Windows 7 is a parent’s best friend
After receiving a laptop that was older than my 5 year old daughter, a Thinkpad T-41 1.4ghz and 1gig ram, I was told that I could not should not put Windows 7 on the machine, because it was to old and it didn’t meet the recommended requirements. Being the rebel that I am, I decided to install Windows 7 Starter edition. I figured if it runs decent on a NetBook, I have a decent shot installing on an outdated laptop.
Much to my surprise, it installed effortlessly, about an hour or so and only a few clicks for settings. I was very pleased as it seemed very responsive and much to my delight, there was a driver installed for everything – are you kidding me? I continued to install Macafee, Flash and Silverlight. Then, after spending some time configuring the laptop, I was thrown a curve ball. This is where I went from completely thrilled to utter disappointment. Windows 7 Starter Edition does not allow personalization. This was a monumental deal breaker! No personalization features? Why? Some would say that I was lucky it even installed. I understand that it was designed for less clutter and features and geared toward NetBooks, but not being able to change a background image - seriously? If this was for me, I would not have cared, however, this is for a brilliant little 5 year old girl who just wants to play Club Penguin and have a background like her big brother (who has since moved on to Mustangs).
Step 2 - Install Windows 7 Home Premium
Pushing my luck, I know, but I am already vested at this point. Installing a fresh copy of Windows 7 Home Premium on a freshly formatted hard drive, took less than an hour, I wished I had timed it, because it appeared to install faster than the starter edition.
Breath
After being spoiled by the starter edition (not having to find drivers) I was hoping for lightning to strike twice – it did. Everything worked; it was like I just opened a new machine and plugged it in – freaking fantastic. Installed security, configured it and added the Club Penguin wall paper.
A few caveats
The video card (not the fault of Windows 7) was obviously old and did not have the capabilities needed to show off all the polish of Windows 7, so some of the flashy screen savers (Bubbles) and such were a no-go. Also, little window fly-out’s (preview of open screens) doesn’t work either. Overall, the machine is responding nicely and my daughter could not be happier. Also worth mentioning; the OS is so easy to use my 5 year old was zipping around in no time. One last note unrelated to Windows 7, before you go out and buy a brand new PC for a child, look at recycling one, even if it is an ugly black T-41. My daughter had fun putting stickers and beads on her machine all while preventing one more piece of plastic from hitting a landfill.
Windows 7 and all its variations are solid; I personally run Windows 7 Ultimate and love it. It’s the most complete OS that I have ever used and highly recommend it.
The look on my daughters face, the hugs, the kisses and minimal frustration made this little experiment well worth the effort.