MS Releases Win7 Upgrade Advisor: Is Your PC Compatible?

With Microsoft's highly-anticipated Windows 7 set for release, the Redmond-based company has finally provided a Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor, a tool designed to examine a user's PC in order to determine if it's ready for the new operating system (OS).

Microsoft's operating system launches on October 22nd, after at least a year of hype and speculation. Microsoft believes the new OS will bring back the "cool" to PCs running Windows, but early reviews remain skeptical -- some critics, including PC World blogger Jeff Bertolucci, just don't think the upgrade is worth $120. (Source: pcworld.com)

New Tool Analyzes System Components

However, there's something more important than scrutinizing whether Windows 7 has enough cool new features, like improved speed and visuals, to warrant the upgrade. There's also the compatibility issue -- after all, you've got to know if your system can even run Windows 7, right?

Microsoft's 8.3 MB downloadable Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor tool is now available and designed to test just that. It analyzes several important PC components to see if they match Win 7's requirements, including processor, storage capabilities, graphics memory, and RAM before compiling a report showing you how your computer made out.

If the PC you're hoping to upgrade to Windows 7 doesn't meet the requirements, the tool is designed to show you exactly what the problem is and what your options include. (Source: microsoft.com)

Win7: Modest Appetite

According to Ars Technica, the basic Windows 7 system requirements are:

• At least 1 GHz (ideally faster) 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
   
• 1 GB RAM for 32-bit version, 2 GB for 64-bit version
   
• At least 16 GB disk space for 32-bit version, 20 GB for 64-bit version
   
• DirectX 9 graphics capabilities

Also useful is the Windows 7 Compatibility Center, which checks the compatibility of a user's software and accessories for both the 32- and 64-bit versions of the new OS. Rather than simply present the user with a black exclamation point on a triangular yellow backdrop, the system will, in most cases, direct him or her to a website where they can acquire the necessary drivers.

Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor Download

The Windows 7 Upgrade advisor can be downloaded using the link below:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/upgrade-advisor.aspx