The Layman's guide to Windows 7 : Get Windows 7 for Christmas:

Windows 7 Solves all major issues Vista had. Get Windows 7 for Christmas:

Many people in the world jumped with joy at the release of Windows Vista which was pitted to be the next generation in operating systems after the largely successful Windows XP. The world quickly found that Windows Vista was simply the next generation in annoying security features, system crashes, sluggish operation and dull lifeless interfaces. Apart from a few innovative features, which I honestly have trouble recalling, Vista failed to live up to any expectations set forth prior to its release.

Apple quickly capitalized on this blunder by enhancing their very capable MAC OS X which not only crashed less, was easier on RAM, less susceptible to common malware, spyware and viruses, but was also more compact and faster. Apple also had a really effective marketing plan that led consumers to believe they had a substantial security risk when using windows products. Even worse, that the consumers using Windows were at risk of being labeled as substantially uncool. One thing MAC OS did was to lower the risk of your computer taking a permanent vacation after being on standby for too long, leaving you with no option but to restart you computer.

I used Windows XP, was profoundly irritated by Vista and switched to Windows 7 a day after it came out. Below I have listed the benefits of Windows 7 off the top of my head.

For information on upgrading read the follow up article I wrote detailing some things you should make sure before upgrading to Windows 7.

1. It crashes less; I have done all sorts of things, some of which would upset parents out there, to get it to crash but I have not succeeded as of yet. I even attempted to run almost all the programs on my computer and still failed to crash it.

2. When I put my computer on standby and turn it on again it works. I don't get stuck with a perplexed facial expression, the sound of a humming hard drive and a blank screen.

3. It is simple and clean. With the new tool bar you can pin short cuts on it instead of having them on the desktop. This saves space and reduces clutter.

4. The new tool bar offers really cool features. You can get a thumbnail preview of open windows by pointing to their taskbar icons. If you move the mouse over the thumbnail you can see a full-screen preview. You simply click to go to the actual screen. You can even close windows from the thumbnail previews.

5. Aero features make working in windows easier. “Aero Peek” allows you to easily see your desktop by making all other windows transparent. “Aero shake” helps you quickly focus on a single window by clicking on it with your mouse and gently shaking it. “Aero snap” is a cool feature that allows you to resize windows by dragging the windows into the edges of the screen. This will either minimize or maximize the windows or place them side to side for easy editing.

6. You can find your files! Windows 7 new library system makes it easier to archive and find files on your computer.

7. Fully compatible with the Vista OS you are trying to get rid of. Windows 7 is basically what Vista should have been so the transition is relatively seamless for Vista users and you will not lose any programs or information during the transition from Vista to Windows 7. Xp users will have different challenges, for instance, without proper precautions you will lose all your files (happened to my sister).

   Caution: make sure you ask someone with some expertise about compatibility issues before making the switch to Windows 7.

Otherwise from a Layman's perspective, I have been using Windows 7 for a few months now and I am pleased to say I feel every bit as cool, if not cooler than a MAC owner since I save a few bucks.

Check the Microsoft website for a details and videos, it is very simple to follow. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/what-is

The Xpertlayman's favorite humor blog: www.stuff-about.com.