Hacksar

If you are in the market to purchase a new computer or laptop (especially for those college-bound freshmen!), you are in great luck. Windows 7 is the next Windows operating system (like Windows XP and Windows Vista), and it is tremendously better than Vista ever can be. Not only is it much faster and streamlined, but its user interface is also much better. It has multiple features for backwards compatibility for Windows XP programs.

However, nowadays, almost all computers (and laptops) come with Windows Vista. In fact, companies charge you extra if you want to downgrade to Windows XP. Being a computer geek myself (as are many others out there), I have absolutely refused to touch Vista ever since it was released. I tried out the beta for Windows 7 and I was blown away – I can’t wait for the actual release of that amazing operating system. I also happen to be in the market for a laptop, but I found that all the good laptops seem to ship with Windows Vista preinstalled (which I can’t stand). Rather than having to dish out $100 or more when Microsoft finally releases Windows 7, I did some research and found out how to get a free upgrade from Vista to 7 (when it comes out). Keep reading for the simple, official, and legal way of doing this.

On June 25th, 2009, Microsoft officially announced the Windows 7 Upgrade Program. This program states that any computer sold with Windows Vista after June 26, 2009, will receive a free copy of Windows 7. That’s it. No hoops to jump through, other than just having to confirm 2 things:

• The version of Windows Vista you are getting is Home Premium, Business, or Ultimate. (This does not apply to Windows XP).
• The manufacturer of your computer must support the upgrade program. To do this, simply call their customer service (or search online) and ask if they support it. They will tell you flat out – they make more sales, so they have nothing to hide! It only applies to OEMs, though, and can differ for various models, so make sure you ask!

That’s it. Just make sure you qualify with those two facets and you will be on your way from not having to touch Windows Vista for too long and jump straight to Windows 7, the widely acclaimed and well received Microsoft operating system.

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