You may have heard by now that within the next few weeks Microsoft will be releasing Windows 7 (October 22), finally replacing the problem-plagued Windows Vista operating system.

As a small business owner who needs to stay productive without the headaches of frequent computer issues, you are probably wondering:

Should You Bother Upgrading Your PC To Windows 7?

After all, you may still have vivid memories of trying to get your Windows Vista system to “play nice”.

So, the way I see it – the answer is Yes…No…and Maybe…

Yes.

If you are already running Windows Vista and you are not thrilled with it (and you have a fairly new PC with at least a 1 gigahertz processor and 1 GB of RAM) then you should upgrade when you can afford to do it.

By many accounts, the new Windows 7 should be much better than Vista – and inherently worth the upgrade.

No.

• Are you running an old PC with an older (Non-Vista) Windows operating system?
• Are you happy with the way your system is running?
• Are you currently running Windows XP?

Yes, yes, and yes?

I (like so many other small business owners) continue to use Windows XP and XP Professional because XP has proven to be stable.

It gets the job done without headaches. It works – period.

Personally, I am not interested in a “sexy interface” or “touch support” (At least not today!)

Actually, I am much more interested in how productive I can be on the Internet; so I use Mozilla Firefox and keep plugging along.

Since “upgrading” to Windows 7 from XP would require a clean install, it simply isn’t worth it to me.

A clean install would mean I’d have to back up all my files onto an external drive, and install all of my software and files again.

No thanks!

When I need to replace a computer – I’ll give Windows 7 a try.

Maybe.

Are you using a fairly new PC at home as a family, gaming or Entertainment System?

If so, then maybe you’ll want to check out Windows 7.

Why just maybe?

Maybe means: wait and see.

Windows 7 claims to have a cleaner interface than XP or Vista – along with beefed up multimedia support.

But if you can wait until November or December, you’ll get a much better overview of reality.

By then, real users will be everywhere on the Internet – and telling real stories about using the new operating system from Microsoft.

“There may be no easier upgrade to your Web experience than a switch from Internet Explorer to Firefox” – Rob Pegoraro, Washington Post

There is one thing Microsoft does very well -- it works hard to convince masses that MS products are far superior to any alternative.

Alternatives to Microsoft Products?

Yes, believe it or not – they exist. And sometimes it’s the alternative that is the superior product.

Case in point is the one bit of software most of us use daily: The Internet Browser.

You know what an Internet Browser is -- the application which allows you to display and interact with text, images, videos, music, games and other information on the Internet.

Because many of us use a PC with an XP or Vista operating system, and because Microsoft’s Internet Explorer (IE) most likely came pre-installed on our computer, it was a no-brainer to determine which Browser we would initially use.

We would use what is there, of course. It’s easy.

Let’s face it, we like easy.

And so over time IE managed to become a familiar friend – no matter how inconsistent or annoying it could be.

But there is an alternative, and this time – it’s an excellent one.

Mozilla Firefox is a free, open source Web Browser which runs under Microsoft Windows XP,Vista, Mac OSX, and Linux.

It is the second most popular Web Browser in terms of current use worldwide –behind (you guessed it) Microsoft IE.

But here’s the thing: Mozilla Firefox is so simple to use, and packed with so many fantastic features – I just can’t imagine why it’s not Number 1!

Here are the Top 10 Reasons You’ll Love Firefox

1. Smart Location Bar

It takes some getting used to, but the Firefox Location Bar is a student of your ways.

It learns as you use it. Over time, it adapts to your preferences and offers more relevant matches.

It’s a fantastic feature.

2. Clear Private Data

Is your computer on a network? Do you share a computer with other people?

Either way, it’s a good idea to keep your web surfing private.

Firefox lets you clear your private data automatically.

3. Live BookMarks -- Feed Reader

Want an easy way to subscribe to your favorite news service or Blog?

Create a Firefox Live Bookmark.

Simply click the orange RSS icon in the address bar, and you won’t have to spend hours searching the Web for the latest news and updates anymore.

They will be delivered directly to your Tool Bar via RSS!

4. Instant Web Site Identification

Want to do more online shopping, but want to be sure that a site is legitimate before you buy something?

With Firefox, you get one-click instant site identity of the site you’re on.

This way, you can avoid website forgeries and feel confident that a website is what it claims to be.

5. Full Zoom

Some days, my eyes don’t want to cooperate. And these are the same days I cannot find my reading glasses.

Firefox lets you view your favorite web pages with Full Zoom.  So go right ahead and get close-up on exactly what you want to see.

6. Anti-Malware and Anti-Phishing Features

We all know that there are some bad folks lurking about the Net.

But prepare yourself for some peace of mind, finally.

Firefox protects you from spyware and other malware like viruses, worms, and Trojans.

If you accidentally stumble upon an attack site or a site pretending to be one that you trust, you’ll receive a full-sized browser warning from Firefox.

Firefox’s list of attack sites is continuously updated, so there’s nothing for you to update, maintain, or worry about.

7. Pop-Up Blocker

Do you hate pop-up windows as much as I do?

Firefox lets you get rid of them once and for all (though you can create a list of sites whose pop-ups you don’t mind so much).

8. One-Click Bookmarking

It’s as simple as this:

Just click once on the “star” at the tail end of the Firefox Location Bar, and that bookmarks the site you’re on.

Give the star two clicks, and now you get to choose where to save the Bookmark.

9. Tabs

This is one of those brilliant features, that once you have it – you can’t imagine how you ever lived without it.

Tabs are little labels that sit above the website you’re currently on.

But tabs also allow you to browse multiple websites at the same time.

Each new website you visit will appear as a new tab (not a new window) and you can access any of them with just a click.

10. A More Customized Online Experience

Firefox has more than 5,000 add-ons to help you do more, have more fun and be more productive and creative online.

From photo, video, and music add-ons to social communications and “skins” (themes) you’re sure to find something that will make Mozilla Firefox uniquely yours!

What do you think? Do you see what I see?

(And remember, this is just the beginning)…

Are you ready to Make The Switch from Internet Explorer to Mozilla Firefox?

It’s easy.

Just follow these 4 Simple Steps when you’re ready:

1.    Click this button to get to the download page.

2. Click the Firefox Download Now – Free button.

3. Follow the simple steps to install Firefox, and import your bookmarks, passwords and other settings from Internet Explorer.

4. Launch Firefox from your Start menu, launch bar, or by clicking on the desktop shortcut icon.

5. NOTE: If you don’t want to always use Firefox as your default browser, you don’t have to.

But at least it’s there when you want it!

Take my word for it, you’re going to thank me for this!

After you’ve used Firefox – be sure to let me know how you like it (or love it!)