Since Microsoft released the much anticipated Windows 10 in July, 2015, we have received this question literally thousands of times. Even after 11 months, we continue to get this question several times per day from our business and residential customers alike.
Before we get into the specifics, we should start with some background. Throughout the last 20 or so years, Microsoft has been somewhat “hit-or-miss” with their operating system releases. Here are our opinions on each of the following operating systems:
- Windows 3, 3.1, 3.11 – The first real mainstream PC GUI operating system
- Windows 95 – A drastic improvement over Win 3.x, and a full re-write of the codebase
- Windows 98 – The next logical step in OS evolution and fixed and added many thing
- Windows ME – Total disaster. Virtually nothing worked, ever
- Windows XP – Full re-write, restored our faith in Microsoft – went on to be great!
- Windows Vista – Showed some promise, poorly executed and we consider it a fail
- Windows 7 – Another huge success, very stable and still largely in service
- Windows 8, 8.1 – Got a bad reputation due to a BAD interface, but overall quite stable
- Windows 10 – OK, lets get into it
Is it really free?
Well, the answer is “yes” and “no.” Here is the way it works. Microsoft, in its attempt to gain (more) market share and to streamline their support apparatus, has embarked on a mission to onboard hundreds of millions of users to Win 10 – so they are giving away the UPGRADE from Win 7 and Win 8, 8.x for FREE until July 29, 2016. So, you have a chance to upgrade at no cost to you and once you do (if it is before 7/29/16) you own the OS license for the life of the computer that it is installed on.
After 7/29, nobody knows if Microsoft will extend the offer.
Is Windows 10 hard to learn?
The great news is that is is NOT very difficult to learn and you will find it very refreshing aesthetically, and it is quite impressively stable as well.
Is it compatible with my programs?
It has been Microsoft’s objective to keep their newer operating systems relatively forward compatible, but there are exceptions, and unfortunately, those exceptions usually come to the surface after the upgrade is complete.
We recommend checking with the makers of software titles upon which you rely before upgrading, just to be sure that you don’t suffer any down time as a result
What are the advantages?
The advantages are many and varied. If you are a Windows 8 user, you will be relieved to know that the Start Menu has been “fixed” and you will enjoy an enhanced version of what you are used to. If you are a Windows 7 user, you are probably already pretty happy with your system as it is a wonderful combination of fast, stable, and compatible. It is our opinion that for non mission-critical environments, you should take advantage of the upgrade.
Conclusion
If you are unsure whether to take the jump to a Windows 10 upgrade, we understand. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have that could help you make the right decision for you!
Make sure to act BEFORE July 29, 2016 so you take advantage of the free license.
Feel free to call us at 877-GET-24IT, contact us at our website at www.24it.co for more information!
