Before rushing out to purchase Microsoft's newest operating system, Windows 7, you should check whether your current system and peripherals are compatible. It doesn't make sense to get a great deal on the operating system and then find out that you have to purchase newer hardware or updated versions of your software. To find out how compatible your system is, download, install, and run the free Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor.

According to the Microsoft website, the Upgrade Advisor “scans your hardware, devices, and installed programs for known compatibility issues, gives you guidance on how to resolve potential issues found, and recommends what to do before you upgrade”.

Steps for downloading and running the Upgrade Advisor:

1. Download the advisor from this page.
2. Run Windows7UpgradeAdvisorSetup.exe to install Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor. NOTE: the advisor needs .NET 2.0 to function. If it is not on your machine, the advisor setup will help you install it.
3. Turn on any USB devices, printers, scanners, etc. that you normally have running while using the computer.
4. Run the Upgrade Advisor from the desktop or the Start menu.

After running for several minutes the Upgrade Advisor will display a report with a three groupings: System Requirements, Devices, and Programs. Depending on your system, the Upgrade Advisor will list the following courses of action.

• Compatible
• Run Windows Update to make the device compatible
• Reinstall (program) after upgrade
• Minor issues
• Not compatible

After reviewing this report you can determine whether it is worth upgrading your old computer, or whether you should purchase a new machine with Windows 7.

Keyboards manufactured for Windows computers in at least the last fifteen years include the Windows Logo key. This key is placed between the left CTRL and ALT keys. The key includes a stylized version of the Windows logo, which is four panes of glass in a 'flagish' motif. The key may also include the word 'Start'.

Many computer users assume that this key's only purpose is to display Windows' Start menu. However, this key, in combination with other keys, can accomplish a variety of other tasks.

Use the table below to learn the task that can be performed by a specific combination of key strokes.

Note: These are the shortcuts for Windows 7. They may work differently, or not at all, in previous versions.

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