Issue 43.15
Even though I have written a couple of articles on this, I am still asked almost every day, “Should I upgrade to Windows 10?” The new Microsoft Operating System (OS) has been out for a few months now and we have more information and experience with it. In spite of that, the recommendation remains what it has been. If you have a computer that has an OS before Windows 7 such as XP or Vista, it is likely time to get a new computer and I generally would recommend getting it with Windows 10 UNLESS you are like a significant number of my clients. They are people that are used to Vista or Windows 7 and really don’t want to have to learn a whole new OS at this point in their lives. For those people, I recommend buying a new system with Windows 7 built in. They are still available, though you won’t likely find them in a store. You have to have them custom built or you can buy them from a dealer like me that still believes in Windows 7 machines and has access to them.
Microsoft has said that they will support Windows 7 until 2020 so there is a lot of time before they stop supporting it. 7 is very stable and is compatible with almost every printer and other external device out there. By contrast, Windows 10 is not compatible with some printers and a number of peripherals such as video cameras including webcams, specialized scanners and printers and even some mice (mouses?) and keyboards, most often the wireless type.
If you currently are using Windows 8 or 8.1, I recommend you upgrade to Windows 10 while it is free (until July, 2016) because, even with the minor bugs they are still working on, 10 is vastly superior to Windows 8.
If you are now using Windows 7, it gets a bit more tricky. For most of us, Windows 7 is still working just fine for what we need and it already connects to all our printers, cams and other peripherals. A number of the software programs that I use every day are not yet certified for Windows 10 so I am very nervous about upgrading until they have those problems solved. I simply can’t do my work without the programs I depend on.
Finally, a number of people have called me after doing the upgrade indicating that their computer stopped working. In each case, I have been able to fix the problem and get them up and running, but the fact that the upgrade does not always work smoothly is a concern if you need your computer every day like I do. Another complaint is that their favorite games (Solitaire, Freecell, Spider Solitaire, Minesweeper, etc.) are no longer available after they upgrade. You can buy them or even get free versions, but they are not the same and don’t play the same as the Windows 7 versions.
So, to summarize, get a new computer if your current one is over 6 or 7 years old. If you are adventurous get it with Windows 10. If you need stability and don’t want to learn a bunch of new things, get Windows 7. Don’t get 8 or 8.1. If your computer is newer than 6 years old and you have Windows 8, get the free upgrade to Windows 10. If you have Windows 7, the general recommendation is to keep it at least until the first of the year when hopefully most of the bugs in 10 will have been addressed. Upgrading from 7 is also free until July.
I hope that is clear and helpful – and, as always, make sure you always have a backup of anything important.
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.