Microsoft Windows 10 launched today. There has been a greater fanfare for this version of Windows than many before it. Here at CyberGuru, we have seen the launch of Windows 98, Windows Me (also known as Millennium edition), Windows Vista, Windows 7 and of course, Windows 8. There has been many editions and updates over this time. Whilst Windows 95 was prior to our official commencement, we were very much enjoying it as a hobby at that time! It is hard to believe that it has been 20 years since this operating system, which was the last operating system with such interest.
Perhaps the reason why Windows 95 had so much interest in it as the introduction of the Start menu. It was it was a revolutionary change over Windows 3.1 and Windows 3.11 at the time. Similarly, Windows XP improved the “experience” of those who were running Windows 95 and Windows 98. And sure enough, Windows 7 took the baton from Windows XP with many kicking and screaming to keep running it. Windows 8 removed the Start menu and introduced the full start screen, and caused many to turn their back on it.
It is often said every second release of Windows that is seen best to skip, for reasons such as bugs, compatibility and sometimes even one’s desire to upgrade, but often because the “skipped” releases are rushed out the door by Microsoft. So much so, Microsoft’s announcement that this would be the “last version of Windows” is been often reported with this release of Windows. Truth be told, we understand that Windows will still continue to be developed and likely to become a subscription (or “as a service”) product similar to many other products on the market today. We are hoping that Windows 10 is a product that is continued to be developed and maintained well into the future and from the looks of things it is going down this way.
As Microsoft rightly states, it brings the best of Windows 7 and Windows 8 together. It rightly brings back the Start Menu, as well as introducing a new web browser to replace Internet Explorer, known as Edge. Another new addition is Cortana, a personal digital assistant similar to Apple Siri and Google Now. This is not currently in Australia but is anticipated to be available later this year. Some of the other new features being introduced into Windows 10 include Continuum, which automatically adjusts Windows to the type of device you are using, Task View, which allows you to add virtual desktops, and finally Windows Hello, a new way of using facial recognition to log onto your computer.
At a time when many of our clients are considering to upgrade, we are suggesting a considered approach like any new product especially whilst it is still “version 1.0”. If you are using it on a personal tablet device or one that you are happy to experiment on, you may find the new features compelling to move to. However, if you are in an organisation reliant perhaps on legacy or Windows XP Mode applications (those not designed for Windows 7 or Windows 8), is a significant upgrade. To operate effectively, as such we would consider waiting for at least until the beginning of new year before considering upgrading. Most new computers running Windows 7 and Windows 8 will be compatible, however we encourage you to check with us and your Get Windows 10 application before going ahead.
Windows 10 isn’t as big as upgrade as previous upgrades have been. From moving to Windows 98 to Windows XP, or even Windows XP to Windows 7, we saw considerable resistance to change. As Microsoft is offering free perpetual upgrades from Windows 7 and Windows 8 until 29 July 2016, it will be of interest to see whether they achieve their desired take-up of the product and remove the memories of Windows 8 from as many as possible.
New computers with Windows 10 operating systems will become more commonplace over the coming year. A client I spoke to today when I advised it was the launch of Windows 10 this afternoon, said she never wants to move from Windows 7 – but over time this will become a necessity in order to keep operating. In business’ today, we see the take up of Windows 8 gathering more momentum. The opportunity to move straight from Windows 7 to Windows 10 is there, will this put a path in Windows 8 upgrades? Only time will tell.
Here at CyberGuru, we are preparing ourselves and equipping our knowledge and skills to be ready to help our clients with the transition to Windows 10. If you have any questions, require any consulting, support or training, please contact us today.
As you become more proficient in any software, there are a number of ways you can be more efficient. If you prefer your keyboard over your mouse, one of these ways is to take advantage of keyboard shortcuts to enable you to open a menu, launch a command and a variety of other functions. Touch-typists and others who are using these Microsoft Windows, Office and Internet Explorer are well aware of the features and capabilities available.
Similar to our approach for previous Microsoft operating system launches, CyberGuru has released this opinion paper on Windows 8, rather than a full review of the product.