July 29, 2016 is the last day that you can upgrade to Windows 10 for free and that date is quickly approaching.
We have seen the rollout of Windows since the beginning and the alternating pattern between good and bad operating systems. Windows 3.1 was wonderful, Windows ME was a disaster. Since Windows 7 was very stable, the Windows 8.1 offered a new and quite confusing interface. Windows 10 is a nice blend of both worlds of 7 and 8. However, just because it looks nice does not mean it will work for everyone.
For those who are curious about Windows 10, here are a few items that you will be missing if you don’t upgrade:
The Start Button Menu is Back
Windows 8 did a great job of removing the Start button menu (the flag usually on the bottom left side) that allowed you to get to your programs and shortcuts easily. Windows 10 combines the tile view of Windows 8 with the program view of Windows 7 so now you can find your programs faster.
Cortana
Cortana, similar to Siri, will highlight users’ phone notifications and critical alerts, from messaging services, SMS or social media, along with missed calls from any Windows 10 phone or Android device to your PC. You can also voice search your computer and network drives for files or even ask it to tell you some jokes.
Cross-device notifications
The next release of Windows 10’s Cortana will allow your cell phone messaging (SMS and application messages) to be connected to your computer. For Apple users with an iPhone, iPad and/or Mac, you already have this capability. If someone sends you a text message, you can answer on any of those devices. With the next set of releases after July 29th, this is one of the scheduled features in Windows 10. And it is available to Android, iPhone and Windows phone users.
Goodbye, Internet Explorer, Hello Edge
Microsoft Edge replaces Internet Explorer as Windows 10’s default browser. Two handy features are reading view that take any web page, strip out the ads and make it easier to read in one page and a one-click way to share your PC media to devices like Chromecast instantly.
So who should NOT upgrade?
1. Any business users who rely on Windows XP mode that is embedded in Windows 7. It simply does not exist in Windows 10 and requires alot of workaround to get the older programs to work.
2. If you have any devices that do not have Microsoft signed drivers for your peripheral equipment. Any unsigned drivers cannot be installed on Windows 10 without additional 3rd party software.
So What Should I do?
As long as you do not fall into the scenarios above, we recommend that you upgrade now before the sunset date. Try out Windows 10 and see if the new upgrade is for you. You have 30 days from the upgrade installation to change your mind and go back to either Windows 7 or Windows 8, from which you upgraded.
What Else Do I Need to Know?
If you are a business who cannot upgrade to Windows 8 nor 10 and your machines are more than 5 years old, purchase your Windows 7 machines before October 31st . After October 31,2016, new PCs will only have the option of Windows 8 or 10 as the operating system.
How Can I Get Help?
Want help with the installation or need training during the transition? We are here to help. Email us at
[email protected] or call 630-516-1207 to schedule your appointment today.
