I just got a new laptop with Windows 7 - any tips? Apart from "don't do it"?

I've been using Vista so am used to some of the look/feel/functions but not all, so any advice would be appreciated - especially if there are things one should definitely NOT do, lol.

I've been using Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit for about 10 months and find it very good. I never had Vista so can't give any direct comparisons, or think of any things you shouldn't do with Windows 7. Most of your programs should install and run OK but if you do come across problems with that or anything else, I might be able to help.

Thanks.

I've managed to install Photoshop CS3 and Office 2007 - I could always have replaced the latter with Open Office but the former was my main concern. It seems to work okay so fingers crossed!

My husband had Vista on his computer and upgraded to Windows 7 - he loves it and says it's much better than Vista.

At work, e currently have XP (they literally just upgraded us from Windows 2000 this past month) and they're going to skip Vista and go straight to Windows 7 next.

I found one thing (so far) that doesn't work in 64-bit Win 7 and that's the neat desktop stopwatch I used when I was doing Hardcore - but I got the badge so I don't care, lol. I'll just have to time how long a roast takes in the old-fashioned way.

I just got Windows 7 last week and am gradually figuring things out. One thing I haven’t figured out yet is why my current screen occasionally and suddenly collapses to half-screen size. I must be hitting some icon or button, but what? I take it this takes the place of the old Windows Explorer on XP, i.e., create a second half-size window and drag-and-drop. Correct?

Perhaps the half-screen is being experienced when you grab the Windows Explorer window (or other) by the Title Bar and shift it to the side of the screen. When that's done, it will suddenly change size and take up exactly half of the screen. This is by design. If you have two windows open and you drag the second window to the other side of the screen, this window will change size and take up the other half of the screen. The function comes in handy sometimes. Writing in one window whilst being able to refer to another is one, As said, drag and drop could be another.

To return a window to its previous size, either click the 'Maximize/Restore Down' button (next to the 'X' button) twice, or grab the window (click and hold down the left mouse button) by the Title Bar and shake the Window about a bit. Magic!

The rules are slightly variable maybe but after a bit of experimentation with the above, you'll soon get the hang of it.