Windows 5.1, or Windows XP, has been the most popular version of Windows for a long time. Windows Vista has many issues causing people to wait for Windows 7 before upgrading. By the time Windows 7 comes out, Windows XP will probably be too outdated and, assuming Windows 7 has good performance and features, it would be a good upgrade.
At the moment, Windows 7 is in Alpha stage and it will be another couple years, give or take, before you will be able to install it. Even then, your existing hardware may or may not be sufficient for Windows 7, and you would need to buy a new PC.
If buying a new computer anyway, a Mac should be considered, as it generally is a more stable and user-friendly operating system compared to Windows, and their hardware is worth the price (internal serge-protector, web-cam, monitor, and general long-lasting). However, Windows XP should serve you well for a while longer still, and Windows 7 may very well be a good choice.
If you think you would like a newer operating system, you should also consider Linux. A new version of Ubuntu (Linux) (version 8.04) will be available April 24 2008. It is a good operating system with low system requirements, and with Compiz 3D desktop graphics, it is very modern and cool. Plus, it is fairly easy to download and install Wine to run most of your Windows software, assuming the available open-source software isn't sufficient. You can even duel-boot Linux with Windows XP or run Windows XP as a virtual machine using VirtualBox.
Via Windows update
Windows Update.
Windows 8.1 can be downloaded and installed on a Windows 7 PC, but Windows 8.1 is not an update it is a new operating system. This new operating system can be bought from Microsoft for $119.99.
It can be regarded as both. It is an update on Windows 8.0 and could be seen as an upgrade on Windows 7 or older systems.
yes!
There is really no need to update. Windows 8 is not finished OS as you can see from changes made by Microsoft when going from 8 to 8.1. If you have Windows 7, there is no point for you to update. If you have 8, read reviews because 8.1 causes some problems with certain applications and drivers.
If you have windows 7 you can upgrade to it. If you have windows XP you will need to do a complete install.
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.
there should be updates availale from the game's website
it comes automatically as an update in windows 7 if it is available. Use windows update to install it automatically
You can use windows update tool. It will find Microsoft certified drivers for your laptop.
can but must be update windows 7 first