We run XP Pro on our home computers and for the most part have been happy with it. On our newest computer, I've got a dual boot between XP and W7 so I can compare them. On the plus side, W7 has a beautiful interface (although I miss the classic view). And I was impressed with the stability for a beta. No crashes so far for me. ...but I'm not seeing any big bursts in performance, or anything that's going to make my life better/easier.What advantages will there be for W7 over XP Pro? Is there something I should be checking out in the Beta version that I've missed? Right now it looks like my most compelling reason to purchase W7 will be for the continued updates & support. Or if I do upgrade, it should be to the 64-bit version, not the 32.

Hi Grumble One of the most overlooked advantages to any newer OS is support for emerging technologies that previous versions do not have. Here are some links to resources and articleson Windows 7 that might interest you.Springboard Series Windows 7Engineering Windows 7Windows 7 Team BlogWhat's New in Windows 7Hope this helps. Ronnie Vernon MVP

I think the biggest advantage of upgrading is all new hardware releases(printers, scanners, cameras and Etc.) come with drivers for the newest OS's. Plus XP versus W7 is going from 32 bit to 64 bit capability and more and more software will be 64 bit. Jake

Assuming a program is Vista compatible, would a 32-bit program have a decent chance of running on a 64-bit system? Or are the two completely incompatible?

Hi Grumble69 Yes, the Windows 64-bit system includes a 32-bit subsystem. This allows many programs designed for a computer running a 32-bit version of Windows to work on a computer running 64-bit versions of Windows without any changes. However, in some cases there might be differences in performance. If a 32-bit program uses embedded drivers, the drivers might not work in the 64-bit environment. Hope this helps. Ronnie Vernon MVP

Ronnie: I find your comments regarding whether 64 bit OSs have downward compatibility with 32 bit programs and drivers a little surprising. I have both Vista 32 and 64 and I was amazed at the problems I have had and still have with my 64 system regarding 32 bit program, and to some degree driver, compatibility. I have also had problems in the past accessing websites with my 64 system using 64 bit IE. Let me state, that Vista 64 has been the most stable platform I have had the pleasure of working with (Although there are a couple that I never used); but as a home user, needing a versatile, multi-functional platform, I was disappointed in the lack of third party support (and even MS support) this fine operating system received. In the forums I have seen, time after time users mentioning how stable theirVista64 systems are, but their usability is limited because of driversupport and program compatibility issues. Frankly I thought whenthe dual core CPUs came out there would be a strong shift to 64 bit systems as the standard, with built in 32 bit compatility, but that does not seem to have happened. For these reasons I have zeroed in on the 32 bitWin7 Beta. The truth is I find the Win32 Beta to be very stable, and it is compatible witheverything I have except myAcronisDisk Manager (which does work on Vista 64). If MS and the Hardware and softwaredevelopersare not willing to commit to 64 bit systems as the standard, then it appears to me purchasing a 64 bit OS is just a waste of money. For the record, I also have 64bit XP Pro, and it had basically the same problems, except MS support was even worse. In fact it is sitting on the shelf because of the compatibilty problems I had (I never was able to get Media Center to function correctly). I would like to hear your views on this issue, as I think it is something we all should be thinking about when we are considering upgrading, not only the OS, but the multiprocessor platforms we would use it on. I have no problems if you wish to move this item to a new thread.cbillhoeft@charter.net