When I started getting the notices about a free upgrade to Windows 10, my first thought was "Oh, no! Not another system to learn to navigate." Over the weeks leading up to it's release, I started reading up on it. I found the start menu would be back. By and large, mostly a good word for the new system. Things I loved and missed about Windows 95 and Windows 7, and new things that might be cool or useful.
I finally decided to put in my reservation for the free upgrade. When I found it was ready, I used a tool I had to create a system shot on a DVD in case of emergency. Then I downloaded a program to create a full system backup on a partitioned part of my hard drive to make sure I could go back to Windows 8 if I so desired.
I was able to schedule the upgrade to a time that was convenient for me and that wouldn't eat up my any time data. I went to bed, and the system did it's thing. The next day, there were a few choices to make for personal preference, and in no time Windows 10 was up and running! Easy, peasy!
I immediately, liked what I was seeing, compared to Windows 8! The start menu is back, and in my opinion better than ever! If you were one who actually liked the boxes in Windows 8, they are still there, just moved over to the right side under "Life at a glance". On the left, you get a quick view of the most used. But here's my two favorite things about this new start menu: one, it has an option to display all your programs in A to Z format!! Click on All Apps in the bottom left-hand corner. No chasing down through endless popup panes.
Another great plus, is that the search bar is now right on the task bar! You can set it to be an icon that opens search or leave it to type straight in!
There are oodles of new programs and tools in this build.
3D builder, music apps, readers, camera app, useful things for students like dictionary, encyclopedia. If you are into the whole share it across devices from anywhere scene, then you have a system made to accommodate that.
I've been using Windows 10 for 10 days now. There have only been a couple of negatives that I have found in my experience. One, when it upgraded, my McAfee Security Center didn't work. The Windows 10 covered me with Windows Defender and Firewall, so I wasn't left unprotected. When I went to investigate, I found I had to totally remove McAfee and reinstall it. Everything went fine. I have had no problems with any other apps or software that I use on my PC. My other issue with this new Windows is a cranky old woman issue. I like to choose when I get Windows updates so that they download only on my Bonus Bytes and not on my Anytime Data. In this new build, I can't find where I can choose to do that. It claims it won't download over a metered connection, but do they understand the concept of how Hughes Net works? That I want all of my Anytime Data for fun and to use the Bonus Bytes for the workhorse stuff? I will be investigating this in the near future.
By and large, I love the new Windows 10, compared to Windows 8. If there are things about Windows 8 that aggravate you, I'd recommend the upgrade!
Do you currently use Windows 8? Have you upgraded to Windows 10 for free? What was/is your favorite Windows version?
This is an account of my personal experience with the Windows 10 Upgrade and Windows 10. Your experience could be different, depending on your system and what apps and software you regularly use. I am a PC user of moderate experience and tech savvy. - Barbara in Caneyhead
I'm still on Vista and will be until I upgrade my computer, I expect.
ReplyDeleteLot's of folks dogged Vista, but I really enjoyed it when I had it.
DeleteI'm still on 7, mostly because I've avoided 8 like the plague. My laptop's coming to the end of its life, though, so I'm nursing it along (and backing up ALL the time) until I can buy a computer with Windows 10 installed.
ReplyDeleteWindows 7 is a true workhorse! I hope Windows 10 proves to be as well.
DeleteI had Windows 10 for a whole week-end and I hated it. I was so thankful to be back to 8.1.
ReplyDeleteI suppose to some extent it is what you are used to. I hated 8.1 because they took everything familiar away. But then, I absolutely loved Windows Vista and many people didn't like it. So, to each their own.
DeleteI too have no answers... I am afraid of upgrades until they have been tested over a period of time, like a year.
ReplyDeleteI'm usually with you on that, Jeremy. But I just really hated 8.1 and wanted off of it.
Deletethanks for the review. I need to chat with my IT man (Ray) and see what he plans to do to our system. I'm merely the operator at his mercy. Glad Windows 10 is a winner for you- I appreciate you brave souls who take that one giant step out of the space capsule.
ReplyDeleteHa! What a clever response! I really enjoyed it.
DeleteThis was interesting since I have been pondering upgrading too. I am a bit afraid to do that. Luckily, with the problems I had with an ASUS not too long ago, I bought a Geek Squad warranty for upgrades on the new HP. So I think I will take it down to check it out. I had 7, Vista and this 8. It took a bit, but now I am used to it. So I think changing for me would be a "whtever get used to it" deal. Keep us informed on the hic ups if you find anymore.
ReplyDeleteSure will, Katy! If you are happy with 8 and don't need any of the fancy new "connect your world" stuff in 10, I don't blame you for staying put.
DeleteWe had Windows 8 for about 15 minutes, and hated it! We switched back to Windows 7. I'm glad Windows 10 is much better.
ReplyDeleteSo you understand why I took the plunge and upgraded.
DeleteThis is highly informative and pertinent to me as I receive pop-ups regarding windows 10 every single time I sign on. I'm glad someone else tried it first - ha! I'm such a stickler, change is like a goathead to me. It took a major crash for me to finally let go of XP. But I suppose this isn't going away and I'll have to consider it some day, so I'm glad you shared!
ReplyDeleteHey, if you are happy with what you have, why change until you have to?
DeleteI wish I were as tech-sevvy as you are, Barbara!
ReplyDeleteI still use Windows 7. Was scared by Windows 8. Everyone I know who bought a pc that came with windows 8, uninstalled it and put Windows 7 back up.
It's nice to hear the new version works, but then, that's how it always happens, with? The first version that really changes everything rarely works, but then everything goes fine :-)
Well, I don't know how tech savvy I really am. I'm AOL trained from dealing with AOLHell for years. ;)
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