Questions for you computer gurus

[AdaSooner]

In the past several weeks I have received a pop up window from Microsoft urging me to take advantage of a free Windows 10 update. I have avoided it so far, because I don't really want the hassle of importing everything I use on my current software, Windows 7 Professional. Besides, I'm perfectly happy with Windows 7, so I don't know if I need to update to what appears to be a more sophisticated operating system.

Additionally, three days ago I began to lose the connection on some of the web sites I frequent; not all just a few web sites I use fairly often.

First, what is your experience or opinion with Windows 10? Would I be wise to take advantage of the free update or continue to ignore it?

My second question, is it possible the disconnects on the web sites I referenced are being caused by Microsoft in an effort to get me to upgrade to Windows 10?

Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer!

 

[SoonerTraveler]

I’m with you Ada. I am perfectly satisfied with Windows 7 Home Premium and see no need to upgrade. Is Windows 10 actually an upgrade for someone using a home PC and only doing basic tasks? I have also ignored the daily onslaught from Microsoft, with their Windows 10 ad that pops up every time I turn on my PC.

Here is my question. For someone that has no mobile device, and only queries the internet and types the occasional email on their home PC, what is the advantage of making the “upgrade”? What is the disadvantage?

 

[AdaSooner]

Trav, if the frequent pop ups every time you turn on your PC are not enough to irritate you, an article I found will do the trick. Here's an excerpt:

Microsoft has finally admitted that Windows 10 has been trying to install itself on some Windows 7 and Windows 8 PCs without the knowledge of the owners of said machines.
This has been widely reported for some time now, so it's about time Redmond came forward with some clarification on the issue.

As Forbes reports, Microsoft explained that the problem was due to an apparent bug with an automatic update that was rolled out to Windows 7 and 8 users starting back in August – triggering multiple unauthorised attempted installations in some cases.

When I realized what Microsoft had been doing, and that it might have contributed to the web site disconnects I have experienced, I decided then and there that I would not download Windows 10 under any circumstances!

The disconnects have stopped now, and admittedly Microsoft may not have contributed to it. The reasons were and will likely remain a mystery to me, as is the case with more than my share of the obstacles I run into in operating a computer. But, when a company tries to force me to accept what they're selling, I am rock solid in my conviction that I will not let it happen.

Scru Microsoft!

 

[thebigabd]

I have used Windows 7 at home and work extensively, and while I enjoy it, I can say that Windows 10 is superior across the board. Your applications and machine run better with Windows 10 than on Windows 7, it looks better, feels better, etc.

Of course, there is a small learning curve you have to get used to.

I am still getting used to some of the "learning curve" items but all in all, I like Windows 10 better than 7. I would do the free upgrade.

 

[globecode]

I do system administration for a small company and would agree that Windows 10 is a nice improvement over Windows 7. I am on the verge of updating our entire office. The search capabilities are very nice and file explorer is improved as well.

However if you don't want to do it, you can get rid of the pop ups asking you to upgrade with a utility called GWX Control Panel (http://ultimateoutsider.com/downloads/). It is free and the developer has continued to update it when MS changes how they notify you (for example you could turn off the notifications and MS would turn them on without your permission).

If you do decide to upgrade to Win 10, I would recommend that you do it without connecting to the internet. Basically download the update and as soon as the download is finished pull your ethernet cable or turn off your wifi. This will force MS to have you create a local account (like you have with Win 7) and not connect it to a Microsoft account which pushes usage data to the cloud and to MS.

 

[AdaSooner]

Thanks for the advice, bigabd and globecode!

You made some good points in favor of downloading Windows 10, so I may have to rethink my decision. I use my PC mainly for basic stuff like e-mail, surfing the web, storing photos, music downloads and business files, etc. I'm not good enough on a computer to use most of the bells and whistles, even if I had them. That may be why I'm perfectly happy with Windows 7, whereas someone like you may see Windows 7 as outdated.

In any event, looks like I need to give my decision some more thought. Thanks again for your help!

 

[SoonerTraveler]

In any event, looks like I need to give my decision some more thought. Thanks again for your help!

Same here. Thanks to all!

 

[DenverSooner]

I do system administration for a small company and would agree that Windows 10 is a nice improvement over Windows 7. I am on the verge of updating our entire office. The search capabilities are very nice and file explorer is improved as well.

However if you don't want to do it, you can get rid of the pop ups asking you to upgrade with a utility called GWX Control Panel (http://ultimateoutsider.com/downloads/). It is free and the developer has continued to update it when MS changes how they notify you (for example you could turn off the notifications and MS would turn them on without your permission).

If you do decide to upgrade to Win 10, I would recommend that you do it without connecting to the internet. Basically download the update and as soon as the download is finished pull your ethernet cable or turn off your wifi. This will force MS to have you create a local account (like you have with Win 7) and not connect it to a Microsoft account which pushes usage data to the cloud and to MS.

I have been told that operating system upgrades ultimately make your computer obsolete because the new systems require more memory (or better processors or something) and the new achines have them.

Have you heard this and is there any truth to it in your opinion