• Windows operating systems are continually updated and changed as newer and better technology is created. This means that home consumers are left with the decision of whether or not to upgrade. Upgrading to a newer operating system ensures you will have access to more applications and better technical support, but making the move can be somewhat daunting for some users. If you are confused about how to upgrade, there are five things you can do to improve your experience.
  
  

Read Up on Upgrade OS

• One of the easiest ways to handle confusion over the upgrade process with Windows operating systems is to read as much material about upgrading as possible. The more you familiarize yourself with what exactly you would be upgrading with, the better. Start by looking at the specifications of the operating system to which you intend to upgrade. Visit forums about your new operating system and absorb information from the Microsoft website. Having that knowledge on hand should help you feel less lost about upgrading.
  
  

Compare and Contrast

• Scope out the differences between your current operating system and the system to which you plan to upgrade. Find charts that display the differences between your current operating system and your prospective new operating system. Examine what exactly will be changing upon performing your upgrade.
  
  

Check Compatibility

• Knowing what programs you can and can't use with your new operating system can help you with some of your confusion. Many websites can tell you which programs of yours will be compatible with an upgraded version of Windows. On top of this, check that your computer's specifications are compatible with the operating system to which you want to upgrade.
  
  

Test New OS

• Take time to get a feel of the operating system you plan to switch to. If installing a beta version is possible, do this on a spare computer to keep from losing your information on your main computer. If you have a friend with the newer operating system you'd like to own, try using his computer for a while. Check your local library to see if it uses the newer operating system, or visit an Internet café if there is one.
  
  

Get Outside Help

• If you still feel uncertain about the upgrade process, have a computer expert explain it to you. You can ask a technician to perform the upgrade for you, but it would save money to do it yourself. If you need help with it, purchase a software program that should make the upgrade simpler for you, such as PCmover. PCmover is designed to ease the transition from an older version of Windows to Windows 7.