Windows 7 Release Candidate

[Raidien{MEOW}]

here's a nice list of an actually useful windows key now in 7...

http://gizmodo.com/5139691/windows-7-tip-the-windows-key-is-actually-useful-now-with-tons-of-hotkey-shortcuts

[THEKATZ*{MEOW}*]

i've heard things about shortcut commands not working in 7...  so if you are loading the config from the shortcut (like .exe" -config C:\path) things like that won't work... so i've heard... haven't actually tried it yet...

That is exactly the issue.  I think there is a cfg in the game somewhere that can be modified?  I will look - I can modify the ingame rather than short cut commands.

Nice find on the Windows key - wow 

[Raidien{MEOW}]

OK... here is something I might do since I haven't purchased Vista yet... according to MS, if you buy a Vista Upgrade between June 26, 2009 and January 31, 2010, you are eligible for a Windows 7 upgrade for $10 ...

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/buy/offers/upgrade.aspx

Love your current PC?

Buy a Windows Vista upgrade now. Get a Windows 7 upgrade later.

Are you happy with the PC you have, but haven't updated its operating system to Windows Vista yet? There's never been a better time. With the Windows 7 Upgrade Option, you can get the benefits of Windows Vista today, and be ready for Windows 7 when it's ready. Here's how it works:
Windows Vista    arrow    Windows 7
Step 1   

Make sure your PC is ready for Windows Vista. Download and run the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor.
Step 2   

Purchase a qualifying version* of a Windows Vista retail packaged product from your favorite retailer between June 26, 2009 and January 31, 2010.

* Essential details: When you buy Windows Vista Home Premium, Business, or Ultimate either as a packaged product or on a qualifying PC you can get a comparable upgrade version of Windows 7 after it’s generally available on October 22, 2009. Qualifying PCs, offer details, and product delivery methods will vary by manufacturer, so check their sites for specifics. If you buy a packaged copy of Windows Vista you can order your upgrade from Microsoft. The Windows 7 Upgrade Option program runs from June 26, 2009 through January 31, 2010. However, individual PC manufacturers may choose to offer the option for a shorter period. For full details, see the FAQ.

Step 3 lists the FAQ's:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/buy/offers/upgrade-faq.aspx

and here is the form to submit:
https://om2.one.microsoft.com/opa/Validation.aspx?StoreID=127971aa-ac70-438f-9304-4bd05de66415&LocaleCode=en-us


Here are your upgrade options on newegg:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=40000368%201179212583&srchInDesc=Vista&name=Upgrade

[Raidien{MEOW}]

so this brings me to the question... can you upgrade from WinXP 32-bit to Vista 64-bit? or do I buy the full vista 64-bit?



Vista Ultimate SP1 - Full - Retail $218.99

Windows 7 Ultimate - Full - Retail $319.99

Save $90 to buy Vista now, then pay $10 for shipping/handling to get Windows 7 Upgrade

[THEKATZ*{MEOW}*]

If W7 is anything like Vista/XP64 - upgrading to 64 is basically free (a couple bucks S/H for the CD)  But things change so we need to look at that.  Nice find - I will look into that as well.

Those prices are for full versions?  Look at the upgrade versions = cheaper - the upgrade is the full version - just checks to see if you have a prior version.

[Raidien{MEOW}]

The reason I posted the full was because I wasn't sure if you could upgrade from XP 32-bit to Vista 64-bit, or if you would have to go a complete base re-install... if you did need the re-install, could I get the 64-bit Vista, and still just use my 32-bit XP CD?

[Smooth*{MEOW}*]

I wonder what OEM prices will look like.

[Raidien{MEOW}]

yeah not too sure... That $320 is a ridiculous price, as is the $220... but yeah, with XP being phased out in the next few years, you really don't have much other choice, if you still want to be able to run most mainstream apps & games, until those industries start wising up giving the linux users some options... packaging is just so rough with all these flavors coming out... .rpm, .deb, etc... doesn't make it any easier on those companies...

[THEKATZ*{MEOW}*]

... That $320 is a ridiculous price, as is the $220... but yeah, with XP being phased out in the next few years, you really don't have much other choice, if you still want to be able to run most mainstream apps & games, until those industries start wising up giving the linux users ......

I have a feeling that market will open up (for Linux).  Such as the game industry which is wide open to thier products when it comes to allowing such things as game mods that are actualy games that are modified (not been made over) and fully endorsed by the industry.  Hopefully things start leaning...
MS has been tight with businessI have a feeling things will change - for Linux I believe the future is bright at least I hope so.

The reason I posted the full was because I wasn't sure if you could upgrade from XP 32-bit to Vista 64-bit, or if you would have to go a complete base re-install... if you did need the re-install, could I get the 64-bit Vista, and still just use my 32-bit XP CD?

You know  I think I did read that Win7 is only a Vista upgrade but that was months back - I can't imagine that would be the fact.
Reason;
Win7 should make up fo rthe lost buisness market that Vista created.  I bet they spent bucks for this.  End users will see a price hike maybe and I bet business suites are cheaper at the commercial level

[Raidien{MEOW}]

It is a fact, TK... you cannot upgrade from XP to Win7 without the Vista upgrade in between... If you want to go from XP to Win7, you must do a fresh full install... which is why I believe they are doing this "buy vista now, upgrade to 7 later" promo... to encourage those (like me) to upgrade...

[THEKATZ*{MEOW}*]

It sounds like a cool deal - I will be checking into it - nice find Raid 

[Raidien{MEOW}]

punkbuster update took care of BF2 issue... I hadn't manually updated it, so it was still an old version... BF2 works fine in W7 now after the update.

... played for about 2 minutes, and it seems to be more smooth/less choppy... so I will test it out sometime when I have time, but for now gotta finish getting ready for work.

[Raidien{MEOW}]

OK, clarification on Windows XP upgrade...

http://store.microsoft.com/microsoft/Windows-Windows-7/category/102

Currently running Windows XP:
    * Microsoft designed Windows 7 Upgrade media for Windows Vista. Customers with Windows XP can purchase Windows 7 Upgrade versions but must back up their files, clean install, and then reinstall their applications.

Currently running Windows Vista:
    * Customers with Windows Vista can purchase Windows 7 Upgrade versions. You can do a clean install (back up your files, clean install, and then reinstall your applications) or an in-place upgrade (Windows 7 installs over Windows Vista).

[THEKATZ*{MEOW}*]

That is what I was thinking - I had read a little something about this a month or so ago that they were re-hashing the W7 upgrade from XP.  Cool.

[Raidien{MEOW}]

windows 2000 as well it would appear... from that same link:

You qualify for Windows 7 upgrade versions if you are running genuine Windows Vista, Windows XP, or Windows 2000 on your PC.

so for $120 i can get the 7 Home Premium, do a fresh install, and provide my XP credentials when asked it appears... so looks like Vista can upgrade as-is, but XP/2000 needs fresh install...