{"id":36,"date":"2015-07-29T11:41:09","date_gmt":"2015-07-29T16:41:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.cokercommunications.com\/blog\/?p=36"},"modified":"2017-06-13T20:08:16","modified_gmt":"2017-06-14T01:08:16","slug":"windows-10-is-out-do-you-need-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cokercommunications.com\/blog\/windows-10-is-out-do-you-need-it\/","title":{"rendered":"Windows 10 Is Out. Do You Need It?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Windows<\/a>Now that Microsoft has officially launched Windows 10, there will be a big push to get users of previous versions to upgrade to the newest Windows.\u00a0 Microsoft is offering a “free” upgrade to most non-business users of previous Windows versions (Windows 7, 8, and 8.1, but not XP and previous). In addition, Microsoft is (literally) pushing the upgrade on-line, through it’s Windows Update service.\u00a0 If you’re eligible for a free upgrade, they have by now pushed an update to your computer that advertises the free upgrade (in the form of a small windows logo in the system tray next to the clock) and entices you to register to receive it.\u00a0 Should you?<\/p>\n

If you’re on Windows 8.1 (or – shudder – still on Windows 8), you should absolutely take the leap to Windows 10. Windows 8 was such an unmitigated disaster (which the 8.1 upgrade only marginally fixed) that the jump to 10 is a no-brainer.\u00a0 Technically, the system requirements are the same (and possibly even better for RAM requirements), so there should be no reason that your Windows 8\/8.1 system couldn’t handle the upgrade to 10).\u00a0 Most of the tablet\/touch functionality has been preserved or improved, and the desktop (keyboard & mouse) mode has been restored to something that’s usable (which 8\/8.1 wasn’t).\u00a0 There are also other improvements, such as the new Edge browser, which shows promise to finally kill the beast that IE has become.\u00a0Pull the trigger on the upgrade now!<\/p>\n

If you’re still on Windows 7, it’s not as clear a decision.\u00a0 Sure there is the bright, shininess to W10, but there is also a significant user retraining (arguably, much smaller than W8\/8.1).\u00a0 If you’re so used to doing things a certain way (and that way works for you), then W10 might change that a little or a lot – and for what benefit?\u00a0 Speed? Security? Additional functionality? W10 only marginally improves all of these areas.\u00a0 For most W7 users, there is not\u00a0a compelling reason to upgrade (just yet).\u00a0 Of course, this may change after MI would expect businesses to take much longer to push users into W10, probably as part of an overall hardware replacement schedule. icrosoft starts adding functionality this Fall.\u00a0 Oh didn’t you hear? They promise much more frequent updates and new features (the equivalent of mini service packs), all released and forced down your throat<\/del> pushed to your computer through the update service.<\/p>\n

Of course, if your computer is part of a business domain, you won’t get a choice either way.\u00a0 Your system administrator (people like me) and IT department will decide whether to upgrade your systems.\u00a0 Oh, and those upgrades won’t be free.\u00a0 Microsoft would like your licensing money, thank you very much.\u00a0 Arguably, this initial version of 10 is primarily for home and student consumers (and the release date is timed for back-to-school purchase).\u00a0 Many necessary business features aren’t included and will be coming later this year (or even next year), so this W10 really isn’t ready for business yet. I would expect businesses to take much longer to push users into W10, probably as part of an overall hardware replacement schedule.<\/p>\n

So if you’re buying a new system, Windows 10 is just fine.\u00a0 Have a current W8\/8.1 system? By all means, get the upgrade.\u00a0 Still on Windows 7?\u00a0 I’d hang out awhile and watch what happens…