By Greg Gurev
There have been a lot of questions about upgrading to Microsoft Windows 10.
Do we really need to do it? How will it make our lives better? Are their any risks involved?
At MySherpa, our seasoned guides are focused on helping clients to achieve peak performance through IT managed services. That includes advice on what tools will help clients in their climb to the top—and avoiding technology they don’t need.
In recent months, many users have been pelted with pesky reminders from Microsoft to upgrade. In short, Microsoft has been a nag. And most folks don’t like being nagged.
Still, many users have gotten with the program. So far, 27 percent of Windows users have upgraded to Windows 10, which leaves 73 percent on the sidelines.
Remember, Windows XP and Vista users are not qualified for free upgrade, just Windows 7 and 8. July 29 is the day that Windows 10 stops being a free upgrade. Starting July 30, you will need to pay to get it.
That said, business users should stick with Windows 7 and 8 until 2020 and 2023, respectively unless the people managing their IT believe there is a compelling need.
The bottom line: if this is a machine that you rely on to make money, don’t make the upgrade. It’s always better to buy something that is pre-installed on a new machine. (And if you are replacing your laptops, be sure to invest in ones with Skylake, the sixth generation Intel Core processor that greatly increases battery life.)
But for home users there are some sound reasons for making the change, providing they are willing to take the risk in installing. That includes glitches with printers, scanners and other peripherals.
First, Windows 10 is faster. We have yet to meet someone who asks for anything that works slower.
If you missed the Start Menu that was replaced with the Start Screen in Windows 8, we have good news. In Windows 10, the Start Menu is making a return.
It also makes many users app-happy. Windows 10 allows users to find software for large and small tasks. Users can run apps in windows or full screen. Windows 10 also offers more robust media and productivity apps. That includes Calendar, Maps, Music, People, Photos and Videos.
Windows 10 is designed to reflect ‘universal apps,’ meaning that ubiquitous applications such as Office can be run across all the users’ devices.
The upgrade also includes Cortana, Microsoft’s personal assistant feature. (Think the Microsoft version of Apple’s Siri.) Introduced first through mobile phones, Cortana can set reminders, allow users to ask questions using their voices rather than a keyboard, and answer questions using information from the Bing search engine.
There’s also an Action Center that is a lot like the Mac OS X Notification Center. The Action Center displays messages from email or from the system itself. It shows updates that many businesspeople could benefit from, such as weather warnings.
Mac users have long touted their ability to switch among a number of virtual desktops. Windows 10 finally brings the capability to Microsoft’s desktops. It’s very user friendly. Just click or tap the task-switching icon next to the Cortana search box in the taskbar.
Still, each business or organization has its own specific needs and one size doesn’t fit all. A trusted and experienced business technology guide can lead you to the solution that will help you to reach new heights.
Greg Gurev is Head Sherpa at MySherpa Business Technology, an IT managed services provider serving small and mid-size companies and organizations.
