On: July, 20th 2015 | Under: Uncategorized
Windows 10 is the latest Operating System (OS) from Microsoft; you may have read our explanation of Windows 10 the feature, benefits and risks associated with upgrading, plus some Windows 10 help tips.
Having taken all this into account if you are keen to proceed with your upgrade to Windows 10 here is our Before & After advice to help you protect yourself in the noticed a Windows 10 notification on your current system. Here are some Windows 10 help tips:
- Check your computer to see if you have any devices, apps or compatibility issues that would mean an unsuccessful upgrade.
- Check whether your computer has enough resources to run Windows 10. Most computers running Windows 7 or Windows 8 won’t have a problem unless you’re already running out of disk space.
- Download 3GB over your internet connection.
- Build in some protection for ‘rolling back’ the upgrade if it fails.
But being a realistic and slightly cynical systems administrator (one who sees the pain when updates go bad), here’s what I want you to do:
- BEFORE the upgrade, create a System Repair Disk (Windows 7) or USB Recovery Drive (Windows 8)
Instructions for creating a Windows 7 System Repair Disc:
- Click Start, then Control Panel, then System and Maintenance, then Backup and Restore.
- Click Create a System Repair Disc and follow the steps. You will need a blank CD.
Instructions for creating a Windows 8/8.1 System Recovery Drive:http://windows.microsoft.com/en-AU/windows-8/create-usb-recovery-drive
- BEFORE the upgrade, lay your hands on your original software installation CDs and/or license keys for any of your critical software applications.
3. BEFORE the upgrade, confirm that you have a copy of your important files (documents, photos, saved projects etc) somewhere else other than that computer i.e. in OneDrive/Dropbox/Google Drive/external USB hard drive
And sure, if the upgrade goes painlessly, you’ve wasted a little time being super prepared. But if it turns sour, your computer repair person will thank you for your diligence (and so will your wallet when you get their reduced bill).
NOW THE ABSOLUTE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU SHOULD DO AFTER THE UPGRADE IS … create a Windows 10 recovery drive.
- In the ‘Search the web and Windows’ box on the task bar, type Create a recovery then click the Create a recovery drive (Control Panel) that appears in the search results
- Please wait will appear while the computer searches for a USB drive. You’ll need one that holds at least 4GB and it will be completely formatted, so don’t have anything else on it.
- Once the file copy is finished, remove & label your USB recovery drive and store it in a safe place.
A recovery drive is the best way for a computer technician to restore your computer with your settings, but it an only be created BEFORE your computer has any problems.
For a complete Windows 10 Help – Before & After upgrade guide
http://offthescuff.com/2015/06/03/what-you-need-to-do-before-and-after-upgrading-to-windows-10/
Call your nearest Computer Troubleshooters for advice and Windows 10 help with your upgrade.
On: July, 3rd 2015 | Under: Uncategorized
Windows 10 is the latest Operating System (OS) from Microsoft; you may have noticed a Windows 10 notification on your current system. What does it all mean & what should you do?
Microsoft have has announced that eligible computers running Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 can gain a free upgrade to Windows 10 from the of 29th of July. This free upgrade offer is available to be taken over the next 12 month; those who are eligible will receive a system icon and popup on their screens.
Windows 10 notification
Once you have the notification after this date you will be able to upgrade. But the question is should you upgrade or not. Most experts are confident about the stability of this operating system than any previous version. The end user testing (through the Windows Insider program) has been unprecedented, so a significant amount of feedback has already gone into this product from technical people who are very particular! That doesn’t guarantee that your upgrade will go smoothly, but all software upgrades come with a degree of risk.
Windows 10 Recommendation
Our general recommendation is to initially hold off upgrading until there are sufficient worldwide users to stress test the OS and isolate any bugs that may have slipped through testing, after a few weeks there will be a consensus on performance. The free upgrade offer will be available until at least 29th July 2016 so there is no rush. Some of your applications may not work properly or some features may not function. QuickBooks has been identified as a potential problem, for example. Intuit does not have Windows 10 on their supported Operating Systems. Windows 10 introduces a totally new browser called Microsoft Edge/Spartan, replacing Internet Explorer. This is sure to offer challenges and compatibility issues with web based applications many of our clients depend on every day.
Why upgrade to Windows 10?
Windows 10 is regarded as a mesh of the best of Windows 7 look & the enhanced apps & multi device functionality from Windows 8.1. Here are some reasons to upgrade:
- Improved performance – including decreased boot-up time, which is markedly quicker, while better hardware acceleration and a host of other tweaks mean general navigation feels nippier, too. Power management has also been improved, so mobile device battery life tends to be a little longer
- Design – if you were hesitant to move to Windows 8.1 due its look, then Windows 10 takes a compromised view with the with the flat windows and bold colours taking over, but with the old comfort of the Control Panel and Computer Management interfaces using old icons
- Search – Windows 10 greatly enhances the features of search that was started in Windows 7, useful search functions that will quite rapidly look up matching programs and documents as you type. It also provides quick access to core features and your chosen programs. It’s simple but effective. Click on the now separate search box and it will also now include Windows Store apps and web search, with results shown in a much more organised fashioned.
- File Management the tools used for finding and managing your files are some of the most oft used and fundamental to a good operating system. A new Share ribbon which makes it much easier to move files between different apps such as Outlook, Dropbox or Skype. Now copying/moving tasks are grouped into one window for easier management. Transfer speed is also shown in real time and operations can also be paused, where they could only previously be cancelled.
- Tablet Mode & Touchscreens – Windows 10 is a vast improvement over Windows 7 when it comes to user experience and operation on touchscreen devices. Windows 10 is designed to work smoothly across a range of devices, making it much easier to switch between your desktop, hybrid laptop and tablet.
- Price – we don’t know how much a standalone copy of Windows 10 will cost, but the big news is that it is free to upgrade from either Windows 7 or 8 for the first year of Windows 10’s life. So it is tempting, if you’ve got a copy of Windows 7 you’d almost feel like you’re missing out. After all, you can still downgrade back to whatever previous version of Windows you had if you decide you don’t like Windows 10.
If you can see the benefits of upgrading then make sure you read our advice on what to do Before & After you upgrade to Windows 10 or ask you local Computer Troubleshooters for some expert advice
