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Should We Upgrade to Windows 10 now? Short answer: no.

 Chris Filippi

July 27^th, 2015

Microsoft has begun doling out the “free” upgrade from Windows 7/8/8.1 to the new Windows 10 operating system. This is a first for Microsoft, as previous OS version upgrades were typically performed via an upgrade disc and license key (along with a one-time purchase price).   You may also be seeing a notification on your computer indicating your computer is ready for Windows 10.

So you already know our immediate opinion, but let’s delve a little deeper as to why we’re saying “no” right now, when we’ll say “yes” (or “maybe”), and other considerations you should know before diving into the latest Windows release.

Windows 10 is fairly exciting in the tech space because:

1. It features Cortana – Microsoft’s analog to Siri on the iPhone.
2. It has a new web browser, Microsoft Edge, which replaces Internet Explorer.
3. The Start menu is back (a long standing complaint of Windows 8) with new features.
4. The schizophrenia between Windows 8’s “metro” interface and the traditional desktop has been elegantly solved.
5. Windows 10 will reportedly work effectively the same on all devices, big and small, allowing a truly contiguous user experience.
6. With extended support for Windows 7 ending in 5 years and the inevitable discontinuation of new systems shipping with Windows 7, Windows 10 is likely to become the de facto PC operating system for quite a while.

You can read all about the new windows here: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/features.

We’ve performed extensive testing on Windows 10 and have been surprised at how compatible it is. In fact, on one of our older test systems that we had substantial trouble getting peripherals (such as the finger print reader) to work on Windows 8, we were completely stunned that virtually every doodad appeared to work flawlessly without additional driver downloads. Furthermore, we were pleasantly surprised that the new interface was fairly intuitive. That said, it was very clear that Windows 10 had much more of Windows 8 underneath than Windows 7. Thus, we frequently found system changes had to be done the Windows 8 way instead of those familiar to Windows 7.

Windows 10 also poses some very big challenges for our clients:

1. Since Windows 10 is much more Windows 8.1 than Windows 7, users familiar with Windows 7 will still find Windows 10 somewhat foreign.
2. Software that works on Windows 7 but had trouble on Windows 8/8.1 will likely continue to have trouble on Windows 10.
3. While Microsoft has made herculean efforts to provide support for virtually all hardware that works on Windows 7, there are undoubtedly countless peripherals and components that work fine on Windows 7 but will have issues with Windows 10.
4. No operating system release in human history has been more tested than Windows 10, but it is still new and thus getting support for applications on Windows 10 from software vendors will be initially difficult.
5. All signs point to Windows 10 becoming a “subscription-based” operating system. Thus, what is “free” today will likely become a monthly/annual renewal at some point. While it’s unclear what will happen if you don’t pay or what you get if you do, it’s safe to say that Windows 10 (and subsequent Windows releases) will not be a one-time expense nor “free” by any stretch.

Thus, we’re strongly advising against installing Windows 10 or purchasing systems with Windows 10 preinstalled for at least a few months for the following reasons:

1. As with all new operating systems, there are inevitably countless compatibility issues at initial release – the majority of these usually get sorted out after a few months at the expense of early adopters’ frustrations.
2. From a productivity standpoint, Windows 10 has little improvement to offer the modern desktop. Users aren’t going to start barking orders to Cortana and the replacement of Internet Explorer is likely to create more problems in the business world than it’ll solve.
3. Changing the user experience is never a good idea unless there’s an immediate benefit. While Windows 10 certainly starts faster than Windows 7, offers superior touch-screen support, etc., there’s very little the average user will be able to take advantage of vs. the frustration of adapting to a new working environment.
4. Upgrading the operating system on a computer that’s currently experiencing problems is highly unlikely to solve any of them. Thus, users with slow or unreliable Windows 7 computers will likely be better served repairing or reinstalling Windows 7 than wasting time with an upgrade that may make the problems worse and increase the difficulty of repair.
5. Since the long term costs of switching to Windows 10 are completely unknown, it’s impossible to recommend an appropriate upgrade/update strategy. Until these costs (and perceived public acceptance or refusal of said costs) are better understood, it makes no sense to risk additional licensing expense for the simple sake of having the latest Windows version.
6. There are a number of privacy concerns with the Windows 10, the bulk of which have yet to be understood. As the nature, manageability, and intent of the data collection Microsoft has implementing is largely unknown (and highly reliant on third-party research), we cannot assure users their information nor computer use is safe.

Since Windows 7 will be supported by Microsoft until 2020, it’s reasonable to assume that all Windows 7 computers currently in the field or purchased this year be supported for their service lifetime. By the time Windows 7 is no longer available preinstalled for new system purchases (probably within 6 months), we will likely be recommending Windows 10 as opposed to Windows 8.1. At that point, new systems will have hardware specifically designed to work with Windows 10 and the majority of common software/hardware ailments should be sufficiently vetted and solved.

For those users who plan on keeping computers with Windows 7 installed beyond 2020, we have three, distinct, recommendations:

1. Upgrade to Windows 10 after 6 months of release (or when sufficient compatibility testing is concluded) while the “free” upgrade is still available (before 7/29/2016).
2. Purchase an OEM Windows 10 license/subscription in conjunction with a hardware upgrade sometime before 2020.
3. Stick with Windows 7 until 2020, then purchase a new Windows license/subscription or take the system off-line.

There are a handful of situations where an end-user may wish to install Windows 10 shortly after its release this Wednesday:

1. They have a personal touchscreen desktop/laptop, tablet, or 2-in-1 that is currently running Windows 8 and are dying for a change despite the potential consequences.
2. They have a handicap that makes a virtual assistant like Cortana a huge time saver.
3. They plan on using 3-D printing that requires the Windows 10 3-D Builder application.
4. They’re an avid gamer with an Xbox One and are looking forward to the Xbox capabilities within Windows 10.

For these situations, we offer the following advice:

1. Create a full image backup of the current system onto an external hard drive and make sure you have the recovery tools available (e.g. Windows Recovery media, bootable USB drive, etc.)
2. Check ALL your critical applications with their respective software manufacturers to ensure they’re compatible with Windows 10.
3. Make sure your drivers and key applications are fully updated.
4. Run the Microsoft Compatibility Checker to make sure your hardware is supported under Windows 10. See this article for more information: http://www.zdnet.com/article/will-your-pc-run-windows-10-use-this-well-hidden-compatibility-checker-to-find-out/
5. After installation, install any available updates from Microsoft.
6. Test, test, test. If there are any potential deal breakers, it’s always better to find out before you invest the time in configuring your new operating system.

There’s zero doubt that Windows 10 is here to stay and will become commonplace in the modern office. However, there is no need to rush headlong into this new world – especially given how well Windows 7 works and how generally comfortable users are with it. Furthermore, there’s little risk of “missing the boat” with the “free” upgrade opportunity as eligible systems will be able to upgrade for a full year after the release on Wednesday. While Windows 7 may become the next Windows XP of 2020 (orphaned by Microsoft but still with widespread use), for the next five years it will remain a completely viable PC operating system and might just be substantially cheaper in the long run.

-Chris Filippi

October, 2013

It’s official: the most successful Windows operating system (and arguably Microsoft’s best product ever) will no longer be supported as of April 8, 2014. If you’re a small business, odds are you still have quite a few Windows XP workstations in your arsenal. And why not? They work, users are comfortable with them, they run all the programs you need, and they talk to all the hardware you have. So, who cares if Microsoft is ending support? Trust me: you do, and I’ll explain why.

But first, a little history. Windows XP (short for eXPerience) was first released in August of 2001 and was eagerly anticipated as it replaced two very unpopular predecessors: namely Windows ME and Windows 2000. Though based largely on Windows 2000, XP offered a familiar, colorful, and intuitive user interface with a robust and reliable backbone, which was rapidly accepted by users, businesses, and hardware/software manufacturers alike to become the standard platform around which the post-Y2K PC world would revolve. This wide-spread approval became a self-fulfilling prophecy: as more and more users adopted XP, manufacturers and developers were inclined to make their stuff work with XP. Then in 2005 (via possibly the greatest marketing blunder since New Coke), Microsoft attempted to succeed XP with the notorious Windows Vista. Incomplete and horribly disappointing, Vista quickly became new technology to avoid. This schism led manufacturers to offer the aging Windows XP preinstalled on new systems instead of the newfangled Vista (aka “downgrade”), which was monumentally unprecedented: imagine a car salesman telling you, “We’ve had so many complaints about our new navigation system, so we’ll replace it with a Thomas Guide for free.” Faced with the overwhelming rejection of Vista and continued proliferation of XP, Microsoft extended support for Windows XP far beyond their at-the-time standard of an 8-year cycle (security fixes for 8 years and no new features after the first 4 years) to an astounding 12 years (if you’re not impressed, try going to Ikea to get a replacement door handle for the Galant cabinet you bought 12 years ago). As an added consequence, Microsoft expanded their future support policy for business applications (such as Windows and Office) from 8 years to 10 years.

Alas, the XP show must eventually close and the set stricken. So what does “end of support” really mean and how does it affect your business?

No more security fixes

Microsoft will no longer patch security holes in Windows XP after April 8^th, 2014. So, when a new vulnerability is discovered (presumably April 9^th, 2014), Microsoft will not fix it. Given the rapid exploit of known Microsoft OS security weaknesses, it is extremely likely that data thieves and malware authors will take full advantage of newly found chinks in the armor. This will leave Windows XP machines with internet connectivity to be highly susceptible to infection.

New software and hardware may not work on XP

With an upcoming industry-wide abandonment of XP, hardware manufacturers will be less and less likely to write drivers for Windows XP. Thus, when your scanner or printer craps out, its replacement may not talk to XP. Likewise, software companies will progressively stop supporting their applications on Windows XP. Case in point: the current version of QuickBooks for Windows (QuickBooks Pro 2014) and Apple’s iCloud for Windows will not install on a Windows XP computer.

Okay, so using a Windows XP computer after April 8^th, 2014 is clearly a huge liability – what is a small business owner to do? Let’s look at some common scenarios:

“We can’t afford to replace our XP computers by April 8^th, 2014”

Tread lightly my friend – you’re about to walk through a shooting range with a bull’s-eye on your back. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Relegate your XP machines to non-internet tasks as much as possible
2. Make sure you’ve got better-than-average security software (antivirus and firewall) installed on your XP computers and keep it updated
3. Consider purchasing a security appliance to protect your network if you don’t already have one
4. Plan on replacing rather than repairing your XP machines as they progressively bite the digital dust

“One or more of our key line-of-business applications will not work on Windows 7 or later”

Essentially, you have three options:

1. Upgrade your line of business application(s) to newer version(s) or replace with competitive products that are Windows 7+ compatible
2. Keep some Windows XP computers around to run the old application but disconnect them from the internet
3. Virtualize your Windows XP applications (e.g. using Windows XP Mode in Windows 7) to minimize their exposure and simplify recovery if disaster strikes

“My XP computers are less than four years old – do I really need to replace them?”

So you managed to get a computer with XP pre-installed just before the cut-off on October 22^nd, 2010? You may be in luck – odds are your system shipped with a Windows 7 license you never used. Hopefully you still have the disc and the Windows 7 Product Key sticker is still readable – if so, get yourself a brand new hard disk and perform a clean installation of Windows 7. Alternatively, you can pick up a copy of Windows 8 Upgrade for around $100 and install it in-place: your documents should be there after the upgrade, but you’ll need to re-install all your applications.

“We don’t want to learn a new operating system”

To quote the great prophet Dilbert: “Technology – no place for wimps.” Did you really think you’d be using Windows XP forever? Do you still get regular ice deliveries to keep your refrigerator cold? Is your phone system a collection of tin cans and strings? Computers and the software they use will march on with or without you (and your users). Please take a look at my article “The Great Windows 7 Dilemma” (http://www.cursednetwork.com/Articles/TheGreatWindows7Dilemma.htm) – it will likely assuage your fears.

“Where can I get more information?”

Microsoft has published a very simple and informative website which covers the basic content of this article, albeit in Microsoft-friendly parlance at: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/endofsupport.aspx

Conclusion

XP’s time has finally come. It had a great run – far better than anyone could have expected or imagined. Nevertheless, the world has changed and Windows XP will soon be but a memory. Don’t let your network security and compatibility become a memory with it; plan your upgrade now, lest you and your IT infrastructure go the way of the Zip drive.

By: Chris Filippi

You’ve heard about Windows 7. They say it’s got all the problems of Windows Vista fixed. You know you soon won’t be able to buy new systems with your beloved Windows XP preinstalled. They say 64-bit computing is the way of the future. You have users who reject change. They say Windows 7 is stronger, faster, better (cue “The Six Million Dollar Man” music)…

“I like things the way they are…Why do I have to change?”

Computers, unlike typewriters or microwave ovens, are not static entities. They live in a constantly changing world, despite your users or your current software. Security vulnerabilities are discovered, then patched or exploited. Web sites create new ways to experience their content, web browsers are updated to deliver that content. More and more of the people and companies you interact with adopt new file formats, more sophisticated documents, emails, and presentations. New malwares get introduced every day to bring your business to a screeching halt, forcing you to buy more advanced protection to secure your systems. Over time the net sum is: your computers get slower, your Internet bandwidth becomes inadequate, and everyone wants a new computer.

It’s inevitable…but not necessarily scary. The information below, typed by me personally (not copied and pasted from a Microsoft website) should help you drag your network kicking and screaming into the future.

“Why should I embrace Windows 7?”

• Friday, October 22^nd, 2010 – The last day you’ll be able to get a new computer with Windows XP preinstalled. While you still may be able to install Windows XP on a new system after that, you’ll face the following:
  • Drivers may not be available for your new system, limiting its capability and potential.
  • OS support will not be available from the system manufacturer. If there’s an incompatibility with Windows XP and your new computer, the manufacturer can’t help you.
  • It typically takes 2 days of computer time and 2 – 3 hours of billable time for us to replace a computer’s operating system, adding significantly to your new computer’s price tag.
  • The simple fact that you’re installing an 8 year old operating system on a brand new computer.
• Windows 7 is actually faster – In our tests, across multiple system types, Windows 7 is consistently faster to load and more responsive than Windows XP and Windows Vista on identical hardware.
• Windows 7 is more secure – Despite all the wonders that are Windows XP, it is quite susceptible to modern malware (e.g. viruses, Trojans, spyware, etc.). Windows 7 has numerous features built-in (i.e. no user intervention required) to prevent infection.
• Windows 7 has useful new features – Windows 7 incorporates several new tools to make using a computer faster and more efficient. Here are just a few:
  • Jump Lists allow you to quickly access your favorite files, folders, and programs.
  • Snap makes organizing multiple windows on your screen a breeze.
  • Search lets you find programs, emails, and documents right from the Start button.
  • Taskbar Preview lets you see what’s going on in your open windows without having to switch out of your current window.
• New stuff works better on Windows 7 – With a new driver model and an improved API (aka Application Programming Interface), modern programs are less prone to crashing and stalling.
• Old stuff still runs – The vast majority of older programs run without a hitch on Windows 7, regardless of whether you’re running a 64-bit or 32-bit version. And for those few stubborn programs (such as QuickBooks 2005), every copy of Windows 7 Professional and higher comes with a free virtual Windows XP machine to run them.
• Tons of old hardware is supported – Unlike the dreaded switch from Windows 98 to XP, most of your old printers, scanners, and peripherals work fine under Windows 7. You should still check your hardware compatibility before migrating, but by in large most hardware made within the last 5 years will operate as normal. And yes, your trusty HP LaserJet 4 from 1993 will work fine as well.
• You don’t need to upgrade everybody – Windows 7 plays nicely with Windows XP and Vista, as well as Server 2000 and 2003 on the same network.

“How will my users react to Windows 7?”

• Novice users (e.g. people who never use the right mouse button) won’t have much trouble. As long as they have an icon on the desktop for their software, they’ll be fine.
• Intermediate users (e.g. those who know how to browse for files, install software, etc.) will likely need a little help. Fortunately, Microsoft has gone to great lengths to get users acquainted with Windows 7 quickly. Microsoft’s “What’s New” website has several 7-second videos illustrating how to use the new features (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/what-is-windows-7.aspx).
• Experienced users are likely to be so excited about getting Windows 7, they’ll jump in with a huge smile and be more productive than ever.

“Okay I’m convinced. What edition of Windows 7 should I get?”

• Windows 7 Professional is the best choice for small business.
• Windows 7 Home Premium is good for home use or small peer-to-peer networks (e.g. 2 or 3 computers). Home Premium does not include XP mode nor fax software and cannot join a domain network.
• Windows 7 Ultimate is only recommended UNIX users, users requiring alternate languages, and laptops which require hard drive encryption not provided by the manufacturer.

“What’s up with 64-bit and 32-bit?”

The “bits” refer to how much information the computer can address at a time. Thus, more bits allow for bigger chunks of data to be manipulated more efficiently. In modern computing, large files (over 1 GB in size) are not uncommon: most Outlook data files we see are easily that big.

64-bit vs. 32-bit is the computer equivalent of having four hands instead of two. Certain tasks, such as giving your significant other a back scratch, are instantly more productive while others, such as dialing a phone, are not…yet.   Software programmers are adapting to 64-bit architectures and the increased performance and capability that lie in wait. Unfortunately, most current desktop applications are not yet written for 64-bit platforms. To use the example above, until there’s a telephone that can accommodate four hands, you can’t dial a number any faster than you could with two. Therefore, while you will likely not see any improvement in performance with existing 32-bit programs on a 64-bit machine, you can still run the 32-bit programs and will be ready to reap the rewards if and when a 64-bit version is available.

Software development lagging aside, 64-bit operating systems do offer a significant benefit right now: the ability to use 4GB of memory or more (most 32-bit systems top out somewhere between 3.2GB and 3.8GB). While most systems currently run fine with 2GB of memory, it is inevitable that 4GB will be commonplace in a year or two, and an absolute must in 3 – 5 years.

So it would seem choosing 64-bit over 32-bit is a no brainer, right? Unfortunately, there are a few caveats.

For one, you need 64-bit drivers to run hardware on a 64-bit system. So, if you have an old scanner and the manufacturer doesn’t provide 64-bit drivers for it, the scanner won’t work. While most 32-bit programs run fine on 64-bit platforms (in fact, we have only discovered a handful of programs that simply refuse to work properly and must be run in “Windows XP Mode”), you should make sure that your core applications work in a 64-bit environment.

To summarize: if your software and hardware will work with a 64-bit version of Windows 7, go with 64-bit on your next new computer. If you depend on older software or hardware that you can’t afford to upgrade just yet, go with an inexpensive 32-bit system knowing that you will likely need to upgrade or replace it in 3 – 5 years.

“What if I can’t determine if one of my essential programs is Windows 7 and/or 64-bit compatible?”

CNC currently has a limited number of computers with Windows 7 32-bit and 64-bit installed, along with popular office applications such as Microsoft Office and WordPerfect. You may borrow one of these systems for a maximum of one week to try Windows 7 on your network. You will be charged a flat fee of $75 to cover the cost of re-imaging the system once you’re done with it. Any integration or customization on-site will be billed at the usual hourly rate.

“Where can I get more information?”

Microsoft has a very elaborate and user-friendly site to answer just about any Windows 7 question you may have:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/default.aspx

As always, if you have any additional questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at:

chris@cursednetwork.com

Thank you for your attention. I sincerely hope the above has clarified The Great Windows 7 Dilemma allowing you to make informed decisions with your future computer purchases.