Issue 29.15
Well, we finally have a release date for Windows 10. It is this month on July 29th. There were rumors that the date was going to be moved up from September but now it is confirmed. What that means to the consumer is that right now is a great time to purchase a computer with Windows 7.
There are a number of reasons for this and you do need to find a dealer or specialist that will get one for you because the stores are not carrying them. I am still able to get them for my customers, usually from Dell or HP, but the selection is getting thinner and it is likely they will also quit selling Windows 7 systems soon if Windows 10 is somewhat successful.
The first reason is that, for many people, Windows 7 is what they are used to and what their programs work well with. They don’t want to have to learn a whole new way of computing. Win7 is supported through at least 2020 so there is lots of time AND if you buy now, you get an automatic update to Windows 10 with the computer which you can use if you decide to make the switch. I have heard fairly good things about Win10, but until I can actually get hands on experience with it, I have a bit of uneasiness about it because of Microsoft’s history of releasing things before they work well and in spite of customer preferences. The other reason to look at this decision now is that prices are going up as selection goes down. HP already does not have a standard desktop minitower with Windows 7 offered under $1000. Prices and options for Win7 machines will likely continue to go in the wrong directions as they push us more and more to use Windows 10.
It will still be possible to purchase Windows 7 computers once the big companies quit making them, but you will have to have them custom built which costs a little more than it used to.
I will be writing a review of Windows 10 once I have an actual production version of it to try out. My feeling at this time however is that it will be a good system – but only for those who don’t want to have to learn how to do things in a new format. I hope I am wrong and it will be easy for those who are not excited to have to change so much.
I will keep you posted and hope you can find what you want if you are looking for a new computer soon – and always remember to back up anything on your computer that is important to you.
Shaun McCausland has worked in the computer industry for over 33 years, 26 years of it locally with Bits ‘N’ Bytes and Musicomp and currently works as a computer consultant. If you have questions you can reach him at 435-668-7118 or shaun@musicomp.net.