Windows 7: The Ultimate Windows Operating System

Windows 7 represents the pinnacle of Windows design. Instead of introducing many new features like Vista, the Windows 7 team instead tried to simply make America's number one operating system better at the things it already does.

But that doesn't mean that it completely lacks new features. You may enjoy the system's improved handwriting recognition, and improved performance with touch screens, for example.

And if you're running a dual-core processor, it can make even better use of your hardware than Windows Vista could. In fact, it has received several reviews stating that Vista should have been more like 7 in many areas!

Of course no Windows system will ever be 100% free of problems. Fortunately, many of them are easily fixable with Windows 7 drivers.

Common Windows 7 Problems

Device Not Found -- If your computer can't find the printer, webcam, or other hardware device you attached, double-check and make sure the USB or other connector is firmly, snugly attached. If your hardware is properly attached, then you may need to download Windows 7 drivers. This is a common problem after Windows 7 upgrades and re-installs.

No WiFi Connectivity -- This could be a wireless local area network problem. If you are at work, talk to your systems administrator. If you're at home, reset your modem and your router. If these steps don't work, you may need to connect to the Internet via Ethernet cord and download Windows 7 wireless drivers.

Hardware Not Recognized -- Is your computer detecting your hardware--but can't seem to recognize it? This is another common problem you may have after you upgrade from Windows Vista to Windows 7.

DVD Drive Not Found -- This is a common problem with new installations of Windows 7. You probably need to download Service Pack 1, as well as any other available Windows Updates. If your operating system still can't find your DVD drive, you may need to download DVD drivers for Windows 7.

iPhone won't Connect/Sync -- Many computer owners have had plenty of problems getting their iPhones to synch up with their Windows 7 computers--especially when it comes to iTunes. This is especially true with the 64 bit version of windows.

You may want to try this process:

1. Click start
2. Type DEVMGMT.MSG into the search box, then press Enter. This will launch the Windows Device Manager
3. Click on "View>Devices by Type"
4. Click to expand the USB/Universal Serial Bus section.
5. Right-click on each USB entry.
6. Select "Properties" in the dialog box.
7. Select the Power Management tab.
8. Clear the "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power" option.
9. Reboot your computer.

This will often--though not always--solve your problem.

How to Update Windows 7 Drivers Yourself

Windows 7 drivers are easier to update than many other types of drivers. At least, some of them are. For all of your standard Windows 7 driver updates, you can visit the Windows 7 drivers tutorial, or follow this streamlined process:

1. Make sure you have Internet Explorer installed (Microsoft Windows Update won't work without it.)
2. Go to Update.Microsoft.com.
3. Follow the instructions to begin your Windows 7 driver downloads (and other updates as well).
4. Download the "Optional" updates, just to be safe.
5. You may need to restart your computer once Windows has finished updating.

Of course, standard system updates won't always fix every problem you have with your operating system or your hardware. Sometimes you might need Windows 7 drivers that go specifically with certain types of hardware.

Here is a generic set of instructions that should work with most kinds of hardware for you to find the right Windows 7 drivers and driver updates.

1. Go to the hardware manufacturer website.
2. Select the "Support," "Downloads," or similar link from the homepage.
3. You should be able to select "Drivers" or "Drivers and Software" from here.
4. Select the Driver option, and then look for your device.
5. Pick the most recently updated driver that is compatible with Windows 7, then download it.
6. Open up the file and follow the prompts and/or instructions.
7. You may need to reboot your computer after you install Windows 7 drivers.

Keep in mind that if you download the wrong drivers, you may have a hard time deleting them and finding the right ones. You could also end up with a state of "Driver Confusion" which could cause you to have to reinstall Windows 7!

Wouldn’t it be Nice of Windows 7 Driver Updates Downloaded Automatically?

You can also use driver update software to find, download, and install Windows 7 updates. This software will update Windows 7 drivers on a consistent basis, and won't leave you hanging with the wrong drivers.

Windows 7 Resource Links

The official Microsoft Windows Update site.
The About.com page on Windows 7 drivers.