Windows 10 rolls out

Windows 10 upgrades begin rolling out July 29. Notice I said “upgrades” not “updates” and I said “begins” not “you’ll get it” July 29.

 

Microsoft introduced the Start Menu in Windows 95. People got used to it. Some people relied on the Start Menu to be able to find things, while others just kept dozens of icons on their Desktops.

In a bold but misguided move, Windows 8 attempted to do away with the Start Menu and replace it with the Start Screen. The Start Screen is pretty much just like having dozens of icons on your Desktop, but these are called Tiles and they flash at you. People didn’t like that and complained bitterly about the lack of a Start Menu. Even people who never used a Start Menu and always littered their desktops with icons complained bitterly. General consensus: “I don’t want Windows 8 because I heard it was bad.”

Windows 8.1 included a stripped down version of the Start Menu, and made it easier for people to ignore the new Start Screen and live in the legacy Desktop environment. But the name still had “8” in the title so people avoided it because they heard it was bad. A bunch of folks lost their jobs at Microsoft, and someone decided to skip version 9 of Windows and go straight to version 10. And yes, Windows 10 includes a Start Menu.

Most people running Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 on a computer received a notification that they could upgrade for free to Windows 10. Please understand that this is not a Windows Update. This is a complete upGRADE to a new operating system.

Yes, it is free. No, Microsoft is not going to let you get a free upgrade and then charge you in a year. Free is free. You can reserve your copy of Windows 10 now. It will begin rolling out July 29, and you have a year to decide whether to install it on your present computer for free or not.

But should you?

As I mentioned in an earlier column (http://rlis.com/columns/column511.htm), it depends:

• If you have a computer that’s only a couple of years old and you really hate Windows 8.1, then you probably want this upgrade.
• If you are someone who always wants the newest thing and you are willing to put up with everyone not yet knowing how to solve the problems that arise from the newest thing, then you probably want to upgrade.
• If you have an older computer and you know or you think you’ll be replacing it soon, don’t bother with an upgrade. Buy a new computer with Windows 10 already on it. Expect to see Windows 10 on computers in stores by the end of this summer.
• If you are using your computer for business, with very few exceptions I am advising my customers to stay with whatever they are currently using until enough time has passed to work some of the kinks out of Windows 10.
   

Here’s a list of resources about Windows 10. Check out some or all of these links before you get started on your upgrade.

• Windows 10 Release Day – What you need to know: http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/windows-10-release-day-everthing-need-know/
• Can you upgrade? Should you upgrade? Which version will you get?
• Windows 10 YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/WindowsVideos
• Many videos explaining Windows 10 features and capabilities and showing you why you should upgrade
• A guide to the Windows 10 Start Menu: http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/guide-windows-10-start-menu/
• Because yes, it’s a Start Menu but no, it’s not like the old Start Menu you’re used to
• What’s different from Windows 7: http://www.howtogeek.com/219034/here%E2%80%99s-what%E2%80%99s-different-about-windows-10-for-windows-7-users/
• Microsoft Accounts, Cortana, apps vs. programs and more
• What’s different from Windows 8 http://www.howtogeek.com/219098/heres-whats-different-about-windows-10-for-windows-8-users/
• Oh joy! Oh rapture! A Start Menu! Cortana. Edge Browser
• How to get rid of the Windows 10 Upgrade Notification in Windows 7 & 8.1: http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/get-rid-windows-10-upgrade-notification-windows-7-8/
• Don’t want Windows 10? Microsoft really wants you to have it. Getting rid of the notification is a pain. Here are several ways.

What did you decide? Did you reserve your copy? Did you install it? How did that go for you?

 

Do you need help with your computer? I'm here to help you and your home or business computer get along!

Cate Eales runs Computer Care Kelowna (http://computercarekelowna.com/) a mobile service helping home users and businesses get along with their computers. To arrange an appointment phone her at 250-764-7043. Cate also welcomes your comments and suggestions. Send email to [email protected].

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This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.