Windows 7 RTM FAQ: All you need to know about Windows 7

A lot of people have been asking me when Windows 7 will release and what RTM means. They also seem unsure of which version to get. So, I decided to make an FAQ for Windows 7 RTM. If you have any questions that aren’t a part of this FAQ, mention them in the comments and I’ll answer them and add them to the list.

When is it launching?

October 22nd

Which version is currently available?

Windows 7 RC ( Release Candidate ) is the current officially available version although a lot of internal builds have leaked after that.

What is RTM?

It stands for Release to Manufacturers. RTM means that the code for Windows will be finalized and partners will receive it and start preparations to launch new PCs.

When will Windows 7 RTM?

It will hit RTM this August.

When will MSDN and TechNet subscribers get Windows 7?

MSDN and TechNet subscribers will get it on 6th August.

What is Windows 7 Family Pack?

It allow users to install Windows 7 Home Premium (in selected markets) on up to 3 PCs at an expected price of less than $150.

Should I get a 32-bit copy of Windows 7 or 64 bit?

If you’re a novice user, I suggest you get the 32-bit version or stay with the version of Windows 7 you’ll get pre-installed on your new machine since 64 bit has some rare compatibility issues that can be troubling unless you are capable of troubleshooting.

If you’re an experienced user and have more than 4 GB RAM and the processor to support a 64 bit OS, you should go for 64 bit as it’ll provide better performance and stability, especially in number crunching tasks.

How do I buy Windows 7?

Windows 7 can be pre-ordered from the Microsoft Store or from Amazon. Or you can buy a copy from a store after 22nd October. You’ll also get a copy preinstalled if you buy a PC after 22nd October.

Why should I get it?

Windows 7 comes with new features that make it easier to get your work done faster. It handles media much better and provides superior performance. It provides better security as well. Check out all the new features here.

Is it better than Vista?

Indeed. It fixes a lot of performance issues that were present in Vista. It also improves on features that were first introduced in Vista.

Is it better than Windows XP?

Yes. It’s way better than XP and provides a lot of new and improved functionality that just wasn’t present in the old version.

Which edition should I get?

If you’re a home user or a student, Home Premium is the best version of Windows 7 for you. If you’re a developer or a business user, Professional is a better choice. If you’re looking for all the features of Home Premium and Professional, you should get Professional. Windows 7 Ultimate provides BitLocker and a choice of 35 language packs along with all the features of Professional.

What are the hardware requirements?

• 1 GHz processor (32- or 64-bit)
• 1 GB of RAM (32-bit); 2 GB of RAM (64-bit)
• 16 GB of available disk space (32-bit); 20 GB of available disk space (64-bit)
• DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver

Will it work with my hardware?

If Vista worked on your PC or notebook, 7 will run much faster on it. It is compatible with all your current hardware. In most cases, it doesn’t even require you to manually install the driver, as it downloads them automatically from Windows Update.

Can I run it on my netbook?

It should run well on your netbook if it matches the requirements for Windows 7. To find out how it’ll perform, you can try installing the release candidate.

Will my current software work?

Most software should work fine Some might require updates from their developers, but during  testing, most developers and companies have updated their software. By launch, you shouldn’t have any compatibility issues with your software if it’s developed by a responsible company or developer.