gradyorkaren Loc: Colorado

I just received a notice to sign up for windows 10 ( I have 8.1) and still don't know if it's to my advantage. I pretty much just use my computer for the internet and nothing much else too technical. What are your suggestions?

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

There is one pro and several possible cons.

If you sign up for Win10 now, it's free. That's the pro.

Microsoft has a propensity to not support legacy programs from other companies. If you use some older non-Microsoft programs, there's a good chance they won't work in Win10 without some hassle. That's something you can't predict in advance.

The look and feel of the operating system will change. Some people are fine with that, some people freak out when their cheese is moved.

I believe the free upgrade to Win10 is good for about a year. For that reason, it's probably a good idea to wait a few months until it's actually in people's hands and you can look at comments from early adopters.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

same advice about firmware updates--if it ain't broke.....

ebbote Loc: Hockley, Texas

Eventually everybody will have to go to Windows 10 if you
want to stick to a Microsoft OS. As they stopped support on
XP, they will eventually stop with 7 and 8.1, just a matter of time. Windows 10 is a very good OS, it's free for the 1st
year then they will start charging for it. Any program that
works with 7 or 8.1 will work with 10. There will be no service packs with 10, all improvements will be added with
Windows updates. It is the best OS to date.

gradyorkaren Loc: Colorado

Thanks Farmer, you've helped me make a decision to wait a while

gradyorkaren Loc: Colorado

Thanks Ebbote, you're information is very helpful

johneccles Loc: Leyland UK

I have been using Win10 for some months now as a tester, there are some nice extras but generally it is very similar to W8.
The main change is that IE has gone and been replaced with "Spartan" which is very suitable name as when you click the icon for it, you just get a more less blank page, it's very easy to navigate though.
Anyway if you are used to W8 you will have no problem with W10

crissx09 Loc: FL-USA

Wait a minute!!! If sooner or later we all are going to be Windows 10, why wait??? I can see only advantages to move now that everything is free...unless you want to go to Apple in the near future. Besides, do you really think that Microsoft/ Windows is not good enough..? I think it is wonderful.......and can be better yet.

4ellen4 Loc: GTA--Ontario

The release date for Win 10 was for the end of July, the 28th I think.

I am not 'up' on all the tech data--my partner is the computer person in our house. He says that the release date was to be in September/October originally. And that it would be wise to wait for a couple of months before downloading the new O/S so that MS can get all the bugs out of it.

One thing to look out for with updates--Win 10 could come in an automatic update--and that would probably be at least a 3 Gig update and will take a long time downloading

For myself--I have several laptops and will try the win 10 on one and see what I think of it,

I will have to stay with windows because the software I use is not for a Mac--neither are all of my games.

What I do not understand is that Windows 7 was one of the best money makers for Microsoft. And why a tablet/cellphone format is being used on a computer is beyond on understanding.

Before downloading and or installing Windows 10 be sure to back up everything on your hard drive.

If you have any free source programs--go to the site and download the program--do it as a save as. I do this will all programs and then created a folder that I have all the software .exe so that if I ever need to re-install something I have the .exe to do it.

Papa Joe Loc: Midwest U.S.

I've been 'testing' Windows 10 over the past months, and (so far), have found nothing that will not run in Windows 10, that I've been using in 8.1. It still needs a lot of tweaking but will certainly be the 'main' operating system for Windows users in the future.

viscountdriver Loc: East Kent UK

Have you considered, it's free for a year but what then? Will you have to pay a monthly charge or a big down payment?
W7 does everything I want from a programme and if they don't support it, too bad.

pettigkr Loc: Texas

Here's a quick answer re possible charges after a free upgrade:

http://www.pcgamer.com/microsoft-windows-10-will-not-be-sold-as-a-subscription/

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

I'm using 7 and I really like it - almost as much as 95-2 - an excellent OS. I don't plan to update because I'm not sure my video editors - which I use almost every day, will function with 10.

Kuzano

Standard support is already dead on Windows 7. It's in extended support now.

:shock:

Kuzano

I have been on Windows 10 Preview builds for months now, starting with Build 9926, the first substantial Preview Build.

I currently have two laptops and one desktop (quite old hardware) running Windows 10 without problems.

I just downloaded as of yesterday, three significant technical build upgrades in the last five days.

Indications are that these last rapid upgrades are the pre-rollout cleanup before the actual system comes out. There will be more, but the OS is stable and fast.

In the past few months, on multiple computers my experience has been near flawless. 10 is running every software I load and all hardware is working fine. The only glitch has been a three day audio problem with Realtek Audio. Microsoft fixed it right away.

Microsoft indicates there are OVER 5,000,000 USERS RUNNING ON THE WINDOWS INSIDER PROGRAM.

Windows Insiders will get the first upgrade to the free final build and OS rollout. Those who do not get in line, or are not already using the Windows Insider program will wait. Upgrades look like they will be done primarily by download from Microsoft servers. I doubt this item will be boxed and put on store shelves.

It also looks like the ability to get an ISO download and build an Install disk or install USB will be limited, but have seen inference that some will qualify for ISO download. Not clear yet.

I'm very happy. My experience has been good. I presume the other 5 Million insiders are doing well. Have heard no negative feedback.