Windows Vista is an operating system, not an application. It does not run "on" Windows 7 so it cannot be said to be "compatible" with it. Drivers and applications written for Windows Vista will continue to work on Windows 7. The reverse may not necessarily be true. Vista and 7 use the same kernel, so there shouldn't be anything that doesn't work on 7 that works on Vista, but compatibility mode should fix most problems you would have.
The two are both operating systems; having Vista does not mean you can only have Vista on that computer. You can either run them side by side, or remove Vista and install Windows 7 in its place.
You have to run the windows 7 upgrade advisor and fix any problems that it says and if you re OK then put the disk in and install windows 7 or go to the store and buy a copy...
You can find windows 7 upgrade advisor at the Microsoft website
Most software is compatible, however, you should always check the software manufacturer for details. Software such as drivers are typically not compatible.
Yes, you can update by going to Microsoft's website. I highly recommend doing so. Windows 7 is much, much better than Windows Vista. You can update cheaper then buying Windows 7 full.
Yes, it will.
it depends on the game
No.
This shouldn't be a problem normally, since you paid for a copy of that OS. The operating system should have drivers for the desktop, and it should install onto the desktop without any problems
Yes, it does.
Windows 7 systems requirements is where you would look. During Windows 7 one would use the Upgrade option and install an edition of Windows Vista to Windows 7. Windows Update in Control Panel will open and install Windows Vista if you already have automatic update turned on.
Yes, you can.
Simple. You install 7-Zip.
Yes if you right click on the game file and click troubleshoot compatibility then set it to windows vista
Sure, there are lots of free applications available for Windows.
Windows Vista laptops will only be available on the second hand market. In addition, it will be difficult to obtain drivers for a modern laptop that officially support Windows Vista. It is even hard to find a Windows 7 powered computer, as Microsoft is pushing Windows 8 hard, despite its unpopularity.
XP, if you can scratch Vista and go for Windows 7
my opinion back up important files then format the laptop, install a fresh Operating system such as xp, vista, windows 7 even Linux which ever you prefer. if you do not know how to do this then Google it there are many tutorials out there.
Windows 7 will be the best choice for a laptop computer. Vista is the older Microsoft operating system, and has more bugs and unsupported features built in.