Welcome to the PC PAL July 2015 Newsletter
This month we are dedicating our exclusive extended newsletter to inform our customers (and their friends & family of course!) about the launch of Microsoft's brand new Windows 10 operating system!
Microsoft have said that Windows 10 is built from the ground up for a world in which mobile and 'cloud computing' (a fancy word for essentially saving all your data on the Internet) are key. Windows 10 will put the same interface (essentially the same look and feel) on devices with displays ranging in size from 4in to 80in (so that's from smartphones screens all the way to huge monitors used for billboards).
'One product family, one platform, one store,' says Microsoft. Big plans!
Windows 10 is coming this month
Microsoft will be launching the all new Windows 10 on Wednesday July 29th 2015. Yes, that's only in a couple of weeks time!
Windows 10 is the newest operating system from Microsoft and is intended to replace Windows 7 and Windows 8.
Unfortunately, XP or Vista users won't be able to upgrade to Windows 10.
Will Windows 10 really be FREE?
For once, this is a genuine offer from Microsoft! For the first 12 months from its release, Windows 10 is being offered as a FREE upgrade to many users.
However, the bad news is that it won't be available as an upgrade to XP or Vista users. From the launch date of 29th July, new computer systems will be able to be purchased with Windows 10 already installed. But don't panic, your Windows XP, Vista, Window 7 and Windows 8 computers will still continue to work regardless and it's not compulsory to upgrade to Windows 10 immediately!
So is that why the strange new icon suddenly appeared?
Recently, we've had many queries from confused customers asking about a new icon that has appeared on their computer offering Windows 10 for free - many think it may be a scam or Malware. It's actually a genuine alert from Microsoft to build awareness (although some say confusion) about the forthcoming launch of Windows 10. But before you click on this, be sure you know the facts - for example clicking on the 'Get Windows 10' icon on your desktop (see more below) only allows reservation of Windows 10 as it is not actually available until July 29th; after this date you may be put on a waiting list.
Once you have reserved your copy of Windows 10, be aware it is likely to automatically download when available and then remind you regularly to install the program; this could become somewhat annoying!
Tell me about the benefits of Windows 10?
One of the big features of Windows 10 is that the 'Start Menu' is back. The Start Menu contains standard Windows software and Windows apps (these were called Modern UI apps in Windows 8.1, or Metro apps before that, if you want to go right back to the beginning).
Early users testing the 'preview' versions of Windows 10 have also commented that Windows 10 is easier to use than Windows 8.1, with lots of the quirks of previous updates ironed out.
Microsoft have also upgraded their internet browser - now called Edge. Microsoft's Edge has got one great feature which lets you enable and manage passwords. This feature is pretty basic, but it is good enough to meet its purpose. Like most of the popular browsers, Edge also supports the form-fill feature.
Microsoft is committed to upgrading and developing Windows 10, with many new features being rolled out using the Windows Update process rather than storing them up to release them in a new version of Windows every few years - that should mean there won't be a 'Windows 11' in 18 months or so, rather probably a Windows 10.1, 10.2 etc. This is similar to other websites like Facebook, YouTube or LinkedIn who roll out updates 'live' which you may notice only when you log in to use the service directly from their website.
Windows 10 is Free for Windows 7 or 8.1 users, as long as it is downloaded within one year, after that it is expected to cost £99.99 inc VAT.
What are the likely drawbacks for Windows 10?
Well, just like any big change to the look and feel of a program, the different user interface may take some getting used to, especially for Windows 7 users.
There also may be some potential hardware and software compatibility issues - the full impact will not be known until it is launched.
The big download could take several hours to download and install (which may impact on some people's broadband download limits). Other than that, the reviews have been very positive indeed.
Should I download and install it immediately?
It is probably better not to rush in to download the update as if you wait a month or two any problems should have been identified and resolved. If you are going ahead then you will need a very good broadband connection as the download is very large and, as always, make sure you back up all of your precious data, files and photos before running the update.
We can help you with that of course if you don't have a suitable backup system in place or would like some reassurance that your data is safe.
Did I completely miss the 'Windows 9' launch?
Good question! In truth, other than Microsoft chiefs and other people in 'the know', no one really knows why a 'Windows 9' wasn't launched. The rumour mill suggests that the number '9' is unlucky in Japan (a big market for Microsoft), while others have suggested that as the OSX operating system from Apple is also known as OS 10, Microsoft wanted to effectively 'catch-up' with Apple.
Another theory is that Microsoft was concerned about associations with older versions of Windows 95 or Windows 98, which also started with the number '9'. But then again you may recall that Windows 7 followed Vista, whose naming again didn't make much sense at the time! It's just marketing we guess.
What do I do if I need help?
If you want to discuss this further to decide if upgrading to Windows 10 is right for you, arrange a back up of all your data, or need any help with the upgrade please don’t hesitate to call us. We can discuss the options with you and advise you on the right option for you.
