Neil67 Posted June 3, 2015 Share Posted June 3, 2015 I know this is off topic but the forum is great for advice so I thought I would ask. A windows symbol has recently appeared on the bottom line of my laptop offering me a free copy of Windows 10 when it is released next month. The offer appears to come from microsoft. Some questions. Does this sound correct and if so are there any IT gurus out there than can comment on whether or not this is a good idea, given Microsoft's recent efforts. Similarly, I am cautious about being an early adopter! Any advice much appreciated. Neil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Mat Posted June 3, 2015 Share Posted June 3, 2015 My first thought would be... What happened to windows 9??? Surely 8.1 is the latest version? Edited By Ian Mathews on 03/06/2015 21:39:41 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Mat Posted June 3, 2015 Share Posted June 3, 2015 A quick google suggests that it is most certainly adware that has found itself onto your computer... Don't under any circumstances pay any money... And I'd strongly suggest running a decent virus / spyware scan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alec james Posted June 3, 2015 Share Posted June 3, 2015 As I understand it Microsoft are offering FREE Win 10 to existing Win 7 and 8 users. I have already gone on their list. There is to be no Win 9. Lot of info in the weekly computer magazine MICRO MART,has been for a few months. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig Carr Posted June 3, 2015 Share Posted June 3, 2015 Hello Neil, It was on BBC news a few month back that Microsoft are indeed offering a free upgrade to windows 10 for users of the more recent windows. Im currently using win 8.1 and I also have the win 10 icon you mention above Craig EDIT: Sorry cross post with Alec... Ive just followed through the reservation link and it all seems tickety boo. Edited By Craig Carr on 03/06/2015 21:52:25 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Hopkin Posted June 3, 2015 Share Posted June 3, 2015 Windows 10 is indeed pukka release, scheduled for late July and Microshaft are offering free upgrades to Win7 and 8 users However if wont be going to Win10 at least not for 2 or 3 months to let all the initial bug fixing happen first Its not called the bleeding edge of technology for nothing....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete B Posted June 3, 2015 Share Posted June 3, 2015 I'm on W8.1 and it is genuine - details here. I've registered for it, too. One of the principal features will be a return to the classic Start menu and not the touch-screen based 8.1 screen. Having said that, it wasn't difficult to find a classic screen for 8.1 and I run with that at present. Pete Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen Jones Posted June 3, 2015 Share Posted June 3, 2015 Hi , It is True Microsoft are indeed offering free upgrade to Windows 10 to users of Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 but NOT to Business users . They may even push to users of Windows XP later on . This is attempt to win back users it has lost to Cromebook and Linux users. Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Stringer Posted June 3, 2015 Share Posted June 3, 2015 As has been said users of Windows 7 or 8 can have Windows 10 for free ... but they need to register and the offer is only for 12 months from the release date. I wouldn't follow the link on your task bar just in case. . Just head to the Microsoft site and find the details there to register yourself. Now i wonder if they can combine FPV and Hololens goggles into one .. it is part of Windows 10 and is pretty cool. ... http://youtu.be/aThCr0PsyuA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kc Posted June 4, 2015 Share Posted June 4, 2015 Which? ( Consumers Association) stated a few months back that the Windows 10 upgrade would be available free from Microsoft for 1 year from the release date. However if you read the Microsoft site you will see some warnings about not being able to go back to your previous Windows unless you have the disc to do a complete reinstall. Also note the dates when Vista & Win 7 will no longer be supported. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Meade Posted June 4, 2015 Share Posted June 4, 2015 I've been using the Windows 10 technical preview for quite some time now, dual booting my Win 7 install (just in case!) It's very good, but they have plenty of work to do before the release date. Thankfully SolidWorks and my Up 3D printer software run on it still, so have been getting lots of testing in. Windows 10 runs faster and is less resource hungry than previous OS'es too, which can only be a good thing - I think they have a winner on their hands. Windows 9 was skipped due to some internal numbering thing at Microsoft. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Whybrow Posted June 4, 2015 Share Posted June 4, 2015 As Andy alluded to, Windows 9 couldn't be used due to the legacy versions 95 and 98; software installers check for the Windows version and one of the strings they check is Win9 which matches 95 and 98, but would also match Windows 9 and 9.0, etc. There was some talk about 10 being distributed for free but then needing to be paid for to use, along the lines of Office 365; I'm not sure if it was pay to use your PC for a month, for example or pay to get updates and support. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avtur Posted June 4, 2015 Share Posted June 4, 2015 Mac have moved to the no cost upgrade for the operating system so perhaps that has influenced Microsoft. By coincidence my invitation to reserve 'W10' popped up today (I'm currently on W7), so I went ahead and reserved it. The end user is left to decide when to activate the install. Edited By avtur on 04/06/2015 19:15:04 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barrie Dav 2 Posted July 29, 2015 Share Posted July 29, 2015 From what I have heard W.10 is a cut-down program without some of the features in W.7 etc. Perhaps that's why people have said that it is faster and less memory hungry. I don't know what the truth is but I'll not install until later in the year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area 51 Posted July 29, 2015 Share Posted July 29, 2015 I read the other day windows 10 will remove some of the ability to personalise the OS; additionally it will include automatic mandatory updates - all of which you may not necessarily want!.. I would only opt for a new OS when it has run for a few months to let other correct the issues, much the same with any new product.. Take this time to read up on its features to see if they are exactly what your expect, want or need! Future support dates on software is here http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows/lifecycle Edited By Area 51 on 29/07/2015 10:36:09 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Wright Stuff Posted July 29, 2015 Share Posted July 29, 2015 Posted by Martin Whybrow on 04/06/2015 12:48:51: As Andy alluded to, Windows 9 couldn't be used due to the legacy versions 95 and 98; software installers check for the Windows version and one of the strings they check is Win9 which matches 95 and 98, but would also match Windows 9 and 9.0, etc. Windows 9 was eaten by Windows 7 (I know this because 7 8 9)! Sigh! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ken anderson. Posted July 29, 2015 Share Posted July 29, 2015 anyone got the win 10 download delivered to them yet? ken Anderson...ne.....1..... PC Tech dept. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrumpyGnome Posted July 29, 2015 Share Posted July 29, 2015 nope did a full backup early doors this morning, ready for the big event. Checked for updates and got mildly excited when it said there was one - not W10 though ........................ GG Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon H Posted July 29, 2015 Share Posted July 29, 2015 it is a 3 gig DL, and with the world and his wife downloading it I doubt DL rates will be very fast Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Hopkin Posted July 29, 2015 Share Posted July 29, 2015 My advise would be to wait a while before upgrading - I dont like being on the bleeding edge of technology! wait for a few weeks and let the initial few bug fixes take place Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dai Fledermaus Posted July 29, 2015 Share Posted July 29, 2015 Interesting article in this months issue of Web User giving the pros and cons of upgrading to Windows 10 Perhaps their most pertinent advice is that even if MS 10 is relatively stable it will need a load of updates to fix all the problems which will crop up in the early months from it's launch, so it's best to stick with your existing operating system until all these glitches have been ironed out. More troubling is that the updates will be mandatory. Home users will have no say in which updates are installed and when. If you have ever had to disable Windows Update which sometimes screws up rather than improves your operating system or security this not necessarily good news. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gavin Mack Posted July 29, 2015 Share Posted July 29, 2015 I have just upgraded to windows 10 from windows 7 ultimate No problems, I accept that there will be a few niggling problems my windows 10 reserve icon disappeared so I used the download tool in link below. this can be used for upgrading or downloading an iso for standalone/clean install. use at own risk https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10 Edited By Gavin Mack on 29/07/2015 17:05:52 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dai Fledermaus Posted July 29, 2015 Share Posted July 29, 2015 I forgot to add that if for some reason you don't like Windows 10, it is possible to return to 7 or 8 provided you do it within 30 days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig Carr Posted July 30, 2015 Share Posted July 30, 2015 I was going to wait a month or so but took the plunge and upgraded today from 8.1 to 10 Took less than an hour without any fuss or drama. Edited By Craig Carr on 30/07/2015 21:50:39 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil67 Posted July 30, 2015 Author Share Posted July 30, 2015 Well done Craig. I have tried twice just to set up a schedule for install date. Fell at first fence with two "something went wrong, try again later" messages. My laptop is fairly new with windows seven. Let us know how you get on after a few days/weeks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.