What is an operating system?
An operating system (OS) is the software that manages the hardware and software on your computer and helps you use and control your programs. What most people use on their PC is an OS with a Graphical User Interface (GUI). It basically puts images of the desktop on the monitor and allows the user to perform desired tasks.
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Why do I need an operating system?
Your GUI allows you to explore, work and play on your computer in an easy-to-use environment. It’s easy to select what you want to do within your operating system — you simply use your mouse to click or touch on icons, folders or programs (a multi-touch display is required for touch functionality).
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How is Windows 7 different from Windows Vista® ?*
Windows 7 is designed to be more reliable, more responsive and to make the things you do every day easier. Windows 7 also adds exciting new features like HomeGroup (in Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate) and Location Aware Printing (found in Professional and Ultimate) to help make network setup and printer identification more seamless. Microsoft is offering editions with multi-touch capabilities, giving users alternate ways to interact with their PC (multi-touch display required for touch functionality). And there are exciting new things you can do with media and entertainment, too.
*Based on a comparison of features of the beta version of Windows 7 with those in Windows Vista with SP1. Information about Windows 7 is preliminary and subject to change prior to release of the final version of Windows 7 on October 22, 2009.
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What is the difference between Windows 7 and Microsoft Office® ?
Windows 7 is an operating system. The operating system manages the hardware and software resources on the computer. It provides the foundation for other system and application software.
Microsoft Office is a productivity software program. Productivity software is designed to perform a specific function to address a specific customer need — schoolwork, working from home, getting creative and more. Productivity software is loaded onto the operating system.
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How does the new Windows 7 OS compare to the Ubuntu® Linux® OS? Is it better? How?
Windows and Linux target different usage models.
- Microsoft operating systems like Windows 7 are best when using Microsoft® applications like Office or when you use protected content like iTunes® .
- Linux is the best choice for customers that primarily browse the web, edit or create documents in common formats like Office or are comfortable using a different computing environment. Linux may not be suitable for running applications written specifically for Windows.
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What minimum hardware requirements are needed to run Windows 7?
For basic usage, Microsoft recommends the following minimum system requirements for Windows 7:
| Minimum 32-bit | Minimum 64-bit |
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| System Memory | 1GB RAM | 1GB RAM |
| Processor | 1GHz or faster 32-bit (x86) processor | 1GHz or faster 64-bit (x64) processor |
| HD Space | 16GB available disk space | 20GB available disk space |
| Graphics | DirectX® 9 graphics processor with WDDM 1.0 higher driver | DirectX 9 graphics processor with WDDM 1.0 higher driver |
The hardware recommendations shown above are the current Microsoft minimum requirements for basic computing tasks such as web browsing and word processing. Gaming, video editing and other hardware intensive usages may require additional system memory, upgraded graphics adapter or other system upgrades. In addition, many product features of the Windows 7 operating system (i.e., Aero interface) require additional or advanced hardware.
Dell Recommendations
To enhance your experience, choose a discrete video card with 256MB or more of video memory in conjunction with the system memory recommendations. A PC running Windows 7 will need a graphics processor that utilizes DirectX 9 graphics processor with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver.
When using multiple programs or when having several windows open simultaneously, Dell recommends at least 2GB of system memory for a PC with a 32-bit Windows 7 operating system and 4GB for a PC with a 64-bit Windows 7 operating system.
| Basic Windows 7 Experience | Windows 7 | Advanced Windows 7 Experience |
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| System Memory | 2GB RAM | 3 to 4GB RAM | 4+ GB RAM |
| Processor | Intel® AtomTM , Intel® Celeron® and CULV; comparable AMD processor | Intel® CoreTM 2 Duo and above | Intel Core 2 Duo and above |
| Graphics Memory | Integrated or discrete (card based) | Entry discrete graphics or higher (typically comes with 256MB to 512MB of graphics memory) | Advanced discrete graphics (typically comes with 512MB or greater of graphics memory) |
| OS Version | 64-bit | 64-bit | 64-bit |
| Great for… | Booting the operating system, running limited applications or games, basic productivity, browsing the web, social media, watching DVD, casual gamer | For the power user: multitasking (e-mail, basic photo editing, basic video editing, music, spreadsheets, browsing and other applications), Hi-def, Blu-ray. The experience is only assured in single monitor mode. Dual monitor is supported, but may affect the Aero premium experience. | Multitasking with power-hungry applications (advanced video and photo editing). Advanced gaming. |
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Why would I choose Dell when looking for a new PC with Windows 7?
With Dell, you have the convenience of factory installation of Windows 7 and Windows LiveTM Essentials plus the personalization and design of Dell’s PCs.
- Design: Dell’s Engineering team tested Windows 7 to help ensure that the customer can experience fast boot times and great battery life.
- Personalization: Dell can match the wallpaper and window theme color to the lid color. (Excludes Design Studio and artist series designs.)
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At what point will Dell stop selling Windows Vista® and Windows Vista® Business Bonus/Ultimate Bonus?
Only Windows Vista Home Basic will be available after general availability of Windows 7 and it will be limited to specific regions. Actual end dates will depend on language availability of Windows 7. Dell will offer a Windows® 7 Business Bonus/Ultimate Bonus downgrade rights option to customers who prefer downgrading to Windows® XP Professional.
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As a home user, why would I choose Windows® 7 Professional over Windows® 7 Home Premium?
Windows 7 Professional combines the great entertainment and multimedia features of Windows 7 Home Premium with the business features needed for someone that uses their system both at home and at work. Windows 7 Professional also includes features like Location Aware Printing and encrypting file system not found in Windows 7 Home Premium.*
*Information about Windows 7 is preliminary and subject to change prior to release of the final version of Windows 7 on October 22, 2009.
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How do the different editions of Windows 7 compare?
Each successive edition of Windows 7 includes the features of the previous editions so you can expand your capabilities as you move from Windows® 7 Starter to Ultimate.
- Starter: (limited to netbooks and select systems in emerging countries that meet the hardware requirements): Simple and easy to use
- Home Basic: (limited to emerging countries only): Makes the things you do every day fast and easy
- Home Premium: An incredible entertainment experience on your PC
- Professional: Everything you need for work and home
- Ultimate: Designed for people who want it all
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Which edition of Windows 7 do I need?
Most Dell Consumer PCs offer Windows 7 Home Premium with upsells to Windows 7 Professional and Windows 7 Ultimate.*
- Starter is designed for basic needs. Windows 7 Starter makes small notebook PCs easy to use because it puts less between you and what you want to do. This operating system is available for limited hardware configurations. Thumbnail preview is not included with Starter. Windows 7 Starter is ideal for users that use their PC for data consumption, web browsing, social media and basic productivity.
- Home Basic is limited to emerging countries. It adds the thumbnail previews, Windows Mobility Center and multi-monitor support among others.
- Home Premium is for customers that use their PC primarily as an entertainment PC in addition to the standard web surfing, gaming and productivity. Enjoy and share your favorite TV shows, photos, videos and music.
- Professional is for customers that may use their PC at home and at work. Includes all the multimedia and entertainment features of Windows 7 Home Premium plus business relevant features like Location Aware Printing and Windows Mobility Center Presentation Mode.
- Ultimate is for the customer that values it all — the multimedia benefits of Home Premium plus the business features of Professional. Ultimate also includes a MUI language pack for regions where multiple languages may be required on a single PC.
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*Information about Windows 7 is preliminary and subject to change prior to release of the final version of Windows 7 on October 22, 2009. 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. The features and functionality are subject to change.
Windows Media Center DVR functionality might require additional hardware and is not available in all countries.
| Key Feature | Windows® 7
Starter | Windows® 7 HomePremium | Windows® 7
Professional | Windows® 7 Enterprise/Windows® 7 Ultimate |
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| Improved Taskbar & jump Lists |  | | | |
| Windows Search | | | | |
| Join a HomeGroup | | | | |
| Window Media Player | | | | |
| Backup & restore | | | | |
| Enhanced Media Playback | | | | |
| Action Center | | | | |
| Device Stage | | | | |
| Enhanced home media streaming including Play |o | | | | |
| Fax & Scan | | | | |
| Basic inbox games | | | | |
| Credentials Manager | | | | |
| Live Thumbnail Previews from Taskbar | | | | |
| Faster user switching | | | | |
| Create ad-hoc wireless networks | | | | |
| Internet Connection Sharing | | | | |
| Sensor and Location Platform (including GPS and Adaptive Brightness) | | | | |
| Multi-monitor support | | | | |
| Window Mobility Center(w/o presentation settings) | | | | |
| Aero Class & advanced Window navigation | | | | |
| Aero Background | | | | |
| Window touch (Multi-touch and handwriting support) | | | | |
| Create a HomeGroup | | | | |
| Windows Media Center | | | | |
| DVD Video playback and authoring | | | | |
| Premium Inbox Games | | | | |
| Shipping Tool, Sticky Notes, Windows Journal | | | | |
| Windows Sideshow (Auxiliary Display) | | | | |
| XP Mode | | | | |
| Location Aware Printing | | | | |
| Domain Join & Group Policy Contracts | | | | |
| Remote Desktop Host | | | | |
| Advanced Backup (Network & Group Policy) | | | | |
| Encrypting File System | | | | |
| Windows Mobility Center: Presentation Mode | | | | |
| Offlines Folders | | | | |
| Bitblocker & Bitblocker to Go | | | | |
| AppLocker | | | | |
| DirectAccess | | | | |
| Branch Cache | | | | |
| MUI Language Packs | | | | |
| Enterprise search scopes | | | | |
| VDI Enhancements* | | | | |
| Boot from VHD | | | | |
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What is Location Aware Printing and why should I care about it? Is it available on all editions of Windows 7?
The Location Aware Printing feature recognizes the correct printer to use based on which network you are using. For example, your PC will know to use printer “A” when you are home and printer “B” when you are at work. You do not need to manually reset the printer each time. (This feature is only available on Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate.*)
*Information about Windows 7 is preliminary and subject to change prior to release of the final version of Windows 7 on October 22, 2009.
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Is Location Aware Printing available on all editions?
No. Location Aware Printing is only available on Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate.*
*Information about Windows 7 is preliminary and subject to change prior to release of the final version of Windows 7 on October 22, 2009.
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Will Dell be installing Windows 7 on its Mini netbooks?
Inspiron Mini netbooks will offer Windows 7 Starter, Windows 7 Home Basic and Windows XP at general availability (October 22, 2009). Note that Windows 7 Home Basic is only available in select regions.
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Unlike Windows Vista, Windows 7 does not have Outlook Express. If I prefer using Outlook Express or Windows Live Mail, what options do I have?
Windows LiveTM Mail replaces Outlook Express and adds new functionality not previously available in that program, primarily aggregation of webmail accounts and tighter integration with the your hotmail or Live account. Dell factory installs Windows LiveTM Essentials with every system with Windows 7 so you automatically get the mail program with your PC.
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