Allan relaxing in his office!
Allan Levy, Technology Director, Computer Booters of Sun Lakes
The free offer from Microsoft to install Windows 10 on your Windows 7/8/8.1 machines may end on July 29, 2016. May end? Microsoft is saying it will end, but no one knows if there will be another offer. Microsoft also said that those using assistive technology can still upgrade; no one knows what this means.
Windows 10 is Microsoft’s new operating system. Microsoft is pushing hard to move people from Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1 to Windows 10. In January, Microsoft made the Windows 10 upgrade a recommended upgrade; this caused many computers to install it. So, should you install it?
Cons – For some people this will cause major issues including
Your printers may not work
Some programs may stop working
Your computer may stop working
The look of Windows 10 is radically different than 7 or 8 and this may confuse many users
You may find it difficult to open pdf in windows 10
Microsoft is monetizing Windows 10, this may result in more ads
The promised ability to roll back to Windows 7 or 8, may or may not work. I have never had it work successfully; our April speaker had similar experiences
Pros – it is the new system
Support for a long time, Windows 7 support will end in 2020, however many people are still running XP
There are new features – for example you can switch between windows of the same app in Windows 10. Find out more by reading the linked guide.
Any new computer will come with Windows 10
Cortana is a great addition, it is a virtual assistant
This is Microsoft’s future
Our speaker and I recommend that if you are happy with 7, stay with it, unless you want a new software system. If you are on 8.8.1 upgrade, since 8 had major issues.
The Computer Booters will be having a class that teaches Windows 10 use starting in the fall. The class is free to members or $5 per session to nonmembers (currently scheduled as three sessions).
If you have any questions please contact Allan Levy, Technology Director, Computer Booters of Sun Lakes at [email protected] or phone 301-503-1387.