The latest gotta-have from Microsoft is Windows 7.

It's the newest computer operating system of choice for
1. People who buy a new computer after the date that Microsoft forces manufacturers to install Windows 7
2. People who fell for Microsoft's hype about Windows Vista and need a way out of that fiasco
3. People who fell for Microsoft's hype about Windows Vista and love being taken for a sucker
4. People who don't know any better
5. People gullible enough to believe the lies in the news - the ones about birth certificates, death panels, "government take-overs," - and the waterfront property I'd love to sell you (the one that comes with a world-famous bridge)

Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor scans your PC to see if it's ready for Windows 7, and tells you about any known compatibility issues.

• Downloading the Upgrade Advisor takes a few seconds (if you have a really fast cable Internet connection), or up to 16 minutes if you dial into the Internet
• The Compatibility Scan takes a few minutes

The a-few-years-old PC on my desk won't do it. Razón:

Your current graphics adapter won't support the Windows Aero user interface.

Contact your PC manufacturer or retailer to see if an upgrade is possible.

Note: this scan only tells you IF, not WHY. "Why" is between your computer, your wallet, and your sanity.

I'm sticking with
• Windows XP on some computers


• Linux (Ubuntu 9.04) on others
  
  


• Eeebuntu on my "netbook"
  

But that's just my humble opinion. I've only been a programmer / system administrator / trainer / tech writer on computers for 25 years. What would I know?

Disclosures:

1. I did a gig at Microsoft. MS contracted with me to write a lot of the System Administrator's documentation for Windows 2000 server.
2. I still own MS stock from the 90s - back when it was worth something. I'm just a sentimental old fool.
   
3. I've earned a mountain of certifications from organizations - including Microsoft - to attest to my skills with computers of all sizes, shapes, and flavors

Install Windows Vista or Windows 7? Not as long as I stay on my meds.

But what would I know?