We’ve all heard the phrase “keep it simple.” We all know that the more complicated something is, the greater the chance for problems.  Well, maybe not everyone. Microsoft’s new Windows 7 comes in… 66 different configurations.

That’s because you could be upgrading from Windows XP, which means you could be upgrading to Windows 7 Premium in 32-bit or 64-bit, or the same in Professional or Ultimate. That’s six.

Or you might be upgrading from Windows Vista Starter – 12 choices. Or from Windows Vista Home Basic (32 or 62-bit), Vista Home Premium, Vista Business, Vista Ultimate … look at the chart for yourself at Cult of Mac.

The chart is handily divided into green and blue tiles. Green tiles represent ‘in-place upgrades’ meaning installing it will keep your files, settings and programs intact. Good – that’s how OS X usually installs, too, even if you’re switching from a PC.

But the more common blue tile represents ‘custom install’. It requires a ‘clean’ install: you move your files off, install the OS, put the files back in the correct places on the system with the new OS on it, then reinstall all your apps. Sounds like an entertaining, fun and constructive way to spend a few hours (days?) in PC world.

Tags: Microsoft