The easiest operating system to update is…

Over the weekend, I decided to see which of the major operating systems would be the easiest to update. The answer may surprise you.

First, I took several of my Windows systems and tried to upgrade them to Windows 7 Ultimate. It was … interesting.

Coming from Windows XP, I found, as I expected, that there is no easy way to upgrade. The only method is what Microsoft calls a “custom install” and what I call a slash-and-burn install. In the end, you’ll have to let the Windows 7 installation DVD delete everything on your hard drive.

Microsoft provides a tool, Windows Easy Transfer (aka migsetup), on the Windows 7 DVD that will transfer files and settings to an external drive. This is a pain in the neck, but it does work. What it doesn’t do, however, is transfer programs, fonts, or drivers. Once my Windows 7 was set up, I had to reinstall every last application, font and driver. I couldn’t believe that a modern operating system actually made it so hard to upgrade it.

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