If you’re still using Win 8 or Win 7, you’re going to be hearing a lot more about July 29th.  That’s the last day that Microsoft has promised to offer free upgrades to Win 10 for users of Win 7 and Win 8 users.  The scare tactics are already in full force- from annoying notifications in Internet Explorer, to popups in your task bar in Windows.  Even the media is getting in on this event, (sometimes not correctly stating the facts), but making sure everyone knows that after July 29th you will have to pay to upgrade to Windows 10.  Let’s run down some important points about this change that will affect millions of computers:

  • “I need to run Windows 10 on my computer”:  Not true- you don’t.  Many people have switched, and many like it, but most confirm that it has a little bit of a learning curve to get used to it.  If you’re not up for that, consider staying on what you have.
  • “My computer won’t work after July 29th”: Not true- your computer will work just fine, but you won’t get the software for free if you choose to upgrade after that date.  There are rumors that Microsoft might extend the offer, or allow a discount to upgrade option for those who don’t upgrade right away- but it’s all speculation- and quite unlikely.
  • “Will my computer be unsupported?”: No- your computer is still supported for years to come.  Microsoft will continue to support Win 7 until Jan 2020, and Win 8 will have until Jan 2023.  Your computer will still be perfectly fine to use for years to come.
  • “Should I get Win 10 on a new computer?”– Yes- if you’re purchasing a new computer, chances are it comes with Win 10, and will be verified by the manufacturer to work correctly.  The only problem with Win 10 besides preference is that sometimes older computers and software made before 2015 do not correctly work in Win 10- something to especially consider if you plan to use it for business purposes.
  • “Can I still buy a new computer with Win 7 or Win 8?”– YES!  Microsoft is allowing these purchases to continue until October 31st, 2016, but after that, don’t count on it.
  • “Did I hear that you don’t need antivirus with Win 10?”– You might have heard this rumor, but it’s far from the truth.  Win 10 has a built-in antivirus package (similar to what Win 7 and Win 8 have in Microsoft Defender), but it’s still going to be no match against spyware and complex viruses.  Consider paid antivirus protection from one of the top companies (Kaspersky, Norton, McAfee, Eset), AND run MalwareBytes on a periodic basis for your best chances for protection.

Here’s our bottom line about Win 10: general home computer users should consider the free upgrade (considering they don’t have any software on their machine that would not support it), and they’re not opposed to change and learning something new.  If you’re using the computer for business purposes, or on an office network with purchased software, think long and hard about making that switch.  In either case, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask us questions about it!

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