After a long-running public development process, Microsoft has launched its new version of Windows. JOHN HARRIS looks at what it will cost you.

Windows 7 is now available, after simultaneous global launches yesterday, so what will it cost you for a copy of the software?

Like one of the Frankenstein ice creams my daughter buys at the Cold Rock ice cream parlour, the answer depends on how many bits you want to bolt on.

After the obligatory midnight madness first-copy sale by Gerry Norman at his Alexandria store in Sydney, the latest version of the Windows operating system became officially part of Microsoft’s stock-in-trade in Australia.

Windows 7 is an evolutionary overhaul of Microsoft’s much-criticised Windows Vista software, with faster performance, good compatibility and less intrusive security functionality.

To run Windows 7, your computer needs a 1 GHz or faster chip, at least one gigabyte of memory, 16 gigabytes of disk space and DirectX 9 graphics support.

Although Windows 7 has a lot of enhancements that make it worth looking at, for me, the most compelling reason to buy it is to get rid of Vista.

However, the announced pricing means the new software is not an impulse purchase at the checkout counter.

Windows 7 is available is three flavours.

Windows 7 Home Premium (RRP $299 and upgrade $199) is the basic version that includes all of the snappy new features for previewing programs and keeping the desktop tidy.

Aimed at the home user, this version supports as much as 16 GB of physical memory (more than enough for virtually any machine sold from a computer store) and does not include XP Mode, which allows Win 7 to run older Win XP-compatible programs.

Windows 7 Professional (RRP $449 and upgrade $399) is designed for use in both the home and small business. It supports up to 192 GB of physical RAM in 64-bit mode and also runs legacy Windows XP programs via XP Mode.  As well as working with two physical processors, it can back up your data to a networked drive.

Windows 7 Ultimate (RRP $469 and upgrade $429) has a bunch of features that really only benefit technical pointy-heads.

An interesting sidebar to the Win 7 launch is the difference with US prices, given the Aussie dollar currently buys more than 92 American cents.

In the US, Home Premium costs $119 ($180 less), Professional costs $199 ($250 less) and Ultimate costs $219 (also $250 less).

But if you’re a student and all this talk of high finance makes you throw up your hands, don’t panic: Microsoft is willing to sell Windows 7 to TAFE and university students for $49.95, as long as they have a valid .edu.au email address. This offer is available until the end of March next year.

John Harris is managing director of Impress Media Australia. Email jharris@impress.com.au.

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