Microsoft has released a tool which is quite useful to those who are braving the installation of the new OS from Microsoft, the Windows 7. Before upgrading your computer to the Release Candidate version of the OS, Microsoft allows you to test your computer and it’s component’s compatibility with the OS, a nifty addition, to avoid the unnecessary tearing-of-hair once you realise that your computer doesn’t support the fancy new OS.

The Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor tool scans your system’s internal components, the external peripherals such as a scanner or a printer and not to mention the plethora of applications that might be installed on your system. The tool also suggests upgrade options, such as which drivers to upgrade or re-install completely to avoid any disruptions in it’s service. It’s quite strongly recommended by Microsoft that you run the Upgrade Advisor tool before installing Windows 7 on your computer.

I ran the tool on my desktop computer and it took around 5-7 minutes to complete the entire scan process and gave a complete, comprehensive report of the scan. The program found a few conflicts, but not any serious ones. The Upgrade Advisor also pointed out that Windows 7 does not include any Web Filtering services (seen in Windows Mail & Parental Controls) and it also included a link to the Microsoft’s Live Essential site, where you can download the entire free Family Safety Utility.. Pretty Nifty! This tool is meant to be run on the Windows Vista & XP systems.

For TechMirage,
Pranav Shirodkar