Windows 7 Family Pack

The Windows 7 Family Pack is a deal which allows you to upgrade three eligible PCs.

There are some advantages to moving a whole household over to Windows 7—mainly related to the home network setup and music, media, file and printer sharing.
Microsoft has come along way from offering just a few versions of its operating system.

It wasn’t so long ago that you could get a home version of a Windows operating system and a few business oriented Windows versions.

But, a bit like Ford, who decided offering the Model-T in any color as long as it was black, was restricting sales, Microsoft now have multiple versions of its operating system geared towards businesses and home users—and also multiple deals, including deals for enterprise and for families.

The Windows 7 Family Pack is a deal which allows you to upgrade three eligible PCs

There are some advantages to moving a whole household over to Windows 7—mainly related to the home network setup and music, media, file and printer sharing.

Windows 7 in the home environment introduces a change of direction for sharing from Microsoft.

Whereas in earlier versions of Windows, the default was to restrict sharing of files on a network, in this version the default is to allow open sharing of files such as media files.

The thinking behind this—called HomeGroup--is that security in the home is really all about securing the perimeter, the front and back door—and the windows.

An individual within the home can always lock a room, a closet, or a drawer—but it’s a choice. Well, it’s now the same with Windows 7.

The home network supposedly is fastened tight and the computers within the home can intermingle freely—with the option of locking them.

The Windows 7 Family Pack includes just one packaged copy of Windows 7 Home Premium—but you can install it on up to three PCs. There are both 32-bit and 64-bit discs included.

Microsoft have pitched it at $149.99 as an estimated retail price, but prices may vary. Microsoft is saying this is a limited time offer and that quantities may run out. Upgrades may be made from Windows XP or Windows Vista.

Earlier versions of Windows are not upgradeable.

As we all know from nightmarish experience, any operating system upgrade can open a can of worms, so you should check your computer’s compatibility.

Run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor (click here to get it.)

Also check out the Windows 7 Compatibility Center for more information, including seeing if other gear attached to your computer will work. Click here to see it.