There is now a confirmed way to install Windows 7 using the Upgrade disk without first installing a previous version of Windows!

For now this option works, it could change in the future.

Thanks a lot to Paul Thurrott for keeping on Microsoft's case about finding out what is possible with the Upgrade disk as well.

View the article: http://www.winsupersite.com/win7/clean_install_upgrade_media.asp 

Launch day for Windows 7 is upon us! It is now available everywhere.

This is a great day for Windows users. If you're not upgrading a weep for you. I've been using Windows 7 x64 RC since it came out and I installed Windows 7 Ultimate x64 last week. It is one of the most polished operating systems I've ever used.

Runs just as fast, if not faster, than Windows XP for me (on my netbook as well).

Please make sure you upgrade to the latest graphics drivers from nVidia and ATI as well. There have been a lot of improvements over the last few months of drivers. :) 

My top 5 features:

1. Libraries
2. Homegroups/Networking
3. Media Sharing
4. Game Performance
5. Search

I got my free Windows 7 Launch Party pack in the mail today. I actually missed the DHL drop-off, so I had to drive down the street and pick it up.

The party pack comes in a cool box and has a bunch of party goodies in it. Most importantly it has a "Steve Ballmer Signature Edition" of Windows 7 Ultimate!

I installed the OS tonight on my desktop and I'm so glad to have the real thing (I've been using the RC for a few months now). I also installed Windows 7 on my ASUS EeePC 1000H Netbook as a 30 day tryout, I should receive my pre-ordered copies of Windows Home Premium sometime near the end of this month. I must say that Windows 7 it's running just as fast, if not faster than XP on the Netbook! :D

Right now I'm going to get back to installing programs. Windows 7 ROCKS!

BTW, if you are in the Fort St John, BC area and want to come to my Windows 7 Launch Party drop me a comment! 

Microsoft has been hard at work completing Windows 7's XP mode which will allow programs built specifically for Windows XP to run on Windows 7.

Most people will have no use for this feature, since Windows 7 will run most XP based software without a problem. The main use for this is for custom business software and very specific programs that require specific "xp hooks".

XP Mode will only be available to users of Windows 7 Ultimate and Professional on Windows Update through Microsoft's website. It will make upgrading to Windows 7 easier for a lot of businesses that have had custom software designed and don't want to re-write software.

I say again, the average person will never need this, because 95% of Windows XP software will work in Windows 7. It is only for specific software that requires it.

You can download Windows 7 XP Mode from this link: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc

Bell and Telus are going to take on Rogers by launching a HSPA aka GSM network next month. Both companies currently use CDMA technology. The upgrade will allow Bell and Telus to compete with Rogers both locally and globally (GSM networks are the standard around most of the world).

This also means that we will see Bell and Telus carrying the iPhone next month. Another plus is that you will be able to move your GSM phone to whatever network you want. Current CDMA will continue to work for a few more years, after that Telus and Bell will likely phase out the network.