|
|
MS offers Win 7 USB installer
Author: Gareth HalfacreePublished: 23rd October 2009
The downloadable versions of Windows 7 - aimed at netbooks - can be installed directly from a USB storage device.
As reported over on Electronista, the Windows 7 netbook installer allows users to "download Windows 7 directly onto a USB drive on your netbook - no CD or DVD drive necessary."
The downloadable installer - which is available only through Microsoft's own online store - allows Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional, or Ultimate to be installed without the need for an optical drive. For some reason, however, only upgrade versions seem to be available - you will need a netbook which is already running either XP or Vista to install the USB version of Windows 7 legally, although that shouldn't be a challenge.
Missing from the list of available editions is Windows 7 Starter Edition, the 'light' version of the operating system which many thought would find its way to replacing XP as the de facto netbook operating system. From this it's clear that Microsoft is hoping netbooks have developed to the point where they can run the full-fat versions of Windows 7 without difficulty, with no need to rely on cut-down versions or the eight year old Windows XP which is currently saturating the market.
The pricing for the downloadble editions is the same as for the standard version, although there is currently no official way to turn a DVD-based version into a USB-based netbook installer.
Do you applaud the move from Microsoft to make installing the OS on netbooks easier, or do you wish that they'd offer the Starter Edition for whose who prefer a lighter operating system on their netbooks? Share your thoughts over in the forums.
Related
Comments (18)- Site Links:
- About
- Email Editor
- Newsletter
- Privacy
- RSS
- Score Guide
- Our Other Websites:
- Auto Express
- Channel Pro
- Computer Buyer
- Computer Shopper
- Den of Geek
All content © bit-tech.net 2000-2010
© Copyright Dennis Publishing Limited licensed by Felden
The reason for starter not being available could be because it is only available to OEMs.
Makes sense.
Nice to know they're doing this. M$ are trying to make sure they do everything right this time around, which is really nice.
still, good move MS.
All yourself.
REF: Win 7 on USB stick.
Great idea.
Up to now I have been doing the following :
Using a virtual DVD drive software to install:
1. Windows 7 (current freebie)
and
2. Ubuntu.
Simple , free and effective.
This is done on my Gigabyte T1028X swivel, touch screen netbook.
So I can Triple multi-boot :
a) XP (comes on the T1028X)
b) Ubuntu 9.01
c) Windows 7
Roll on USB install systems.
Regards,
ScottyJavea
EVERY version of it...
I think things in the 'convenience dept' will really begin to pick up for Windows users when Microsoft releases a version of Windows that loads from USB stick and runs 100% into RAM, like many linux distros have also been doing for years (eg. Puppy, DSL, TCL, etc.). You just cannot get a more responsive OS than one that runs entirely in RAM.
Having your OS on your key ring is also very convenient - just as long as you don't lose it.
Hell, there even were races on the internet who could push it below 8 minutes!
:|
Seriously, Microsoft should just put the .isos on their website like ubuntu etc. People will still need a licence key (or, give up trying to get the 'right' version working and use a crack despite having bought the licence) to use it, it just makes it so much easier.