The new version of Windows hits stores in October, but the reviews are already coming in. Here are the reasons early adopters say you should — or shouldn’t — switch users over to Windows 7.

The general consensus: It’s better than Vista — but might not be worth upgrading from XP.

The pros of switching:

1. Improved search features – Windows 7 introduces new search filters and a preview pane to make it easier for users to find exactly what they want. Also, new “Jump Lists” let them take a glance at open applications and folders.
2. Compatability with older software – Windows 7 should support all applications that worked on XP, but just in case, Microsoft has designed a virtual environment called XP Mode. Tailored for small and mid-sized businesses, it ensures that users will still be able to run older programs without problems.
3. No more UAC – The new OS doesn’t bombard users with annoying User Account Control (UAC) notifications, like Vista. Notifications can be turned off altogether without losing system protections. The OS also adds new security features, like data encryption for portable drives and gives IT more control over what applications users intall and run.
4. Better support for new hardware – Naturally, Windows 7 is designed to take better advantage of hardware advances than the eight-year-old XP. For example, the new OS will be able to handle up to 192 GB of RAM, compared to 4 GB for the 32-bit version of XP. Not that anyone needs that right now, but Windows 7 seems built with the future in mind.
5. Eye candy – The OS adds new themes and customization, and let users rotate background images and screen savers. Also, it has a clean, modern look similar to that of Mac’s OS X Leopard.

And the cons:

1. Speed leaves more to be desired – Some users have complained that Windows 7 isn’t any faster than older versions. And, as with Vista, they say many features need to be turned off to improve speed.
2. Too many editions – With multiple versions such as a Starter, Professional, Enterprise and Ultimate Editions (in addition to Home Basic and Home Premium), it can be tough to figure out which is right for your users.
3. Learning curve – Though the interface is similar to Vista, it might take some getting used to for people who’ve been using XP for eight years.
4. Upgrading won’t be easy – Upgrading from XP requires a clean install — in other words, you have to back up everything and install Windows 7 to a clean hard drive. Microsoft’s best solution: Get Vista and upgrade to the new OS from that.

Are you one of the early adopters who has tried the Windows 7 release candidate? Let us know what you think of it in the comments section below.

Tags: Microsoft, pros and cons, Windows 7