7 Comes Before 8 for Good Reason.

We’re not talking about counting – we’re talking about Windows. Buzz around the October Windows 8 launch has dominated technology chatter, but if you’re currently on Windows XP or Windows Vista – and more than 40% of PC users are – the exciting time for you is actually right now. You have an opportunity to save money migrating to Windows 7 so that you’re primed to enjoy a Windows 8 upgrade, down the road.

The anticipation around the availability of Windows 8 is warranted, as this OS represents an amazing advancement in the way people interact with their devices. But because Windows 8 builds upon the new-generation technology introduced in Windows 7, the most seamless transition to 8 will be directly from 7.  Your applications and other system settings will make it through the 7-to-8 transition with minimal disruption.

So, what are your options if you’re running Vista or XP? Fortunately, many of them involve saving money. If you’re considering making the move to Windows 7, also consider whether one of these offers fits your needs:

• Microsoft’s Windows Upgrade Offer allows users who purchase a new (qualifying) Windows 7 PC by Jan. 31, 2012 to upgrade to Window 8 Professional for only $14.99. The purchase of Windows 8 also includes 90-days of support from Microsoft.
• Also, if you do purchase a Windows 7-preinstalled machine, you can take advantage of the Windows 7 Value Pack. This package of free Microsoft products is designed to streamline the process of multiple product downloads, and includes Microsoft Security Essentials, Windows Live Essentials, Internet Explorer 9, Skype, Bing Bar, and all Language Interface Packs (LIPs) for Windows 7.

Replacing your XP or Vista-loaded machine is still a really smart move: your Windows 7 machine will run faster and smoother and help you more easily make the transition to another future generation operating system. It’s about putting one foot (or operating system) in front of the other so that you can sidestep bumps in the road and simply move toward a fantastic computing experience.