Getting a New Computer With Windows 7

[frogman]

I hope to get a custom built computer soon with the very latest OS Windows 7.

I have various questions that I would like to ask, but I don't want to ask them all at once as I often think by doing it that way it can get all too confusing.

If I go for Windows 7 will all my 32bit programs become obsolete? some of which are on CD such as Nero, and Surething CD labeler.

More questions to follow but one at a time.

[CoffeeFiend]

Even if you go with a 64 bit version of Windows 7, the vast majority of 32 bit apps will still work (I have yet to find one that doesn't). Nero does for sure (at least recent-ish versions of it), never tried the other one.

What won't work with a x64 version of Windows is ancient 16 bit code. But even in this case there's the XP compatibility mode, or virtualization, dosbox, etc.

[medicsix]

Nero 7 with the update Nero-7.11.10.0c works in 7 and Vista

[frogman]

What about Nero 6 OEM?

So it looks like I should really go for 64 bit then, as after all most systems will be this for the future I read.

[Kelsenellenelvian]

Nero 6 will NOT work...

[frogman]

Nero 6 will NOT work...

Oh dear, so this means I won't have Nero for burning if I have Windows 7.

You would think that as I got the Nero CD with Nero 6 on it with a burner that they would offer a free upgrade.

It looks like I may need to purchase a Nero bundle when I move to Windows 7.

[CoffeeFiend]

Nero 6 will NOT work...

Oh dear, so this means I won't have Nero for burning if I have Windows 7.

Nero 6 is from early 2003 so it's kind of understandable they're only going to support it for so long. As for not having it, there's always the free Nero 9 Essentials I suppose.

You would think that as I got the Nero CD with Nero 6 on it with a burner that they would offer a free upgrade.

Nah. These "bundled with a writer" (oem) versions have always been kind of old (I remember some coming with nero 3 or 4 a few years ago), and were tied to the drive brand too (might not be the case anymore), and some are "lite" versions too (not a license for the entire suite/features). Nero would like you to buy the "real" suite at full retail price for anything beyond that (that is how they make a living). Also, I've never seen or heard of free Nero upgrades from a version to another, very much like for any other software vendor.

It looks like I may need to purchase a Nero bundle when I move to Windows 7.

There's always the upgrade pricing too. And there's many alternatives that are quite good and often cheaper. I use imgburn (freeware) as much as Nero personally. Lots of people also use CDBurnerXP (also free). There is also InfraRecorder and several others (all free). And Windows has built-in burning functions too (albeit basic ones -- data/iso in Explorer, audio in WMP).

[03GrandAmGT]

The only major problems with W7 are the drivers for hardware 32 bit will not work with 64 bit. Many applications will work with no problem at all as has been mentioned earlier.

jd

[frogman]

Am I right in saying that there is an option for 32 or 64 bit systems when purchasing Windows 7?

What I mean is I could choose 32 instead of 64.

Btw, the Nero essentials is no good to me as I need most of the features that aren't available in those versions.

And as far as using WMP, well that is no use either as it creates 2 second gaps in each track division.

[cluberti]

Then it looks like your need for Nero means you'll be buying a new copy if you get a Windows 7 machine, 32 or 64bit. Consider that part of the cost of your upgrade when doing your pricing/budgeting.

[jcarle]

I'd also like to point out that Windows 7 offers both file burning and ISO burning out-of-the-box.