Windows 10 – The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
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“Windows Updates aren’t always a good thing”, says Sarah Tew of CNET while narrating the story of Teri Goldstein, travel agent from California and her experience with the latest version of Windows. The new update for Windows 10 rolled out on 29th July last year. Many Windows 7 and 8.1 OS users received free updates. The anniversary update is expected on August 2nd this year. Those who have not yet upgraded are being shown the pop up screen informing them that the free upgrade is soon to end. Geex has put together the good, bad, and the ugly about Windows 10 for your convenience.
Feature Highlights
The anniversary update (2nd August), is expected to improve Cortana, Ink, and windows Hello. The IE browser will be replaced by Edge so if you decide to upgrade you should upgrade your browser too. Edge supports biometrics so you can use your fingers to login.
Cortana and other applications will be more tuned in to the Surface Pen to make your work easier. This means that you can simply write down a note as you would on paper and Cortana will add the reminder for you. Similarly you can use the pen for drawing a route on your Google Map.
Google devices can be unlocked with wearables in the new OS. Other features include pre-loaded Skype apps, better menus, coloured title bars, additional features in the Start menu, messaging via Cortna if you have a Windows 10 phone, and better browsing using Edge. Although Edge extensions are not supported, this is expected to be included in updates in the new future.
What Users Say
Windows 10 had more than its share of teething troubles. Some claim that the product was launched prematurely without fine tuning. While this claim is disputed, the fact is that the new version of Windows is significantly different from its predecessors. With the new release, Windows OS has moved to the category of service rather than software – at least conceptually so you can expect regular updates. Automatic updates bring on board new features and services. The next one is expected on the anniversary and one may assume there would be several more to come.
Says Matt Egan of PC Advisor, though the fall update had many new features, they were insignificant. Users have been asking whether or not to install the new update but apparently they do not have a choice.
Installation
Of those who have already installed the updates, many are happy and enjoying the new features. Others discovered to their peril, that all was not good and dandy with the updates. Some users complained that the update never ran beyond 44%. This bug was reported and resolved. Apparently you need to free up space – not an easy task considering Windows 10 requires 20 GB to install! Another fault (?) noticed by users is that the installation changes or deletes existing software, most of which is monitoring software. There are those who questioning, “Is Microsoft removing potential rivals to pave the way for their own offering?” One really quirky thing about Windows 10 is that you have to wait a month before you can install the next update. Naturally people ask why? Some unlucky users simply do not see the update despite waiting the required 31 days! These users have to find a round about way to install the new update. And finally when all is well, the welcome installation dialog box will appear. But wait! Make sure you have taken a complete back up just in case some of the apps or software gets changed or deleted remember?
Do you really need it?
Good Question! As of 29th July 2016, it will no longer be free. It will cost you a good £99.99 for the home version while the professional one is priced at £189.99. That’s one good reason not to install right? Well Microsoft is really pushing for an upgrade with its “Sorry to interrupt…” screen. And why not? There are some great features included in the new OS. Besides older versions like Windows XP and Windows 7 may no longer be supported so you really have no choice.
