Windows 10 free for one year

[devonwoody]

Have you heard that Microsoft are going to allow a free upgrade to a new Windows from 7 and above?

 

[morfa]

Yes, it's something they are planning on offering.

 

[StevieB]

Lets face it - no one will buy it in the first year unless they are a complete geek, or are forced to by it being bundled in with a new computer. This is Microshafts way of getting a larger install base for their latest bug-filled security flawed operating system

Steve

 

[cjp]

I think it's more small/medium business move. At work all the machines are on still on Windows 7 as 8 was far too alien to the staff. And, as many others did, we brought in windows 7 machines even when 8 had long been out. If I had to pay to upgrade them to Windows 10, I wouldn't bother - but it's tempting to do so to Windows 10 before that year is out. It's less alien, has some nice improvements under the hood, and might extend the life of the machines a bit. Microsoft want a more cohesive platform to base their software on, so this is an attempt to move at least some. But of course, the effort involved in migration means 7 is going to be around for a long while yet.

 

[CHJ]

Anyone used to windows 7 should have no problems migrating to windows 10, it's more user friendly than 8.1, the big advantage for me is the fact that you can have multiple desktops in separate windows and open apps in separate windows as opposed to the full/split screen of win 8.1.

So for instance you can have a Skype window open discussing something via video with email, word processor, or photo album, drawing package etc. all open on the screen at the same time in different windows which win 8.1 won't do without third party software.

The layout of the settings etc. has simplified access over win 8.1 with fewer screen margin triggers for various functions.
These are from the current evaluation version.

Sorry don't have screen shot of multiple windows to share as machine has been reconfigure and only shots I have are confidential.

You can of course switch to full app based presentation if you wish. Some of the above may well change before release of course.

 

[CHJ]

Have you heard that Microsoft are going to allow a free upgrade to a new Windows from 7 and above?

Might be a small sting in the tail if system core updates become a subscription model after the 12 months though.
Be interesting to read the terms and conditions on release to see if it's only security updates that stay free.

 

[ChrisR]

I have had Windows 8.1, for nearly twelve months, I find it almost impossible to use, I can’t follow it at all, as there appears to be no logic in the system. I still have to use my 8.1 for dummies book on a regular biases and then usually give up in frustration, and I used to think (XP) was bad, but all is forgiven on that score.

So maybe Microsoft realise what a difficult system 8.1 is and that’s why Windows 10 is being launched, even before the paint is dry on 8.1, plus the fact it will be offered as a free update. From what I gather is a first, for Microsoft to give anything away.

Maybe, 10, is seen as a warranty replacement for 8.1, which again would be a first, for computer system/software, as I don’t think software suppliers realise there is such a thing/word as warranty on their products.

Chris R.

 

[woodfarmer]

I really don't know why anyone bothers with windows at al, I have been using Ubuntu on a number of machines now for some years and no problems. Ubuntu with Mate front end is a joy to use, and stable, don't remember ever having a system hang on any machine. multiple desktops been around for years.

Sadly I have rediscovered pacman and now waste a lot of time

 

[Jonzjob]

Just as a matter if interest Macs have had totally free OS X updates for the past 2 releases, so it looks as if someone finally let M/saft into the secret?

 

[ChrisR]

I really don't know why anyone bothers with windows at al, I have been using Ubuntu on a number of machines now for some years and no problems. Ubuntu with Mate front end is a joy to use, and stable, don't remember ever having a system hang on any machine. multiple desktops been around for years.

Sadly I have rediscovered pacman and now waste a lot of time

It’s not a case of bothering, you purchase a computer, it has Microsoft Windows, whatever the current version pre-installed. The choice, is no choice.

If there is other systems available, I would not have the slightest knowledge how to obtain them, let alone install and use them, and I suspect there are hundreds of thousands of users just like me, who are none computer savvy, which means Microsoft lives and thrives.

Chris R.

 

[Penny]

Funnily enough, I have Windows 8.1 running on an All-in-One touchscreen PC, and have no problems with it at all.

 

[Harbo]

All the PC's I've bought you had a choice as you had to pay extra for the OS.
Windows 7 came in many versions.

Rod

 

[Scottdimelow]

They can bloody keep it!

 

[Jonzjob]

Funnily enough, I have Windows 8.1 running on an All-in-One touchscreen PC, and have no problems with it at all.

Penny, I have never used a touch screen PC and have wondered just what it is like? I sit with the screen at a comfortable angle to see and the keyboard on a stand I made for it that is comfortable to use. If the screen was flat and the keys were on the screen I'm not sure what it would be like?

I don't have an iPad or owt like it and would be very interested in what your setup is like to use? I am not being anything but curious

 

[worn thumbs]

I really don't know why anyone bothers with windows at al, I have been using Ubuntu on a number of machines now for some years and no problems. Ubuntu with Mate front end is a joy to use, and stable, don't remember ever having a system hang on any machine. multiple desktops been around for years.

Sadly I have rediscovered pacman and now waste a lot of time

It’s not a case of bothering, you purchase a computer, it has Microsoft Windows, whatever the current version pre-installed. The choice, is no choice.

If there is other systems available, I would not have the slightest knowledge how to obtain them, let alone install and use them, and I suspect there are hundreds of thousands of users just like me, who are none computer savvy, which means Microsoft lives and thrives.

Chris R.

If you are happy to throw money at Microsoft,its a workable approach to computers.If you would like a reliable,virus free alternative that can be installed alongside or instead of Windows its pretty simple.

Go to distrowatch.com and look at the list of distributions,find one you like the look of and click on the name to go to the relevant website.Download the .iso file for the version that best suits your computer and use your existing software to burn this image to a blank DVD.Check that your computer will boot from a DVD and restart it with the DVD in place.You will normally have the option to run with a live DVD,which means you are just trying the new system and not altering your Windows installation.If you like the Linux version you have been running you will be able to install it as a permanent feature.You are likely to be amazed at how many peripherals will just work with no drivers needed.For most Windows users,Linux Mint or PC Linux are not too dissimilar to the interfaces that are familiar.

 

[Jonzjob]

WT, would the same thing work on an external HDD instead of a DVD? If so then it would be so much quicker tha the DVD version. Or even on a USB key?

I know that you can do so on a Mac, but it's been several years since I touched a Microsoft machine that I don't know?

I have not used Linux or any of the others, but all I have ever heard is that they are so much better than Windoze..

 

[artie]

If you are happy to throw money at Microsoft,its a workable approach to computers.If you would like a reliable,virus free alternative that can be installed alongside or instead of Windows its pretty simple.

A few years ago I contemplated leaving windows, I put ubuntu in as a dual boot so I could pick which one to use While I learned the new system.

There were quite a few things That wouldn't work, or at least I couldn't " easily" get to work. There was also frequent demands for a password.

I eventually went back to windows.

I quite like the idea of open source software, but there are so many things to use up my time, that learning linux, so far is not attractive enough.

 

[Terry - Somerset]

It's not entirely clear whether the upgrade can be downloaded free for one year or whether after one year we will need to pay for further updates.

Whilst I am prepared to accept that there are better operating systems, my needs are fairly limited - email, browsing, basic office functions etc. My main concern is system reliability out of the box without the need to configure anything. An analogy with a car which for some ticks all the boxes providing it starts, steers, stops on command, sips fuel and needs servicing no more than every two years. A sharp contrast to woodwork as a hobby where part of the fun is finding solutions to push the boundaries of ones own ability.

Personally I will not be updating for several months until the inevitable small bugs have been fixed!

Terry

 

[Penny]

Funnily enough, I have Windows 8.1 running on an All-in-One touchscreen PC, and have no problems with it at all.

Penny, I have never used a touch screen PC and have wondered just what it is like? I sit with the screen at a comfortable angle to see and the keyboard on a stand I made for it that is comfortable to use. If the screen was flat and the keys were on the screen I'm not sure what it would be like?

I don't have an iPad or owt like it and would be very interested in what your setup is like to use? I am not being anything but curious

It is a 27" screen on a stand. Wireless keyboard and mouse. But you can also use an on-screen keyboard, and do everything on the screen with a finger or stylus - activating apps, drawing on screen and so on. It's really no thicker than a LED TV. I have it on a wee unit with a cubby for the keyboard and mouse, and it just rolls out of the way when I'm not using it.

All the benefits of a laptop (except a battery) with a decent sized screen and separate keyboard.

 

[worn thumbs]

WT, would the same thing work on an external HDD instead of a DVD? If so then it would be so much quicker tha the DVD version. Or even on a USB key?

I know that you can do so on a Mac, but it's been several years since I touched a Microsoft machine that I don't know?

I have not used Linux or any of the others, but all I have ever heard is that they are so much better than Windoze..

A good few allow you to use a bootable USB stick.I have done it with Linux Mint and it boots pretty swiftly,just be aware that the memory stick may not easily be formatted after you have created a bootable version.You can use the USB stick as a live installation or you can install to your hard drive.

For those who aren't familiar with it,Linux is what is behind around 85% of the internet and most of the world's supercomputers run a version.Its also free and has a vast number of applications.