A common question fielded by Fort Lauderdale computer repair technicians in recent weeks involves how users can install or upgrade from Windows XP or Vista to Windows 7.

The latter is due to be released to the general public October 22.

While confusion is widespread according to many Fort Lauderdale computer repair experts, it's clear Microsoft brought some of the confusion upon itself.

The corporation bears some responsibility by releasing an array of Windows versions. There are just so many Windows versions and ways to purchase them.

The easiest way, of course, is on a new PC.

Most manufacturers offer free upgrades to Windows 7 if you buy an eligible PC today. That's a common ploy so consumers don't stop buying computers.

Otherwise, you might be inclined to wait until a new operating system is released.

That's not to say there is no downside. If you buy a computer now, you'll have to go through the hassle of upgrading its operating system yourself in October.

The trick with installing fresh, of course, is that you will lose all of your data and programs, so be very careful. One advisable way to accomplish this is to purchase a fresh hard drive and to install the new operating system.

That way, you can go to town on the new drive and leave the old drive as a second drive - an easy and effective way to make sure you always have data available.

Otherwise, make sure you purchase the right version of Windows 7.

Continue reading this article on PC upgrades ...