It's go time for Windows 7.

The question is whether computer users want to smell what Microsoft is cooking. Or, bad metaphors aside, want to buy the new software it's selling.

While the extent to which it is a success remains to be seen, the launch will be a big deal for Microsoft, according to Fort Lauderdale computer repair experts.

The big 7 will try to repeat the success of Windows XP and eliminate the perceived failure of Vista, which passed the all-important corporate market test.

If you are considering an upgrade to Windows 7, Ft. Lauderdale computer repair experts recommend you download and run the "Windows 7 Upgrade Adviser."

This free tool is available from the Microsoft Web Site and will run on your system and tell you what will work and what will not work on your system.

NOTE: On Windows XP, there is no upgrade path to Windows 7.

That means you will have to reformat your hard drive and start over, and will lose your data and all of your programs if you select this particular option.

Also keep in mind that if Microsoft asks you if you want to do a "custom" install of 7, it is asking if you want to wipe your hard drive and start over.

If you are running Windows Vista, you are probably set for Windows 7, but still it is probably advisable for you to run the Upgrade Advisor first regardless.

Before you do, back up your entire PC as well.

As for which version of Windows 7 is best, the 64-bit version is likely a good way to go if your motherboard is capable if using more than four GB of memory.

Your processor must also be capable of handling the load, but most newer ones are. Again, the upgrade adviser will alert you of compatibility problems.

One final note? You will need to find Windows 7 drivers for your printers and other devices. You can start that process before you buy the software.

Windows 7 has lots of drivers built in, including some generic drivers to try. Before you add your printer, run the built-in driver update feature.