I can still install my original Half-Life game from 1996 and play it on any Windows system.
You're right, Arthaven, about the life of Windows programs. Every version of Morning Flight we ever wrote will run on anything from Windows 98 to Windows 7. And we never had to change a single line of code to make that happen. On the other hand, with Macs now running Intel chips, they're moving closer to the mainstream. We didn't have to change a single line for Parallels or Boot Camp, either.
It's the Windows upgrades that can be cumbersome. While the conversion from Vista to Windows 7 is a walk in the park, upgrading from XP is not for the faint-hearted. Here is how I summed it up on the forum for our users:
The upgrade prices from XP or Vista to Windows 7 are steep ($120 to $220). If you're running Vista, you may want to bite the bullet because Windows 7 is faster, more stable, boots faster, and manages your files better. Besides, you get rid of Vista. Even with all that, you may want to wait for the first Service Pack.
If you're running XP, I don't see a compelling reason to upgrade to Windows 7, and lots of reasons not to. For one thing, your PC may not be able to handle the new OS. Run the Upgrade Advisor to find out. For another, you'll need to do a clean install, what Microsoft calls "Custom (Advanced)":
1. Save all your files and settings on an external drive, using Windows Easy Transfer. If you don't have an external drive big enough, you won't be able to use Easy Transfer.
2. Deactivate all programs that require activation, such as MS Office and Adobe Suites. Gather up all the installations disks for your programs and any associated license keys. Manually reinstall and activate all your programs after you install Windows 7.
3. Make a big pot of coffee and pray!
Hal Heindel
Morning Flight: Print Estimating Software for Offset and Digital