The Good, the Bad, and Windows 10

Microsoft has a long, questionable history of releasing new operating systems.

To the surprise of no one, Windows 10 is no different.

Windows 10 boasts a seamless upgrade from your previous operating system. When it works: you don’t have to do a thing, and all your files are exactly where you left them.

But when it doesn’t, you face a variety of situations.

Windows may refuse to upgrade your computer. Or something may malfunction and you need to downgrade back to your previous system (which is still fairly simple but still rather annoying).

I’m one of the lucky few and my experience with upgrading to Windows to 10 has been painless. I did have one work station that wouldn’t upgrade, but it was an older Vista machine so past suffering earns it a bye.

It’s Still Windows

Be prepared for a completely different interface. If you updated to Windows 8, you’ll be exposed to the concept of “apps” instead of programs.

Windows 10 is much easier to manage than Windows 8, but it will be a bit of shock for those moving from Windows 7.

There is also quite a bit of “Where do I find . . . ?” when trying to locate some of the features you’re used to using.

My introduction at work came with a new all-in-one computer, and adjusting some of the settings on the computer itself – brightness, mouse control, etc. – were problematic as well. This required IT downloading additional updates and programs to manage basic computer functions.

There’s an App for That

Most of us are used to downloading and using apps on our phones and tablets. Now we can include our computers in this experience.

The Microsoft Store is full of apps. Fitbit, Netflix, and most of your favorite games are there.

However, there are some useful business and productivity apps to browse through as well. Just like with your phone – check the publisher and be sure it’s safe before you think about downloading something onto any computer that connects with your confidential information.

It Wasn’t a Traumatic Event

Overall, the upgrade wasn’t a bad experience for me. I had more growing pains getting used to the new computer than I did to Windows 10.

My home experience was completely painless on both my desktop and laptop.

The key is to consider if you have any programs that may not be compatible. Check with database software provider to make sure it will work, as well as any essential supporting software.

If you have a large enough firm, you may be able to test the upgrade on one computer – preferably the person in your office who is the most tech savvy, then roll it out to others once it’s been determined that everything works properly on the operating system.

The Final Verdict

I like Windows 10.

I also liked Windows XP and Windows 7.

I was not a fan of Windows Vista or Windows 8, although I was able to tolerate Windows 8 on my touch screen laptop.

So in my rocky history with Windows, I am at a happy point in my life. I don’t know how long they’ll let me stay here though.