Yesterday, I did it; I got rid of Vista and replace my operating system with the new Microsoft Windows 7.  I had an option to 'upgrade' but I chose to start fresh with a completely new OS installation.  The installation program put all of my old stuff in a folder called "Windows.old" which has been very convenient.  At first, I was frustrated and re-installed it three times because all I saw was a black screen with a white arrow.  Well, as it turns out, it was my misunderstanding of a setting.  I have two monitors on my computer (one my desktop and one my HD TV) but only my desktop monitor was turned on.  All the setup information was being displayed on the monitor that was turned off.  Once I figured this out, things have been great.

I was happy to discover very few compatibility issues in Windows 7.  As a Realtor, I use a program called Winforms to prepare contracts.  It never worked right in Vista so I always had to keep my XP laptop on hand to prepare my contracts.  I installed Winforms onto my Windows 7 OS and it works perfectly.  I have had no issues with Windows 7 except installing my Brother MFC-8460N printer/scanner.  Microsoft and Brother both indicate this will work with Windows 7 but it doesn't.  Brother's website says Windows 7 Drivers will be available shortly.  So, I guess I will wait.  I also do not like the way the start menu work, it has the Vista feel and no option to go back to the classic feel like Vista did.

The new look and feel make Windows 7 a winner in my book.  You get thumbnails of every application you have running.  If you hover over the thumbnail, it gives you a full-screen preview which is really awesome.  If you like listening to music, the media player with the thumbnail functionality makes listening easy.  I toyed with the Internet TV function, but I was not impressed; it is nice, but after using ABC's full episode player, there is no comparison.  Microsoft should check out the ABC full episode player and mimic it.  If you haven't seen the full episode player, check it out at http://abc.go.com/watch. 

Overall, Windows 7 is well worth the money.  You can buy a three license family version through amazon for around $150 (Windows 7 Home Premium Family Pack on Amazon).  I have installed Window 7 on my home computer with just my network printer problem.  My son should have his computer up with Windows 7 tomorrow and we will see how it goes - I anticipate the same printer problem though. 

Are you thinking about getting Windows 7?  Do you have it?  Let me know what you think!