Operating Systems Questions

Hi,

I use a computer for internet, word processing, and Photoshop. No gaming.

I currently have Windows XP pro, and from what I can tell, my HP Scanjet 4P scanner isn’t compatible with Windows 7. I haven't been able to tell if Paint Shop Pro 7 is compatible either.

My specific questions are:
What’s so great about Windows 7? Will it make my computer run noticeably faster?
What are the differences between OS Windows XP Professional preinstalled through downgrade rights in Genuine Windows 7 Professional 32?
What’s the difference between Genuine Windows 7 Professional 32 and Windows 7 Home 32?
What is Windows Professional 7 “with media?”

If I opt for 32 bit now, will I have trouble finding a new printer or scanner that’s compatible with it in the next five years? Are all accessories going to be only 64 bit in the near future, with no way of adapting them to a 32 bit computer?

Thanks!

 

*You're correct about your scanner not being Windows 7 compatible, HP has no drivers for it on their website.
*This version is not W7 compatible.
*What computer are you using? I can't tell you if W7 will be faster or not if you don't specify this.
*What?
*In Professional, you get Windows XP Mode for running older programs in VM Mode. Domain join for company networks. Better backup features to a home or business network. Overall, 99% of people will be fine with Home Premium, especially for your needs.
*Windows 7 Profesional with Media? I have no clue what you're talking about. Every version has Media Center and full multimedia capabilities.
*32 bit will still be around for a while, but everyone should be getting 64 bit from now on. End of story.

By the way, can a Mod move this to the appropriate software forum? Thanks.

 

All-in-one printer/scanner/copy/fax machines are cheap now... unless your scanner is unusually great, I'd say it's just time to upgrade.

Win 7 is not faster than XP... it's much better in all kinds of other ways though (UI, security, built-in features).

32-bit is not dead yet, but it is definitely headed that way. 64-bit is the way to go now.

 

I believe you are looking at upgrade options. With media means you will be shipped the physical Windows disc instead of just downloading an .iso and burning it using your own DVD.

 

i have win7 ultimate 64bit and i have an hp scanner that is not compatible. i installed xp mode (w/ windows virtual pc) and it works, now.

 

Thanks, everyone.

My current laptop is a Lenovo Thinkpad R61 with these specs:
Intel(R) Pentium(R) Dual CPU
T2370 @ 1.73 GHZ
2 GB Ram
5400 RPM
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100

A Dell rep explained to me that one of their options allows me to get Windows XP installed and then I'll receive an upgrade disc for Windows 7 with which I can choose to update my operating system later. Doesn't that make the most sense, considering that I don't want to have to upgrade any peripherals or
programs at this time?

In the future, will 64 bit printers and software be adaptable to 32 bit computers?

Thanks!

Thanks Bubzers, for mentioning the XP mode. Assuming my new laptop will be able to run hardware virtualization: will that mean I can get Windows 7 and still use Paint Shop Pro 7? And would that be true whether I get 32 or 64 bit?

I'm still confused.

 

Hmm, not sure what you mean by that. W7 is certainly more stream lined than XP. And it also loads noticeably faster as well.

 

if print shop pro 7 works in xp without incident, then it's reasonable to assume it will work in xp mode. however, a definitive answer can only be achieved by trying it.

32bit vs 64bit: i can't say for sure, as i've only tried with 64bit win7.

something else to think about. if your hardware does not support virtualization, you can also try vmlite (xp mode for sun virtualbox) as it does not require hardware virtualization. however, USB support is not so great. my scanner is USB and, so far, i've found windows virtual pc is the only virtual machine that will let me use my scanner.

something else that occured to me. so far, my windows virtual pc xp mode only runs in 16bit-color mode. however, my vmlite xp mode runs in 32bit-color mode. i've never used print shop pro before, but assuming from the name of the software, image quality on-screen seems important.

 

It's a graphics program, so image quality is important. I don't know what bit-color mode it is.

Thanks again!

 

Pentium Dual-Core does not have virtualization capability that XP Mode requires.

 

I know, but I'm hoping that any new laptop I get will have it.

Dell and Lenovo offer an O.S option to get XP installed and receive an upgrade disc for Windows 7. That way I could have both (?)

I'm just wondering how long it will be before no new printers or programs will work with 32 bit.

 

You can just leave your old laptop to serve the scanner. And use windows 7 64bit on new laptop.

 

Thanks yejun for that idea!