Hi all,

If you have a computer running any legitimate version of Windows 7, 8 or 8.1, you now have the opportunity to upgrade your computer's operating system to Windows 10 for free.
As this just became available recently (you may have received a notification for that on your desktop), read on to find out whether you should go ahead with the upgrade, or maybe stick with what you got.

Microsoft has finally released their newest computer operating system, called Windows 10, to the market.

This is the first time that Microsoft is offering their operating system software for free, to customers who are already running a Microsoft Windows operating system from version 7 or higher.

The upgrade is offered for free for one year, offer ends July 2016.

The first question to ask is, "do I really need this upgrade? Would I benefit from it?"

Here are some guide lines to help you decide:

If you are running any version of Windows 8 or 8.1, you should probably go ahead without hesitation.
Windows 10 brings back the familiar and loved Desktop screen environment while addressing numerous issues introduced by Windows 8 and 8.1.

If your computer is less than 4 years old, and your system displays poor performance, frequent hangs or crashes and generally feels “not quite right”, it’s a good idea to upgrade with a clean install (after verifying that your hardware is all good).
Clean install means backing up any important personal files, then wipe the system and install Windows 10 from scratch rather than upgrading the old system and keeping programs and settings.
A clean install will make sure you don’t get any software settings problems imported into the new setup, but potentially costs much more time if you have a lot of personal data and 3rd party software that needs to be backed up and then imported/installed back into the new system.

If your computer is more than 4 years old, check your hardware specifications carefully before deciding to upgrade. You may find out that it is underpowered or have hardware components that are not supported in Windows 10, leading to further unexpected expenses.

Enhaced security:

If you store sensitive data on your system then the added security offered by the newest encryption and authentication methods implemented in Windows 10 can offer you better protection. This, however, will require some education and habit creation to take advantage of.

Finally, if you’re running Windows 7, are perfectly happy with the way your system is running and there’s nothing you need to do that can’t be done on it, do not upgrade! There’s always a learning curve when moving to a new environment, which cost time and often reduce productivity, at least for a while.

Windows 7 is a good system, but consider the upgrade if you like to be in the leading edge of technology, if you wish to increase your online security, use biometric sensors or any other cutting edge new hardware not supported in Windows 7.

Performing the upgrade:

While the software is free, upgrading your existing system is not always straight forward.

While it is offered by Windows to be automatically done by its own updating system, things may require tweaking and configuring while performing the upgrade, depending on the specific software environment of the specific system being upgraded.

In some conditions the auto update can crash and leave you with a non-functioning box.

If you wish to upgrade your system but unsure about the process and want it to be professionally done, or simply don’t have the time or will to do it yourself, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

If your current system is healthy then the upgrade can be done while keeping all your current settings, personal files and software, and typically takes between 1.5 and 3 hours, depending on your hardware configuration and internet connection quality.

If your current system is having some issues, hang or crash frequently and displays poor performance, a clean install is recommended, after verifying that there’s nothing wrong with the physical hardware.

This can take anything from 1.5 hours if you don’t have anything you want to keep from the old system, up to a few hours depending on what needs to be backed up first and restored after the upgrade.

If you consider upgrading and need help, or have started to upgrade and ran into problems, please do not hesitate contacting me for an assessment and a quote.

**

Keep on reading if you want to know more about the new Windows 10 Operating System:

It’s the Windows you know, only better.

Some highlights about the system and some new features introduced in Windows 10:

Familiar desktop environment:

Windows 10 is familiar and easy to use, with lots of similarities to Windows 7 including the Start menu. It starts up and resumes fast, has more built-in security to help keep you safe, and is designed to work with software and hardware you already have.

"Edge" is a brand new web browser replacing the old and bulky "Internet Explorer".

Microsoft Edge lets you move quickly from browsing to doing. Write (if you have a touch screen or stylus pad) or type notes directly on webpages and share them with others, read online articles free of distraction, and save your favourite reads for convenient access later.

Multiple desktop screens:

Virtual desktops help you get to “done” faster by creating multiple workspace screens, as if you had multiple monitors connected to your computer.

Better managing your desktop, snap up to four things on one screen at the same time and create virtual desktops whenever you need more space or want to group things by project, like Office apps for work and games for play.

Built-in apps that work across your other Windows 10 devices:

Windows 10 comes with built-in apps like Maps, Photos, Mail & Calendar, Music, Movies & News. These apps use Microsoft OneDrive to back up your information and sync seamlessly across your Windows 10 devices, so you’re never far from what you need.

Interact with your device however you want

Touch, type, write, or speak:

You can use whatever works best for what you’re doing.

· Touch: Do things like write on a webpage, swipe through your photos, and snap apps into place (obviously requires a touch screen).

· Type: When you need to get more done, use your keyboard or the touch keyboard on devices with touch.

· Write: Use a pen to draw naturally, or add notes to files, sign documents, or play around with art apps.

· Speak: Just by talking, you can ask Cortana to set a reminder or write an email, and chat with friends and family on Skype.

(Cortana experience may vary by region and device)

Biometric security - you literally are the password:

On biometric-sensor equipped (fingerprint reader, illuminated IR sensor, retina scanner or other biometric sensors) computers your device authenticates and recognizes you based on your presence, providing extra security and convenience. Any device can carry your content.

Notes:

(*) Broadband internet required for some features (ISP fees apply). Xbox Live features only available with supported games in Xbox Live-supported countries, see http://xbox.com/live/countries.

Keep warm!

Cheers

Tai

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