Windows 7 Resources, Secrets, & Stuff They Didn’t Tell You

Windows 7

October 22nd, 2009 is the special date that Microsoft has picked to release Windows 7 to the public.  Since the debacle of Vista, Steve Ballmer needed a home run to gain confidence back from the public and shareholders.  As the successor to Windows Vista, critics are already billing the new operating system as a win and beta testers feel like the software company final got it right.  But with any party, there always somebody who wants to crash it.  Apple is coming out swinging with a market pitch to convince people that Windows 7 is still flawed because….well because it’s still Windows and that they should buy a Mac instead.

So if your planning on upgrading your current computer or buying a new one, below are some quick tips to help you along the way:

• Can My PC Run Windows 7?:  If your thinking about upgrading, this is a good question to ask.  Microsoft provides a tool that will scan your computer to see if it will play nice with Win7.
• Are You A Student? Get Win7 For the Low-Low:  College students can get Windows 7 for the low price of $29.99.  Currently there are no New Orleans universities on the of list of approved schools but you can still enter in your school e-mail address and info to see if you are eligible.
• Win7 Plays Well With Programs Like Parallels:  If your a ubergeek using software like Parallels to boot three or four operating systems on one computer, you’ll be happy to know that Win7 works seamlessly with it.  Check out Simple Help for a full guide on how to install Win7 in OSX using Parallels Desktop.
• 50 Windows 7 tips, tricks and secrets:  Who doesn’t love a good cheat sheet?  TechRadar provides a comprehensive list of 50 tips, tricks, and secrets that you can unlock with Win7.
• Extend Your Win7 Trial from 30 to 120 Days:  Do you already have a running copy of the Win7 beta on your computer?  To cheap busy to go out and get the real thing?  Learn how you can extend the trial period from 3o days to 120 days.
• Download Additional Windows 7 Themes:  Windows 7 really steps it up when it comes to the design aspect of their themes and wallpapers.  Feel free to download some additional Win7 themes.  But what’s even better than new themes?  Well there is a Windows 7 Nostalgia pack with Windows v 1.0, 3.11, 95, 98, 2000, ME themes.  If you are rocking a Windows 3.11 theme on Win7, we salute you!
• Microsoft Discounts Windows 7 for Small Businesses:  If your own a small biz your also in luck as Microsoft is offering a discount on their Windows 7 Professional version.
• Guess What Else Is Popping Off On Oct 22nd:  Remember those reports the Microsoft was opening up brick and mortar stores?  Well guess what day they’ll be opening?
• Local Win7 Launch Parties:  While Microsoft didn’t think NewOrleans Tech wasn’t cool enough to have a Win7 launch party there are a couple of launch parties happening in NOLA (see here and here).  There are invite only with party goers getting a copy of Win7 to take home for themselves.

If you have any more good Windows 7 resources or if you plan on upgrading yourself, let us know in the comments!