[shuttertalk]

Hey, just wondering if anyone is using Windows 7 yet, and whether there are any problems with photoshop, or manufacturer software? How does it run - faster than XP/Vista for your photographic workflow? Worthwhile investment?

I'm using OSX at home (where my photos live) and XP still at work, but will probably be upgrading my work laptop over the Christmas break.

[EnglishBob]

I only switched to Vista 18 months ago...... I'll look at Windows 7 in 2011

[matthew]

Penny has just put Windows (I still want to say 'System') 7 on her MacBook. She's not a photographer, and just needs it to run her business application, so it'll never be required to do any heavy lifting - but from my experience with installing it and getting everything running, I can honestly say that Bill Gates missed his true calling. He should've designed vacuum cleaners.

[Rufus]

I installed 7 on Christmas eve. Yes, I believe it has helped to speed up Photoshop. More resources are available.
All over, after 3 days use, I like it very much.

[Pavel]

My computer died recently and the new low to mid-priced HP machine (my first from HP - most of my previous ones were Dell) came with Windows 7 preinstalled. I can not compare speeds, but as most new computers, this one seems to run faster than the 5 year old running Vista. Vista has undergone some frustrating teething problems, mainly due to missing or deffective drivers, before settling down. Windows 7 seems to run all my software, although some updates were required in some instances. I run CS4 (64 bit or 32 bit), NIK complete set (runs only with 32 bit CS4), DXO (required update to run), Qimage (required update to run), eye-One mach 3 (caibration software for X-rite). I needed to get a new driver for Dell laser (networked), but it works fine with USB out of the box. The network driver is not available for Dell 3115, but I have to use 3110. However this network drive seems to support all of the function of my multifunction laser. My new Epson 3880 is networkable, and I have the right driver, but I managed to get going only the USB connection. The WiFi and Ethernet network to connect with my wife's computer (windows XP) and my laptop work about as before. I have no problem sharing the Dell printer and and internet, but i still did not figure out how to share the files. An IT specialist ( a photo friend) could not figure out quickly what the problem is either and so I gave up on this not really essential feature. I have been getting by using Google free office applications (mail, word-processor, spreadsheet, contacts, to do list, calendar) and so I keep procrastinating with installing MS Office. I would say that the use of my computer over the period of a month has been essentially uneventful. I hope that this gives you some idea.

Pavel

[Toad]

Thank you for your update - it is both helpful and informative. I think that a lot of us are facing the spectre of a Windows Upgrade, and that is encouraging news.

[Zig]

Late on the draw here: I hear it's far less cumbersome and smoother than Vista.

[shuttertalk]

Thanks Pavel - sounds like teething issues, drivers not yet available, etc. which would usually be the case with major software upgrades. I've read similar stories of people experiencing the same thing going from OSX 10.4 to 10.5, and 10.5 to 1.6 - some even to the point where their entire photo workflow is compromised.

But your experience sounds pretty positive which is great. I still haven't gotten round to upgrading yet... oops.

[Rabid Penguin]

I've been running Windows 7 since the beta went public. It is a LOT faster than vista, and I have never had a BSOD. I've had zero problems with running photoshop, lightroom or photomatix pro in 7.

[shuttertalk]

I've upgraded my media centre PC (hooked up to my HDTV) and the whole upgrade was very straightforward and seamless. I was basically up and running again in 2 - 3 hours which was pretty impressive, considering I did a complete reinstall. The beauty of it IMHO is that it seemed to be able to find all the relevant drivers automatically for my hardware - TV tuner card, graphics card, wifi card etc. once I connected it to the network. I didn't have to insert a single CD or download drivers separately. Pretty impressive.

Speedwise it is pretty similar to XP and the new media centre interface is very impressive. I'm in love! Haven't tried out photoshop or lightroom yet though but I'm imagining that it will be no different than before.

[adam]

I've been using Windows 7 for a few months now, I find it very wonderful!

[shanecorner]

I am using Windows 7 with Photoshop. I never had a problem with that May be your Photoshop is not installed well. So try to reinstall it. Your problem will be solved.