So I am in the process of building a PC (pretty much have it put together) and I need an operating system. Microsoft is offering Windows 7 to students for $29.99 http://www.microsoft.com/student/en/us/software/windows-7.aspx My questions are the following: - Is this just an upgrade from Vista/XP or can I do a fresh install on the new PC I built? - IF it is just an upgrade, can I use the product key from my laptop's OS (which has Vista) and do a fresh install that way? I appreciate any responses, thanks!
There will be a stand alone full install and upgrade, as there is for every new version of windows. If you buy the upgrade, you will be given a new CD-Key. If you buy the upgrade online, I imagine that prior to installing Windows 7, MS will authenticate your current version first. Either way, you will be issued a CD-KEY I imagine. My recommendation is still XP 64 bit. Too many compatibility issues with Vista and Win7. If you are building a gaming rig, I'd go with Win7 to fully take advantage of DirectX10 and soon DirectX11 graphic capabilities.
You should be able to do a fresh install either way. Just pick the right option. I can't remember off the top of my head, but there is an option to do fresh install. Go Win 7 all the way.