Windows 7, are you ready for it?! It’s here! But hold on there Pilgrim. There are some things you may want to consider first. The great news is Paragon is compatible with the new W7 operating system. For those who are currently using Paragon on W7, they are in a state of absolute bliss and euphoria. Okay, okay may not to that extreme but I have heard no major complaints yet and most importantly, Paragon is 100% compatible with the new W7.

At the time of this writing, at CCAR we have configured about 20 W7 systems to work with Paragon and the current climate appears to match the early indicators that Paragon would be working in all its facets with W7, and it is.

So the question then becomes “Will Windows 7 work with all my programs and hardware?” To that extent, we cannot say for sure. But we can vouch for Paragon.

I did have a customer printer that did not work with W7 but by using another earlier driver (printer software) for the printer, it worked fine after that. This anomaly or even the fix may have been an exception.

But as many of us have learned, new operating system releases are usually more stable after the first service pack. But that should not be a total deterrent from the consideration of a new system. The choice is yours…..buy now and update later or wait till they release a service pack and buy then. Just to clarify, a service pack is a set of operating system files that Microsoft updates after the release of their operating system when they discover from use the need to correct certain issues – as well as to enhance certain features and functionality that was already present.

Most preferences for buying delays occur with businesses, rather than typical home users.

One of the great draws to the new W7 operating system is the incredibly low prices for a new computer with it already installed. For instance, last I checked, one of the local major retailers of computers had a new Toshiba laptop with W7 on it for $349.00 and a Compaq desktop with W7 for $319.00. Those prices are more alluring than a moth to a flame and in my opinion, there should be little chance of getting burned if you ask questions about compatibility with your software and other hardware.

It is best to inquire with the vendors of each of the software programs and hardware that you own as best as possible about compatibility W7 and find out if W7 will work with all or at least the most important software programs you are currently using. So as mentioned, it is best to check with your vendors. For some items, like printers, you can go up to the vender web site and check to see if they have W7 drivers or at least newer drivers or have your tech guy do this if your hardware such as printer, etc., is not working with your new computer.

One important note is that you will most likely be transferring files from your old computer to the new one. Either you’ll decide to do this or a friend or family member will. If you decide to have a local computer service department handle this, it will run you on average between $60-$120. Even still, that cost outlay coupled with the price of a new system is still a very good bargain, especially with the holiday prices looming or by the time you read this, well underway. In any case, good luck and good BUY!

Once again, here’s to happy computing!

Richard Tausch, MCSE, CCNA, CompTia Security +