Windows 7: Where, what, how

[Paul]

Ok I have been putting this off for a while now but after reading the articles saying BF3 will not support Windows XP, I need to upgrade to Windows 7.

Now I am slightly less of a techno-noob than j0nny so I will need help.

Firstly what edition should I get, will the Home basic or what ever it is call be sufficient or will I run into problems with Network at Lans/rAge etc

Secondly where can I get a copy at a good price? Is Incredible corruption charge way more than other places or are they all roughly the same>

Last, I will be doing a fresh install, the whole caboodle, reformat hard drive, install windows, install drives, install programs. Are there any funnies? Or is it as easy as doing an XP install

[J_Th4ng]

1. I'd suggest Home Premium. All the functionality that you'll need. Just make sure you install the 64bit version
2. TBH, they tend to price very similarly everywhere (Microsoft getting their pound of flesh). I can get the DSP version from Frontosa for you for R885, or the full retail version for R1070. I have the DSP version, it's all good.
3. Very very easy to install. Just make sure you do all of your backups first.

[Paul]

Thanks I think I would prefer the retail version DSP as far as I know is "linked" to your specific PC?

[J_Th4ng]

Not that I know of. DSP versions have to be bought with hardware. After that though they are the same as retail AFAIK.

[Paul]

Nope I just checked DSP are linked to a machine and not a user, once installed on a machine it cannot be installed on another machine even if you uninstall it from the first one

Windows 7: Licensing Explained

A DSP (Delivery Service Partner) Package is very similar to OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer), the difference is that it is not branded with the PC Manufacturers name and it is sold over the counter. The same licensing policy and procedure applies, DSP Software cannot be installed on another machine, as it "lives and dies" with the machine that it is installed on initially. The software is licensed to the machine and not the user.
With FPP (Fully Packaged Products, Retail, off the shelf boxed Products) Products, you are allowed more flexibility as you can uninstall the software and install it on another machine, taking note that it is also licensed to be installed on one machine at a time. In regards to this type of licensing, you still cannot load it on more than one machine, the only flexibility is that it is licensed to the user and not the machine therefore it can be uninstalled and re-installed again unlike OEM/DSP.

In short:
•DSP - The software is licensed to the machine and not the user. Once installed, cannot be reinstalled on different hardware.
•FPP - The software is licensed to the user and not to the machine. Software can be reinstalled on different hardware, as long as there is only one installation of the software at any one time.

[NiteShade]

As far as I know, DSP can only be installed on one machine, ever. Now, if you are planning to upgrade - that will be a problem.

[Paul]

Z, that is why I prefer the retail version

[NiteShade]

Dirk and I both got the 64 bit Win7 Home Premium Retail version. I actually had to phone and get it re-activated last night since I upgraded. Was easy peasy. However, don't they also sell an upgrade from Win XP to Win 7 for alot cheaper?

[Paul]

Nope they don't, you can upgrade from Vista to Win7 or from Win7 home to Professional.

XP is the redheaded step child of Microsoft

[NoMaD]

I love windows 7, it is just so much easier.