A PC with these minimum recommended specifications:
- 1 GHz 32-bit or 64-bit processor or higher
- 1 GB of system memory or more
- 16 GB of available disk space
- Support for DirectX 9 graphics with 128 MB memory (to enable
the Aero theme)
- DVD-R/W Drive
Please note these specifications could change. And, some product
features of Windows 7, such as the ability to watch and record live TV
or navigation through the use of "touch," may require advanced or
additional hardware
So you have the hardware, now do you have the Operating System?
Preparation -
You need to consider your resources, do you have a computer to load it on by
itself or will you be doing a Dual Boot, or maybe in a emulation such as Virtual
Machine by VM Ware?
Your first step is make sure the minimum hardware requirements are met.
At first Microsoft was saying that Windows 7 (Win 7) would need a platform
(processor) that was at least 2 GHz and two gigs of memory. As you can see from
the list above 1 GHz processor and 1 Gig of ram will do. I have installed
this on my T-30 Laptop, it has a P4 2.5GHz processor and 1.5 Gig of ram. It will
run but the computer struggles until the Operating System is optimized.
The screen shots are from a fresh install on a VM Ware emulator, the VM
(Virtual Machine) has two 2.4 GHz processors and 1 Gig of ram, 16 Gig of hard
drive space, network, and sound card.
Then you start the computer (system) with the DVD in the drive.
You will see -
Pick you Language, time, currency, and location -
Then press the install button.
And away we go... My install on a SSD and in to a VM (Virtual Machine) took
about 20 minutes, a lot better than the previous versions of Windows when
installing.
Next the EULA, you have to agree to or the install will just sit at this
screen.
Next pick you installation either normal or custom, I have done both and the
actual install time was close to the same, 20 or so minutes.
Next pick you drive and set the partition size, this install was
on a VM and
I had set the drive size to 16 Gig - which is the minimum install size, I would
recommend that the actual partition be at least 30 gig, if you have the room 45
would be better.
Then the install program starts the file transfer and decompression...
Moving along, if you notice there are 22 screen shots, this is about one item
per minute.
Would you take my
survey on Windows 7?
Receive a free gift when you complete it!
Just about complete, notice the green bar, about 75% done. You will also
notice the screen flash a couple of times while the installation process tests
different video drivers. I had my speakers off and didn't notice any sound, next
time I will turn them on.
First of two restarts, long ways from the Win 98 days of multiple restarts!
(More tips and techniques in
the Windows 7 Ultimate Guide.)
Getting close to being done.
Setting up the services.
Continuing the installation.
Enter the name of the primary user and name your computer.
Enter a password and a hint.
Enter the Product key.
Select your level of protection provided by Microsoft.
Set you time zone, adjust the time and date if needed.
Select your type of network, Home, Work, or Public.
Second restart.
Read to use.
As I said the install took a little over 20 minutes from the DVD start to the
last screen you see. As I work through the OS customizing and tweaking the way I
like the desk top look and the underlying functions to work the way I am used to
you can follow along.
After upgrading my T-30 IBM Laptop (see
How to
upgrade your Laptop) I decided to retry the Dual Boot for XP and Windows 7.
The Win 7 OS is very responsive and fast. Not bad for a six year old laptop.
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subject constraints.
If you have a question that you did not find the answer
on this web site you a can
ask your question here and we will endeavor to get you the most up to date
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