All full-time Lehigh students are eligible for an upgrade copy of Microsoft's latest operating system; Windows 7 Ultimate edition. The upgrade is available at the Lehigh University Bookstore for $15 (to cover the cost of the media). Note: The Windows 7 upgrade is not available for download. Before obtaining the Windows 7 media it is recommended that you read through this document to understand the requirements and installation instructions.
Requirements
Most newer computers (less than 3 years old) are capable of running Windows 7. However, to be sure that your computer can be successfully upgraded to Windows 7 you should download and run Microsoft's Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor (WUA). This program will give you important information about how to best install Windows 7 and whether you meet the Windows 7 system requirements. It will also inform you of which version of Windows you are currently running which will be important when deciding on how to install the upgrade and whether to install the 64-bit or 32-bit version of Windows 7.
Instructions on how to run the Upgrade Advisor as well as understanding the results can be found at Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor
For Macintosh Computers: Most newer Macs (since 2007) are capable of running Windows 7.
Choosing the 64-bit or 32-bit version of Windows 7
When you go to pick up your copy of Windows 7 you'll be asked whether you want the 64-bit or 32-bit version. In the past nearly all Windows computers came with the 32-bit version of the OS (XP, Vista) installed. In today's market most computer manufacturers are selling systems with either the 64-bit or 32-bit version of Windows installed. In the future the 64-bit version will be the only one offered. To better help you understand the differences between 32-bit and 64-bit Windows Microsoft has created a small FAQ that answers many of the typical questions about this issue.
The FAQ is available at: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/compare/32-bit-64-bit-faq.aspx
In most cases upgrading to the 64-bit version of Windows 7 will make the most sense for a student. Run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor to make sure your computer is capable of running the 64-bit version before picking up your copy. If your current computer is incapable of running the 64-bit version or there is an incompatibility that cannot be resolved you should either keep your present OS (XP or Vista) or upgrade to the 32-bit version of Windows 7
Note: Both the 32 and 64 bit versions of Windows will perform all the necessary tasks that students require to complete their coursework. Both versions will be fully supported by Lehigh with only one exception. The software applications available under Lehigh's Install Software list will not be available to those upgrading to Windows 7 32-bit. These applications are available to students living on-campus and are used in specific courses taught at Lehigh. The list of available software is below:
Computers running Windows XP
Computers running Windows Vista
If it is essential for you to be able run one or more these applications and you cannot upgrade to Windows 7 64-bit then it is recommended that you leave your present version of Windows intact and not upgrade.
Installing Windows 7
The installation instructions for Windows
7 varies depending on which version of Windows you currently have on your
computer and which version of Windows 7 you are upgrading to. Follow the
procedure in the section below that applies to the type of installation you are
trying to perform:
***Important***
Before starting the upgrade process it is highly recommended that you
back up your critical data in the event something goes wrong.
Installing Windows 7 64-bit on a computer
running Windows XP
Installing Windows 7 64-bit or 32-bit on a Mac