info. Workaround to Install Windows XP Mode in Windows 7 Home Premium and Home Basic Create an XP Mode for Windows 7 Home Versions & Vista the 7 forums is also a wealth of info Here is a link that might be useful: 7forums
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damccoy, Thanks for the advice and I know you are right and it has been a topic of conversation many times. When I joined the site several years ago I considered the negatives. However, there are a lot of people who need my expertise in various areas where I offer suggestions, advice, help. I usually get from 10 to 30 emails a week from folks in other forums I participate on this site and from folks who lurk the site looking for help and information. I set the email address up especially for this use. I do have it spam filtered and virus checked and surprisingly, only get maybe 5 spams a month mostly from Chinese firms wanting me to sell their products. Spam hasn't been a problem since 2006 but if it does become one, I'll kill the email address. There are some people who just aren't what they say they are and they are just a handle in cyberspace. Most of the folks with real problems, especially in my area, know who I am personally. I do appreciate your advice and from reading many of your posts, I know you are genuinely trying to help!!! Thanks!!
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vala55
15 years ago
All I have heard about Windows 7 has been good. There are always annoying things because they move and rename things for a reason I can't figure out. I talked to a woman yesterday who just went from XP to 7 and she said it's fine. The problem I would have with what you have chosen is DELL, laptop and custom made. LOL I have a terrible time typing comfortably with my laptop and I would be lost without the recovery CDs that I get for ready made PCs. This old dog can learn new tricks, but prefer my comfortable desktop.
cynic
15 years ago
It's different but has some improved features. It's what Vista should have been but Microsoft is always behind the times. I have machines with XP, Vista and 7 and going back and forth you need to remember how to do things on each one since they are different but not a big thing. Think of it like going from a Chev to a Ford. Basically do the same things, just the controls operate a little differently.

There's a lot of sites out there with tips and tricks for them all. I tend to tweak a lot too. Haven't tweaked 7 too much yet. Not using it that much just yet.

The best thing I've seen on 7 is the improvement to System Restore. Dramatic improvement. Again, working they way it should have on Vista and for that matter, on XP.
aggiewife
15 years ago
I've had 7 for a few months now and my biggest gripe is that most of my programs that I use the most, aren't 7 compatible. Anybody have any solutions for that?
monica_pa Grieves
15 years ago
I know I do miss my SimTower.
joann23456
15 years ago
Aggiewife, if you have (or upgrade to) Windows 7 Professional, you are eligible to download Windows XP Mode, which will allow to you run all your old XP programs.

I've had XP for almost a year now, and I like it a lot. There are some differences, but it's pretty intuitive.

Here is a link that might be useful: Virtual PC
Marcia Thornley
15 years ago
I used XP at work and 7 at home. Not to big a difference. You shouldn't have any trouble adjusting to it.
User
15 years ago
I have XP., Vista, and windows 7.I loved XP, not so much Vista and don't use 7 much since it's on the laptop and I'm usually on the desk top. Husband loves 7.
molly109
15 years ago
I have a new computer with Windows 7 -- and I love
it. There are far fewer "slow-downs" than XP had.

I never had Vista on my own computer, so didn't use
it enough to compare.

I still think 98 was the best operating system ever. LOL
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
15 years ago
google make windows 7 look like xp to give some good tips and tricks also visit these forums to get a head start
Windows 7 Forums
jamieron082
14 years ago
Hi, there!! I want to connect my computer to LAN through router or telnet command. But when I try to establish connection it says that some commands are missing which stop the working of router and unable to send further commands..Any help.

Here is a link that might be useful: windows xp tricks

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