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Just got an invitation on some but not all of my computers to get in-line to download free upgrade. Why would Microsoft do this? I have spent Quite a bit of money on previous versions of Windows, why is this one suddenly free? Will it foul Amazing Charts, or would it maybe even work faster? Should I wait for it to be tested a bit? Marlon

Until 8.2.2, you could not install AC on Win10 (perhaps it was a later version of Win10?)

That being said, I just started playing around with AC on Win10 and it seems to work OK.

Interesting that you have been invited to get in line. I have not seen this yet on any computers, but supposedly upgrades from Win7 on up will be free for everything but enterprise. Apparently, one thing I read is that upgrades are small potatoes for M$. But it will make everything much simpler to have everyone on the same version. Apparently upgrades will only be free for 1 year. This version requires upgrades, no pick and choose. It apparently also will not allow dual booting with 2 operating systems since this has been one method of hacking windows.

For the most part Win10 is fairly stable. I have seen a few glitches but it is a beta program. I have been using it on my laptop for lightweight things for almost 6 months. Again, I was just able to install AC from my laptop to my home computer with a test database last week. Speedwise, it seems about the same as Win8.1. The official version is supposed to be out before the fall (late July was the last thing I read.)

Take your time about upgrading. Use a inconsequential machine (or even one that has XP on it) and download a version and play with it. When you are comfortable with the differences (it's a blend of Windows 7 start with Windows 8 start/store/apps) consider whether you will upgrade.

Windows 10 being free is not an insult, its the right thing to do. By making Windows 10 free, Microsoft solves several problems. Before anyone gets on here and says it's an apology for Windows 8, allow me to clarify.

Firstly, and this is the main goal, Microsoft is attempting to unify its code base across all operating systems. The idea is that the same code you write to run on a tablet running Windows will also work on a Windows desktop, a Windows phone, and even the Xbox. This cuts down a tremendous amount of developer cost and keeps customers from having to buy multiple versions of one app for each platform.

Secondly, this is pretty much the only way Microsoft has at its disposal to get people off of other aging operating systems such as Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. Windows 7 is now 5 years old. There are many still on XP, unbelievably.

Thirdly, it lowers support costs. It takes a lot of money to support that many generations of Windows. I even get called to support Windows XP to this day. I say NO, of course, but the fact I'm still getting these calls is astounding. But the main reason people say they don't want to upgrade is cost being cheap.

With the exception of several interface changes, Windows 10 will have the same underpinnings at Windows 8.x so AC should run just fine. Do keep in mind that Windows 10 is still not Released to Manufacturing and AC has not come out and said they would publicly support Windows 10 so, for now, use at your own risk. At Wendell said, use a spare computer to experiment with but don't go into production just yet.

JamesNT

So you are saying Win 10 is free to apologize for the disaster that was Win 8?

Good to have you back, James.

Official dates have been posted as well as prices. More info here:
http://bgr.com/2015/06/02/windows-10-prices-free-reservation/

Hi everyone,

I had heard speculation that Microsoft may be considering making Win10 a yearly subscription, much as MS Office has changed from buying a license to "renting" year by year.

Needless paranoia on my part?

Thanks.

Gene

Microsoft's silence on the issue speaks volumes. The fact they are not directly answering it suggests Windows 10 or its following versions will be subscription.

My guess is that if you're not one of the people who upgrades in the next year. You will be paying for it annually. Again, this is total speculation.

I hope that Microsoft can reach some middle ground like they did with Office 365 and still offer a perpetual license version. E.g. Office 365 and Office 2013. Windows 365 and Windows 10. My guess is that they will play it by ear.

Let's keep it real, offering "Windows-as-a-service" is really about the money. The end-user gains little benefit. I'm always hesitant about moving critical system infrastructure to the cloud. Even AC in the Cloud doesn't make much sense to me since it's updated so infrequently and it's not like it requires constant maintenance.

From Microsoft

"Windows 10 ("Windows") is a personalized computing environment that enables you to seamlessly roam and access services, preferences and content across your computing devices from phones to tablets to the Surface Hub. Rather than residing as a static software program on your device, key components of Windows are cloud-based, and both cloud and local elements of Windows are updated regularly, providing you with the latest improvements and features. In order to provide this computing experience, we collect data about you, your device, and the way you use Windows. And because Windows is personal to you, we give you choices about the personal data we collect and how we use it. For more information about data collection and privacy in Windows, go to http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=529552."

Any idea of the significance of this line

"Rather than residing as a static software program on your device, key components of Windows are cloud-based"????

Thanks

Gene

It probably refers to things like One-Drive storage instead of local storage. Also user authentication using Live accounts instead of local accounts. Probably some cloud/virtual apps. I don't see the point of offloading the system core.

This parts worries me the most: "we collect data about you, your device, and the way you use Windows"

Most people don't know how extensive the data collection capabilities of Windows 7 are. You can track all web activity, what programs are used and how frequently, times you are on the computer.

It probably refers to things like One-Drive storage instead of local storage. Also user authentication using Live accounts instead of local accounts. Probably some cloud/virtual apps. I don't see the point of offloading the system core.

This parts worries me the most: "we collect data about you, your device, and the way you use Windows"

Most people don't know how extensive the data collection capabilities of Windows 7 are. You can track all web activity, what programs are used and how frequently, times you are on the computer, and much more.

Microsoft does this to make Windows and other products better. If you really want to fear the data someone collects about you, fear Google.

JamesNT

They already do with enterprise volume licensing. I wonder how well it has worked with Office 365 outside of the business world. There seem to be a lot more people use free office products now than in the past. The student version of Office 365 is heavily discounted and in some cases free (buried in the university fees.)

Can they pull it off in the OS arena? Probably depends on what they can add beyond the current base level: Increased One-Drive Storage, Inclusion on Office "lighter" Better integration. New gizmo's. Even only include Defender on the paid version. All of these might be enough to convince people to pay.

It seems to me the Microsoft see's the future in the cloud. I'm not sure that the average home computer user would agree. This might change as internet speeds increase, but that cost needs to be somewhat stable as well.

does anyone know if win 10 will include bit locker or is there a pro version ?
also if we have an encrypted disk with bit locker do we have to decrypt before installing win 10 ?
thanks
Bala

They both do. But Microsoft has more extensive capabilities. I suspect they will use them more with the upcoming cloud-based releases. Maybe even an ad-based version if your subscription expires.

Especially as processing demands are evening out, with each generation of processors, performance is improving marginally. Compare the i5-2500 (2011) vs i5-4670 (2014). For the average user, they are indiscernible when it comes to performance. Couple that with Solid State storage coming with 10 year warranties and lifetime on memory. PC's and Servers are lasting much longer.

What would an annual subscription to Win10 likely cost?
Would that be for every machine in the office?
I don't get this IT business model--
The basic cost of hardware isn't too bad, but maintenance costs, and decreased productivity (even 5 years into this project) combined with continued downward pressure on reimbursement makes office practice less and less viable. Hardly a day goes by that I don't wonder if I should bail.