Windows 10 - free upgrade to those with PC using Windows 7 or 8

[murg]

Originally Posted by BWinmill

Is it really appropriate to call people names and imply their motives?

Wodin's motive was fairly clear, that the 'Windows 10 - free upgrade to those with PC using Windows 7 or 8' thread should contain discussion of that topic.

Originally Posted by BWinmill

If so, can I point out that it is Windows users who seem to be more intent on hijacking the thread by stating that Linux has no place in it? (I have no desire to call Windows users names, so I won't request permission to do so.)

I totally agree that is just horrible that anyone would want a thread entitled 'Windows 10 - free upgrade to those with PC using Windows 7 or 8' to contain discussion of that subject, and not Linux.

Originally Posted by BWinmill

May I also point out that some of us, well at least myself, are OS enthusiasts. It is interesting to discuss the differences between the respective operating systems, particularly as they move forward?

Well good for you. I really mean that. And, by all means, feel free to discuss the relative merits of various operating systems, and even the differences between them, in a thread for that purpose, not one entitled 'Windows 10 - free upgrade to those with PC using Windows 7 or 8'. Such a thread, and the discussion it contains, would, I imagine, centre mainly on the specifics of how the upcoming Windows 10 update relates to people that already have a copy of Windows 7 or 8.

Originally Posted by BWinmill

May I also point out that a lot of the Linux users are downright civil in comparison to their counterparts? (Examples: not trying to shut down threads in the discussion, less name calling.)

I wasn't aware that anyone's civility was in question. Certainly the participants in this thread have maintained the high standards of such participation that permeates this forum.

Or, were you doing some subtle name calling in my direction. I can't really tell.

As for shutting down this thread, and Wodin's original comment I replied to, there have been several attempts posted in this thread to have the Linux discussion moved to its own thread. I'm surprised that a mod hasn't intervened before now on reversing the trend for the discussion in this thread to remain off-topic.

No one is trying to shut down the discussion of 'Windows 10 - free upgrade to those with PC using Windows 7 or 8'. Some people are requesting that it stop being used for off-topic discussion of Linux.

Originally Posted by BWinmill

Or perhaps I shouldn't seek permission since I suspect that the answers are: yes, no, no, and no.

Huh? Permission for what?

And, by the way, thanks for doing my thinking for me and making all this decisions for me. I really don't know what I'd do if I was forced to make my own decisions.

Tell you what, I'll make a decision right now. I think I'll upgrade some of my Windows 7 and/or 8 systems to Windows 10. I think it's a good sign that a commercial company is willing to look after its customers.

[Sweetpea]

Originally Posted by BWinmill

Clearly this is not the case since a large number of posts relate to Windows in contrast to Linux. Very few posts compare Windows 10 to older versions of Windows. I'm not certain as to why this is the case. Surely I'm not the only person who has read this thread who is participating in the program and uses Windows 10 more-or-less daily.

Because I think a lot of people are like me: page after page of comparisons between linux and windows 10: I don't care, I'll skip this thread.

Originally Posted by HarryT

Given the imminent release of Windows 10, please stick to the topic of Windows 10 in this thread. Start a new thread in the "General Discussions" forum if you wish to debate the relative merits of Windows and other operating systems.

Any further off-topic posts will be deleted without notice or comment.

Thank you.

Good, I can actually check this thread again...


----


I finally managed to de-install that KB update that gives you that annoying Windows 10 update notice (had to search where you can turn off updates in Windows 8.1 ). I will update my home PC, but not because of that update (not even sure that version of windows is eligible as it's a MSDN version). You can't even turn off that update! Unless you probably subscribe to the update. Where's the option: I won't update, don't show again?

And the more I read about Windows 10, I think they've really taken a step back in the touch-friendliness of Windows from Windows 8.1. Luckily, I've got a year to read all the reviews (positive and negative) that'll come out before I will be locked out of the free upgrade...

[fjtorres]

For those looking for a truly free Win10 installation:
http://www.zdnet.com/article/with-a-...tag=TRE17cfd61

Short-n-sweet:
1- join the Windows Insider program.
2- install iso version before release (July 29)
3- get legit version for helping test the beta.

Maybe.

(Depends on whether the techies or the lawyers get the final word.)

Full details at the source.

[PatNY]

Originally Posted by Sweetpea

And the more I read about Windows 10, I think they've really taken a step back in the touch-friendliness of Windows from Windows 8.1. Luckily, I've got a year to read all the reviews (positive and negative) that'll come out before I will be locked out of the free upgrade...

What has changed in terms of the touch function?

In terms of potentially being locked out, is there no way to update after the year is over if at least one has agreed to it well before that? IOW, can the update files be saved on an external HD and applied later? Or will they be available for download later?

I've already agreed to the update on my two W8.1 computers but am not 100% sure I want to switch over.

Question for anyone who has tested W10 -- Are there any applications that worked on W8.1 that you find aren't working well or at all on W10? I have older versions of Office (2010) and Photoshop (CS6) that I want to maintain.

--Pat

[fjtorres]

Originally Posted by PatNY

What has changed in terms of the touch function?

In terms of potentially being locked out, is there no way to update after the year is over if at least one has agreed to it well before that? IOW, can the update files be saved on an external HD and applied later? Or will they be available for download later?

I've already agreed to the update on my two W8.1 computers but am not 100% sure I want to switch over.

Question for anyone who has tested W10 -- Are there any applications that worked on W8.1 that you find aren't working well or at all on W10? I have older versions of Office (2010) and Photoshop (CS6) that I want to maintain.

--Pat

There's a couple posts upthread that document how to make an iso out of the upgrade download so as long as you get the download during the free year you can install (or reinstall) at any time.
Just keep the valid product key handy.

[cvkemp]

I am testing Windows 10 at this time on a Dell XPS-L501 laptop and I will give it one thing it is very much faster than Windows 8.1 or even most of the Linux Distros that I have tested on this laptop. At first I hated the new browser but I believe it is going to be OK and I have to say it is fast.

[SleepyBob]

Is everybody running W10 now part of the insider program? I installed it on my computer a while back, but I don't remember if it was called the Insider Program.

[cvkemp]

I for one am. And it has to be registered with an Microsoft ID for long in and to my understanding it has to be the lastest build 10130
I supported Microsoft products for 15 years by doing phone support and all those years I payed for my Microsoft software. So if I can finally get a free copy I am going to.

[Sweetpea]

Originally Posted by PatNY

What has changed in terms of the touch function?

I don't know about W10 itself (except the start menu, which I want on my desktop but not on my tablet and an ever-present taskbar which I don't want when I'm in MUI mode), I have read about some changes to existing MUI apps such as OneDrive and OneNote, which I both use extensively.

[Glorfindel]

When 'Free' Windows Becomes Expensive, You Must Know This

Of course legitimising Windows for millions of pirates around the world could be seen as significantly greater lost revenue. But let’s be honest, this revenue was already lost by definition because these customers are pirates.

Read more – Windows 10 Free Upgrades Explained

On the other hand giving pirates legitimate copies could well re-monetise this lost group with sales of other apps and services by capitalising on their goodwill in being made legitimate. There’s nothing to lose.

Best explanation so far.

[LadyKate]

Originally Posted by Ripplinger

After hearing rumors of Windows 10 being subscription based with either a monthly or yearly fee, this is surprising news (in a good way). It almost makes me consider upgrading my 2 XP machines to Windows 7 now. Except for so many things I absolutely hate about Windows 7 and that those 2 XP machines are so rock-solid stable without any problems at all makes me think why bother.

I don't think it's resistance to change or disinterest as much as if it's not broke, don't change it, especially to something that will continually annoy you daily. There wasn't this resistance to upgrading Windows from 3 to 3.11 to 95 and then to 98. I guess I'll try Windows 10 while it's free, but with a full working cloned drive of the Windows 7 installation on my main PC in case I hate it so I can just switch back easily.

So many freeware and other programs that worked on XP did not work on vista let alone Win 7 or 8. I regretted the loss of my XP system when it died and miss the video editing software that no longer works on the newer systems... not to mention having to upgrade photoshop as the old version I had which worked on XP did not work on Win7.

[LadyKate]

Originally Posted by cvkemp

I am testing Windows 10 at this time on a Dell XPS-L501 laptop and I will give it one thing it is very much faster than Windows 8.1 or even most of the Linux Distros that I have tested on this laptop. At first I hated the new browser but I believe it is going to be OK and I have to say it is fast.

As you are testing Windows 10 can you tell me if you find most software that worked on windows 8 will still run on windows 10?

[fjtorres]

Free! Windows!

This is the story today:
http://www.cnet.com/news/will-window...s-10-for-free/

Though July 29 marks the release of the "final" version of Windows 10, Microsoft will continue to tweak and enhance the operating system beyond that date. The company will also continue to run the Windows Insider program, through which participants can download the latest preview builds to test Windows 10 as it continues to evolve and then offer Microsoft their feedback.

And it's those preview builds that Windows Insiders will freely receive on a regular basis. Each preview build expires at a certain point, but Microsoft promises that it will be replaced by the next build. So in essence, those who wish to remain in the Windows Insider Program can get Windows 10 for free, but the version you run will always be a prerelease build, in other words a non-activated beta product.

It'll probably change a few more times before july 29.

[PatNY]

I've finally had a chance to read through part of this thread (maybe 20 pages) and there is a lot of helpful information. But two things to note:

First, a few people mentioned having to go through hoops and uninstall updates just to get rid of the Windows 10 icon/message in the notification area. There is no need to do that. Just bring up your Notification Center window, click on "Customize," go to the "GWX" icon and from the drop down menu select "Hide icon and notifications" and you won't see anything related to Windows 10.

Second, someone mentioned having to pay for the privilege of playing DVDs in Windows 10. You will never have to pay for a separate program to play them. Just download the free VLC media player which plays DVDs fine. It always has. I've used it for many years for BOTH a variety of video files as well as DVDs.

--Pat

[cvkemp]

I am running windows 10 preview (one of the latest) on my laptop and I am beginning to really like it. There are a few things that are not right but it is working very well for a beta or preview version of the OS. Now I installed this from scratch so I do not know how the upgrading from my 8.1 windows will go. But when I compare 10 to the 8.1 10 wins hands done. It seems faster and it is much cleaner. I will have to wait and see how it will be on my desktop all in one with touch screen that is now running 8.1. Honestly I wish I had never gotten the touch screen desktop I never use the touch functions.