One of the first things you will want to do is check your hardware. If your computer was made in the last few years, you more-than-likely won't have a problem. If you're not sure about your current hardware situation, Microsoft offers a Windows 7 Upgrade advisor at their website. The advisor will perform a scan of your system and display a report that lets you know if you meet the requirements. Should there be a problem, the report lets you know what your options are for the upgrade.
Another thing you must understand is that you will have to perform a custom installation. Upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7 will not allow you to keep all of your settings and applications. A custom installation gives you the option to install Windows on a specific drive or partition, or completely replace your old operating system. When you do the complete replacement, a folder called "Windows.old" will show up on your hard disk and while it will contain your Windows, Documents, Settings, and Program Files, your applications will no longer be in working order. This means backing up and transferring important data, reinstalling applications, and reconfiguring your settings.
It's always helpful to have an inventory of all of your applications. You'll also want to make sure they are compatible with Windows 7. Once you have your list in place, you can gather up the information for what you'll need once you've got Windows 7 installed including installation CDs and various websites from which you've downloaded applications.
One thing you may want to consider is a multiboot configuration. This means having both Windows XP and Windows 7 at your fingertips, which can help make the switch a little smoother. All you have to do is reboot into Windows XP at any given time to see exactly how something is installed or configured. To do this, you must install both XP and 7 on the same hard disk but on separate partitions. To make room for Windows 7, you will have to repartition your hard disk and there is software you can purchase to help you do this. Once you're finished, just set Windows 7 as your primary operating system and remove Windows XP all together.
As with any major change you make to your computer, you'll want to back up all of your data. You're more than likely going to use either a third-party back-up program or Windows XP's native Backup Utility. If you're using a third party program, make sure you check with your manufacturer to see if it will be compatible with Windows 7. If you're not sure or don't trust either backup system, you can, of course, make copies of all of your data and store it on CDs and external hard drives.
Now that you know you will need to transfer your data, how will you do it? You'll probably want to use a program that will scan your XP system to find all of your data and settings and that can transfer the information to Windows 7. Luckily, Windows 7 has an Easy Transfer feature that can do this for you, but. The transfer utility should come embedded within Windows 7, but also as a separate DVD.
Something else you can do to be prepared is become familiar with Window 7's new user interface (UI) as it is very different from that of Windows XP. To avoice what many call "UI Shock," you can visit Microsoft's Windows 7 webpage. That will give you an idea of what to expect once you've installed Windows 7. The webpage features a Windows 7 Features section and a Windows 7 Help & How-to section. Microsoft's website also features a Windows Training Portal which includes Windows 7 "Learning Snacks" (interactive presentations) and Microsoft Press Sample Chapters from upcoming Windows 7 books.
Finally, this seems simple enough but ask questions and share information. So many people will be switching from XP to Windows 7; you most certainly won't be alone. Visit technical forums and websites and connect with others who are in your shoes.
At the start of Apple's "It's Only Rock and Roll" event today, a standing ovation was given to the pioneer and father of Apple, Steve Jobs. Back in 2004, Jobs announced to his staff at Apple that he had a cancerous tumor in his pancreas. Thankfully, Jobs was not seriously ill from it and continued working though signs if his illness were visible in his speeches and keynotes. In January 2009, Jobs alerted his staff that he had a physical ailment which didn't allow the his body to process hormones. Jobs learned that his problem was more complex than originally thought and decided to take a 5 month leave from Apple, feeling that his ailment was a distraction not only to him and his family but to the staff of Apple as well. 
Ever wanted to shop online for things in 3D? Well now you can thanks to an innovative little promotional stunt from Best Buy. If you looked through your Sunday paper and carelessly tossed your ads section then go and find it because the Best Buy ad has something other than a bargain in it. 
It shouldn't come as a surprise to anybody when they here about tech companies trying to make the things we use more energy efficient. But recently the tech industry has taken a serious boost forward in pursuit of zero-day-dissipation IC technology. The Japanese Rohm Co Ltd is at the forefront of developments and they are designing custom chips for a number of equipment manufacturers. Rohm is the same company that created a prototype microprocessor back in 2008 and with the completion of its production line in Kyoto Rohm can now begin shipping custom IC's with equipment using the new IC's as early as the end of this year. 
Windows 7 is almost here with the release date of October 22nd just right around the corner many people are still wondering if they should upgrade or not. Here are some key things you should know before thinking of upgrading to Windows 7. First is the system requirements in order to run Windows 7 smoothly. There is nothing really out of the ordinary here except the 16-20GB of storage space required.
It has only been a few weeks since we saw the unveiling of the eMachines EL1300 SFF PC'S and now eMachines is throwing not one, not two, but three new full-size desktop computers with the ET1300-02, ET1810-03, AND ET1810-01. Each computer has luminous white mini-towers with matching LCD monitors, speakers, and keyboard. Each one comes with decent specs at a reasonable price with the added bonus of compatibility and style.