Windows 7

[JSixpack]

I can't wait to get Win 7, I bought Vista after Microsoft "discovered" my pirate XP earlier this year .

Vista is the worst piece of crap/shi% I ever owned, countless problems since it was installed . Must be one of the biggest flops ever from Microsoft .

Right. Where are all our Vista worshippers now after waiting and clicking on a million UAC dialogue buttons?

I'd long advocated skipping Vista (analogous to Windows ME) and waiting for 7. I'm still totally confident it was the right decision, despite the flack I received here from our experts. Of course it could be argued that 7 is basically Vista SP3. An improvement, though, undoubtedly. M'soft is listening better after the Vista debacle.

Well, my XP is still runnin' and lookin' great, and third-party programs provide all I need not supplied with XP, so I think, um, I can wait for 7 SP1 . You guys test it out.

[sbk]

Microsoft is holding an event in Bangkok at Siam Paragon's Fashion Hall on the first floor on October 31 through to November 1 according to a CNET contributor,

[Supernova]

So if I buy the OEM and eventually upgrade my machine, MS would allow me to reactivate using the new hardware?

It depends... All I know is, an OEM license cannot be transferred to a second machine. As long as you don't change the motherboard (to a different make/model), you should be OK. << Don't quote me on this though, I could be wrong.

If you're planning to do hardware upgrades, you'd be better off buying the Retail version for reasons given in my previous post.

[raro]

Just back from IT City where I was supposed to pick up my win7 Ultimate boxes.

Turns out, they tried to sell me OEM versions. After a short but efficient outburst from my side together with a brief why I do not want any OEM versions and that they are not allowed to sell them without a computer (as clearly stated on the package) they went into sorrysorry mode and after some phone calls they promised me to provide fully boxed versions @ 8,320 Baht incl VAT - even cheaper than the OEMs they tried to sell me first.

From what I gather, they will send a messenger today to Siam Paragon in Bangkok where they have the special opening sales and buy the software on my behalf. The regular price is supposedly 10,700 a pop.

[lopburi3]

OEM has never required purchase of a computer. But there should be some part of a computer sold at the same time. In the local case it seems more 'thought' that you are building a computer rather than a physical items type requirement.

OEM is the normal sales package here. But should be cheaper than boxed.

[seancbk]

Are there any compatibility issues between WIN7 and Office 97 or Office 2003?

What about games? My son is running Vista (99% games) would his games work with Win7?

When will there be free antivirus / malware software available for Win7?

opalhort

The best free antivirus / malware software is from Microsoft - http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/

[PaulUSA302]

I am running Windows XP on my tablet and I had Vista on my desktop. Vista seem to be a resource hog and kept my dual processors in constant use. Now I have Windows 7 Professional on my desktop. It is far better than XP and Vista. AND it is not the resource hog that Vista was and is far faster than XP and Vista.

I love it!

[JAS21]

Just back from IT City where I was supposed to pick up my win7 Ultimate boxes.

Turns out, they tried to sell me OEM versions. After a short but efficient outburst from my side together with a brief why I do not want any OEM versions and that they are not allowed to sell them without a computer (as clearly stated on the package) they went into sorrysorry mode and after some phone calls they promised me to provide fully boxed versions @ 8,320 Baht incl VAT - even cheaper than the OEMs they tried to sell me first.

From what I gather, they will send a messenger today to Siam Paragon in Bangkok where they have the special opening sales and buy the software on my behalf. The regular price is supposedly 10,700 a pop.

Oh..thats what I paid in the UK for it...bug-er and it's still there awaiting someone coming over. As I have the Product Code,safe and sound, is there anyone around my way who could lend me their full version so I can install now as at the moment I'm running the Enterprise version. I live not far from Ngam Wong Wan Mall...near the junction of Changwhattana and Prachachuen Roads...thanks

[HAL9000]

The best free antivirus / malware software is from Microsoft - http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/

IT professionals don't think much of it.

Take a look around http://www.virusbtn.com/index

Some of the articles require a free registration, and some require a paid subscription. You should be able to see some of the annual tests that rate the various anti-virus and other security products. AVG Free has done consistently well year after year. I might add that none have a pure 100% detection rate over time, but the best ones stay at 100% the most and miss some only occasionally.

[HAL9000]

It depends... All I know is, an OEM license cannot be transferred to a second machine. As long as you don't change the motherboard (to a different make/model), you should be OK. << Don't quote me on this though, I could be wrong.

If you're planning to do hardware upgrades, you'd be better off buying the Retail version for reasons given in my previous post.

I just went through this with an OEM Vista reinstall which refused to activate. I had to call Microsoft and activate on the phone.

[HAL9000]

Right. Where are all our Vista worshippers now after waiting and clicking on a million UAC dialogue buttons?

I'd long advocated skipping Vista (analogous to Windows ME) and waiting for 7.

After I bought Vista, I had a feeling I had bought another WinME (which I also bought...), but something had to be done about the vulnerability of Win XP.

On the first comment above, I'd have to say most engineers would agree that Wintel is not the best technology, but has ironically become "the computer for the rest of us" who cannot afford Apple or do not have the technical expertise to administer Linux.

I will not argue that there are not cars better than mine, but that doesn't mean I have to own one.

[HAL9000]

And it will still grind to a near-standstill after about 18 months of use.

Why is that? I try to keep clean machines, but the two running XP are really getting unusably slow after running so many years.

[HAL9000]

It's interesting. While I agree that Vista was a relative flop for MS, I haven't had a smidgen of a problem with Vista.

Just curious...how much of the software on your computer is illegal? Could it be a you get what you pay for situation?

The other thing is there is an issue with having the latest version of the software to run on Vista. It's like being on a treadmill to keep up with what almost seems like an industry conspiracy to make the OS a resource hog so you have to buy faster hardware and new versions of the software compatible with the new version of the OS.

[phetaroi]

It's interesting. While I agree that Vista was a relative flop for MS, I haven't had a smidgen of a problem with Vista.

Just curious...how much of the software on your computer is illegal? Could it be a you get what you pay for situation?

The other thing is there is an issue with having the latest version of the software to run on Vista. It's like being on a treadmill to keep up with what almost seems like an industry conspiracy to make the OS a resource hog so you have to buy faster hardware and new versions of the software compatible with the new version of the OS.

Oh stop. Don't blame MS because computer users keep wanting more, more, more.

[Gary A]

I have made the commitment. Today I transferred the funds for Windows 7 Pro OEM. (5,900 baht). To go with the new OS, I have bought a new faster hard drive;

Western Digital RE3 drives combine 16 MB cache with SATA 3 Gb/s transfer rate for lightning-fast performance in demanding server and storage applications. Technologically advanced acoustics minimize noise. Cool drive operation and enhanced reliability features help protect the drive and the data stored on it.

Just to top it off I have also ordered another gig of RAM for a total of three gig. It should all be here via EMS in a couple of days.

[Khun Jack]

Monday I ordered from JIB computers website online 3 windows 7 pro packages. Price 5590 Baht the piece. Today I received the package and it turn out to be OEM versions.

That it were OEM versions was not stated on JIB's website and not on the invoice. I feel been cheated, clearly noted on the package that this version is only may be distributed with a fully assembled computer system. We called and JIB blamed us because we should ask first which version to expect!.

[d0ndela]

Another prime example of bad service. One would think it would eventually backfire to run a business purely based on unhappy customers?

Edit: Just saw it was funny, Gary A have paid 310 baht more for his Win 7 Pro OEM than you did, going to be exciting to see if he then actually gets what he ordered and feels the service he got was worth the extra 5%

[Supernova]

Based on the responses here and from what I've seen in stores, Windows OEM seems to be prevalent in Thailand for some reason. In Europe/USA, it's the complete opposite.

[Gary A]

Another prime example of bad service. One would think it would eventually backfire to run a business purely based on unhappy customers?

Edit: Just saw it was funny, Gary A have paid 310 baht more for his Win 7 Pro OEM than you did, going to be exciting to see if he then actually gets what he ordered and feels the service he got was worth the extra 5%

I did see cheaper prices but I bought from the new Invade IT store because of the support. The guys speak English and answered all my questions in a timely manner. The communication and support from the Thai online stores is poor to none. The Windows 7 Pro on their site was clearly marked OEM. I don't mind paying a reasonably higher price if the support is there.

[Nio]

IT City store.

They have all, home, pro and ultimate.

Great price, not expensive in Thailand.

I bought a legal copy of ultimate, 64 bit version.

It's far better then windows XP and Vista.

Get a copy and enjoy!

How is Windows 7 for finding the drivers for older peripherals like printers, scanners, etc?

and what about wireless modems? Any driver issues?

Thank you

[Seismic]

Its Interesting that people are talking about buying the 64 bit or 32 bit version, Are the boxed versions different here than in the USA, because according to PCmag in the USA Both versions come in the box.

Can anyone confirm that is true here also ??

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2354687,00.asp

"Both 32- and 64-bit installation discs come in the Windows 7 box, so you only have to specify which you want if you're downloading the code."

regards

[d0ndela]

Its Interesting that people are talking about buying the 64 bit or 32 bit version, Are the boxed versions different here than in the USA, because according to PCmag in the USA Both versions come in the box.

Can anyone confirm that is true here also ??

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2354687,00.asp

"Both 32- and 64-bit installation discs come in the Windows 7 box, so you only have to specify which you want if you're downloading the code."

regards

Yes if you buy a retail version in Thailand both 32- and 64-bit will be included.

On the other hand the OEM versions which are the most common versions here in Thailand (yet anyway) you have to chose between 32- and 64-bit before you purchase it.

[pj123]

I just spoke to Microsoft Thailand about the fact that the copies I have seen of W7 contain a sticker stating that it can only be activated in SE Asia. Not a problem now but in the future, if I move out of Asia, the activation will not work if I have to reinstall. MS confirmed this but said I should be able to reactivate by telephone. I would need to call MS Thailand to do this and they would allow an activation outside of SE ASIA as "goodwill". Makes me feel a bit nervous about buying the low cost Asian version. Professional is £105 here. In the UK its £160.

[JAS21]

Actually UK prices seem to be changing all the time..I got my ultimate(full copy) from Amazon UK (£159), PC World had it at that price but now theirs is more. If you know a student in the UK you are in luck. Software4students or Pugh both .co.uk

[Gary A]

I received my order today and am up and running Win 7 Pro. Installing the OEM OS on a new hard drive with a clean install took sixteen minutes. All drivers were apparently in the OS because everything works, even the HP printer.

[d0ndela]

Yes Windows 7 truly is amazing with drivers. Very very rarely does it not find all drivers for all devices.

[bkk_mike]

How is Windows 7 for finding the drivers for older peripherals like printers, scanners, etc?

and what about wireless modems? Any driver issues?

Thank you

Didn't like a pair of old Netgear WG121s I had, but bought a couple of new TP-Links that ran without needing drivers to be installed.

(Netgear didn't have windows 7 drivers, and the earlier ones didn't want to work...)

Other issues have been niggles on old hardware, and a weird clock issue on brand new hardware... (clock runs super-fast - a minute taking under 3 seconds... - if it wasn't for it resyncing to internet time regularly, it would never be at the right time...)

Have tried a few things for that with no luck...