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NicolasRubio
2nd of September 2009 (Wed), 01:39
My new computer is arriving tomorrow and I want to change the OS as it comes with Windows Vista Home Premium (64 bits).

The specs are the following:

- AMD Phenom X3 Triple-Core 8400
- 4gb DDR2-800 MHz (2x2gb IIRC)
- 500gb SATA 3G @ 7200rpm
- NVIDIA GeForce 6150SE

Through my university's academic alliance with Microsoft I can get any software, from Microsoft, for free, so money is not an issue here.

What I am offered is:

- Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (x64)
- Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (x86)
- Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate RC (x64)
- Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate RC (x86)
- Windows Vista Business DVD
- Windows Vista Business with SP1 DVD
- Windows Vista Business (64 bits) DVD
- Windows Vista Business (64 bits) with SP1 DVD

Are there any other versions of Vista/Seven that I should consider? Which one would you guys choose?
lunasicc
2nd of September 2009 (Wed), 01:47
7 64 bit..

ultimate looks pretty sweet imo
basroil
2nd of September 2009 (Wed), 01:53
If you have the choice, 7 ultimate x64 no matter what. you'll lose about half a gb of ram going x86.
NicolasRubio
2nd of September 2009 (Wed), 02:20
7 64 bit..

ultimate looks pretty sweet imo

If you have the choice, 7 ultimate x64 no matter what. you'll lose about half a gb of ram going x86.

So you both mean Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate RC (x64), right?
basroil
2nd of September 2009 (Wed), 02:46
from that choice list, yes, but RC means it'll go away starting early next year. you need a full version or upgrade before then
NicolasRubio
2nd of September 2009 (Wed), 03:06
from that choice list, yes, but RC means it'll go away starting early next year. you need a full version or upgrade before then

Is it possible to make the upgrade/install the full version without formatting? It is a PITA!
basroil
2nd of September 2009 (Wed), 11:37
Is it possible to make the upgrade/install the full version without formatting? It is a PITA!

you just need a cd key, don't even have to restart, let alone install anything
NicolasRubio
2nd of September 2009 (Wed), 12:29
you just need a cd key, don't even have to restart, let alone install anything

Great, thanks! Although I don't know if this academic alliance works with cd keys... I am downloading Windows 7 Ultimate RC x64 now, but I think it installs without asking for a cd key!
basroil
2nd of September 2009 (Wed), 13:14
Great, thanks! Although I don't know if this academic alliance works with cd keys... I am downloading Windows 7 Ultimate RC x64 now, but I think it installs without asking for a cd key!

RC means release candidate, as in it's still beta. It only works until april 2010, after that you need to type in a real cd key, though if it's an old RC (not RTM), then you may need to reinstall.