Are you still avoiding Windows 10? Or do you have it, and blame it for all your computer woes?
I’m here to point out that Windows 7 is due to be retired on 14Jan2020, and Windows 8.1 on 10Jan2023, so in a few years, Windows 10 will be the only supported Microsoft platform for workstations. There will not be a Windows 11.
Windows 10 is a pretty good operating system: it is not much “heavier” than Windows 7 or 8, it is very compatible with programs built for this, and previous, versions of Windows, and it is easy to get used to if you have used any previous version of Windows.
The main complaint I hear about Windows 10 is the default setup: Microsoft kept “tiles” from Windows 8, and it is rather forceful in pushing its own browser, mail tool, and certain games. It only takes a few minutes to remove those nuisances (refer to my previous article “Tweaking Windows 10”).
Windows 10 is pretty mature now: it was released more than 3 years ago, and we have seen five major updates to it over that time. The main problems we have seen with it have been with drivers and updates. Driver issues are fading away, but we still see some update issues (as we always have with Windows).
In September, it was announced that Windows 7 users will have to pay for updates if they want to keep using this 2009 operating system past its retirement date. The monthly fee has not yet been announced.
What all of this means is: if there is a reason you need Windows, Windows 10 is the best choice. If you have a legal copy of Windows 7 or 8, there is still a legal/free way to upgrade to Windows 10.
So what’s stopping you from joining the mainstream?
Next month, I would like to explore further the need for Windows. Unless you are a developer or gamer, there are few reasons to maintain a Windows (or Mac) computer when there are so many other choices: ChromeOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and others.