Windows 7 is now available on new PCs, but you also can buy it for a computer you already own.
First you'd want to run a software exam called the Upgrade Advisor to see whether your machine has enough memory and computing power to handle Windows 7. Most computers that are running Windows Vista should be fine for Windows 7.
If your PC passes the test, then you'd need to choose a version of Windows 7. You would pick from Home Premium ($120), Professional ($200) or Ultimate ($220). (Big businesses also can buy an even more feature-laden version, Enterprise.)
For most people, Windows Home Premium will be fine. Microsoft will sell the software as a download on its Web store, but copies on discs are stocked at electronics retailers and available from such sites as Amazon.com.
Make sure you buy a copy that's compatible with your PC's microprocessor. There are two flavors, 32-bit and 64-bit. Microsoft offers help in figuring out which one is right for you:
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