Windows 10 upgrade

[geronimo_appleby]

Ever since I bought the new laptop - last Sept - there have been pop-ups offering the free upgrade to Windows 10. It's free,so what's the catch? blah-blah...

My question is@ Has anyone here experienced the upgrade? If so, are there glitches, etc? Is it used by Big Brother to track my porn usage?

What's the deal?

I'm quite happy to plod along in steam-mode using the ancient 8, but this persistent - almost insistent - campaign to take up the offer is pissing me off.

 

[rjordan]

Ever since I bought the new laptop - last Sept - there have been pop-ups offering the free upgrade to Windows 10. It's free,so what's the catch? blah-blah...

My question is@ Has anyone here experienced the upgrade? If so, are there glitches, etc? Is it used by Big Brother to track my porn usage?

What's the deal?

I'm quite happy to plod along in steam-mode using the ancient 8, but this persistent - almost insistent - campaign to take up the offer is pissing me off.

I bought a new laptop a year ago with Win 10 installed. I did the free upgrade on two desktops, one from Win 7, one from Win 8.1. All of them work at least as well as they did before. One of them is used for very specialized digital communication. Works flawlessly as it has going back when I had Win XP. Absolutely no issues.

I didn't use all the charms and tiles and other silly bullshit. I use the Win 7 desktop in Win 10 and everything look pretty much the same as it did when I first got Win 7. There are third party shells available to make it sort of look like Win XP with the Start Button and other retro shit. I don't care about that. I'm willing to learn new things, but I absolutely do NOT like the tiles/charms crapola and I do NOT like touch screens.

No downside that I have ever experienced from Win 10. If they're spying on me, whatever. They might see dick pics on my computer, but they won't be my dick.

rj

 

[sharingfantasies]

Ever since I bought the new laptop - last Sept - there have been pop-ups offering the free upgrade to Windows 10. It's free,so what's the catch? blah-blah...

My question is@ Has anyone here experienced the upgrade? If so, are there glitches, etc? Is it used by Big Brother to track my porn usage?

What's the deal?

I'm quite happy to plod along in steam-mode using the ancient 8, but this persistent - almost insistent - campaign to take up the offer is pissing me off.

When I got this computer, it came with 10. I like it much better than 7 or 8. It seems to work more like 2000 or XP. I haven't explored most of the stuff it claims to do so I can't comment on that. What I don't like is that I can't play my old games from XP on 10. I get more junk that loads on to it if I am not vigilant as it seems to believe if an app was invented, surely I must want it.

But otherwise I am finding it works okay. In my opinion, you should look at what 10 has to offer and see if it is what you want and need before upgrading.

 

[HandsInTheDark]

With some work you can turn off the nagware. Google it. Then do it; some people have installed Windows 10 by mistake. You want that possibility gone.

Avoid Windows 10. By default it can gather data on websites you visit and *what you type*. Turning it all off is *said* to be possible but I don't know anyone with experience in security or IT who trusts that It's a simple deal: you get a free OS and they get a lifetime of marketing data on you and anyone you talk to. Except of course for the people whose computers have been *bricked* by the Microsoft *mandatory* upgrades that you can't turn off.

Really bad deal.

Linux is free if you put a little work in, or you can get people to fuss with installing it for minor dollars. Linux applications are virtually always free. Linux does 95% of what Windows does, some of it better and much of it faster. It's the land where viruses basically don't happen to end users, and when they do the support community doesn't wait for patch tuesday to make fixes available. Linux is never going to harvest your personal data. It falls down on computer games, but those times they are going to be a changin'.

If you're on Windows 7, stay there as long as you can, then move to Linux. Anything later, move to Linux and don't look back. Browsers run about the same on just about any platform so for a lot of what you do, the platform doesn't matter.

Google ChromeOS is an interesting alternative for people who just want a computer that handles browsing (which means you can do almost anything, these days) and absolutely do NOT want to be bothered by viruses, upgrades, or maintenance of any kind. It runs on a smaller set of computers (unless you want to be brave) but on those you'll never lift a finger again. Of course you're putting your fate in Google's hands, and they collect data too, but that usually works out better than trusting Microsoft. And they won't brick your hardware.

 

[geronimo_appleby]

thanks for the info.

sounds like i'd need to keep and eye on the updates to avoid unwanted and probably unnecessary apps.

...if i opt for the upgrade, that is.

'they' can look at dick pics all day if 'they' want to.

 

[beachbum1958]

I upgraded from Win 7 to 10 with the free upgrade, and while I was initially confused by the new look, I eventually figured out that you can revert to the Win 7 desktop view, and everything once more looks pretty much as it did before. I have a slight issue with the thing constantly asking me to consider installing apps left right and centre, but as I have no perceived need for them, I don't bother. Someone told me there's a way to turn off that pestering, he's coming over one day to do it for me. Ditto Cortana; it keeps reminding me to turn Cortana on, but if I wanted to chit-chat with a soulless nonentity I'll call my accountant, otherwise I'll stick to real people who drink gin like I do - at the least little excuse...

I have heard a whisper that Win 10 is soon to go off the free-upgrade list and will only be a fairly costly for-purchase upgrade, so if you're going to upgrade, grab it while it's still free. I don't know how true that is, or how soon 'soon' is, or if it's just the gnomes of Microsoft spreading scurrilous rumours to panic people into upgrading sooner rather than later, but I think it's worth mentioning.

 

[someoneyouknow]

Something to be aware of, and which has been going on for the last several iterations of Windows, is Microsoft hides more and more things from the user. By things I mean useful tools and widgets which in the past could be gotten to easily with two or three clicks of the mouse now are buried in multi-layer choices and/or not in the same places they used to be.

As to spying, I would highly advise searching the web for all the pieces you can turn off to relay as little information back to Microsoft as you can. I counted nearly twenty items when I had to configure my dad's machine and I don't think I got them all.

He did not upgrade, he got a new machine with it pre-installed and the first thing I did was to create two accounts: one administrator, one regular user. He always runs as a regular user since it helps with security and I highly advise you doing the same.

He's only had one problem so far (he's a bare user) and that was when he couldn't get to his Start menu or volume control. Clicking on either did nothing. He had to right-click. It appears it was a cock up by Microsoft because it cleared up two weeks later when they sent out another set of mandatory updates.

 

[GoldenCojones]

When I updated my Toshiba laptop I found out that there were no Windows 10 video drivers for it. It took several days of searching and calling Toshiba before I finally found someone junior enough to actually admit that Toshiba was not going to make video drivers for my model of laptop.

As has been mentioned there is a LOT of spyware embedded in Windows 10 that Microsoft claims is all for your good. If you update you should be careful to turn it all off, especially the key logger.

I ended up switching to Linux. There have been some bumps but overall I'm very impressed with it.

 

[rjordan]

I upgraded from Win 7 to 10 with the free upgrade, and while I was initially confused by the new look, I eventually figured out that you can revert to the Win 7 desktop view, and everything once more looks pretty much as it did before. I have a slight issue with the thing constantly asking me to consider installing apps left right and centre, but as I have no perceived need for them, I don't bother. Someone told me there's a way to turn off that pestering, he's coming over one day to do it for me. Ditto Cortana; it keeps reminding me to turn Cortana on, but if I wanted to chit-chat with a soulless nonentity I'll call my accountant, otherwise I'll stick to real people who drink gin like I do - at the least little excuse...

I have heard a whisper that Win 10 is soon to go off the free-upgrade list and will only be a fairly costly for-purchase upgrade, so if you're going to upgrade, grab it while it's still free. I don't know how true that is, or how soon 'soon' is, or if it's just the gnomes of Microsoft spreading scurrilous rumours to panic people into upgrading sooner rather than later, but I think it's worth mentioning.

I've always used the Win 7 desktop and I never gets nags for new apps or Cortana. I haven't turned anything off and haven't looked up how. It must only do all that nag stuff when you are in Win 10 tile/charm land.

The argument that you should stay wih Win 7 because Win 10 might be spying on you is specious at best. If they ARE, then eventually you will have to move to it when Win 7 is not supported.

At that point you COULD go to Linux instead. If you are an IT professional or a steadfast computer hobbyist, or never do anything but browse with a computer, then Linux is an alternative. Nobody spies on Linux users because...well, you know...they're Linux users. What could they be doing that anyone would be interested in?

If you want to use a computer, like you use other useful things, washing machines, toasters, cars, etc. Win 10 is fine. If you like to screw with things that are supported by advanced volunteer hobbyists, then Linux is more suited.

rj

 

[geronimo_appleby]

thanks again to all of the above. i'll read through slowly and see what's what.

 

[AlwaysHungry]

Avoid Windows 10. By default it can gather data on websites you visit and *what you type*. Turning it all off is *said* to be possible but I don't know anyone with experience in security or IT who trusts that.

Once I installed the free upgrade and discovered that some of my favorite software no longer performed properly, I attempted the vaunted "roll back." It wouldn't let me roll back; it insisted that I had delete my account first. But my account was the administrator account -- I couldn't delete it, therefore I was stuck with Windows 10.

My computer at work runs Windows 7. Week after week I have been getting unwelcome blurbs on my screen, advising me to get the free Windows 10 upgrade. Patiently, I said no, time after time. My wife did the same on her computer, which is running Windows 8. Then this week, there was a change. Bill Gates or one of his minions went right ahead and initiated the upgrade, despite my clearly expressed wishes. A few days later, they did the same to my wife.

When the screen came up with the licensing agreement, I declined. Microsoft then got all huffy, and complained that if I really insisted, they could restore my previous operating system, but it might take a really long time. Thanks, Microsoft, for interfering with my work productivity. Perhaps you would like to send me a check to compensate me for my down time?

 

[ishtat]

A number of people claim to have experienced a vast increase in the number of junk emails immediately following the 'upgrade'.

I run 7 which is fine, but one of my daughters downloaded 10 for me and then 'locked' it away (It will then stay free). In the past week or so Microsoft have been trying to unlock that - unsuccessfully so far.

I have used another computer with 10 on it and it seems that 90% of the advantages are for Microsoft.

Am now toddling off on holiday to Europe/USA for three months so it will be interesting to see what Microsoft have got up to(with this PC) when we return.

 

[JKendallDane]

Read this report on how Microsoft has been tricking people into accepting the Win10 upgrade. Don't click that red "X" on those popups because in the wisdom <cough~cough> of Bill Gates, that "X" now is considered an approval.

Microsoft's Final Aggressive Win10 Upgrade Push

.

 

[Penuche]

If you're happy enough with your current OS, don't upgrade. Google "never 10" and consider downloading it to prevent an accidental upgrade and remove one if it's already happened (as mentioned on 'You and Yours' this week).

Another user of a fairly old laptop on this estate upgraded to Windows 10 a few months ago. The upgrade caused her to lose access to a lot of files etc and still hasn't been entirely put right (after several weeks of various computer literate people trying to sort it out).

You shouldn't have the same trouble with a newer computer with less on it, but I've seen comments elsewhere about having to get your drivers all over again etc.

 

[AlwaysHungry]

I have used another computer with 10 on it and it seems that 90% of the advantages are for Microsoft.

I've never seen such an aggressive marketing campaign before, let alone for a purported free product. I couldn't help but suspect that there was more to the story.

 

[AlwaysHungry]

A number of people claim to have experienced a vast increase in the number of junk emails immediately following the 'upgrade'.

My wife successfully resisted the involuntary upgrade, but she still got the junk emails. It was quite phenomenal -- 17 junk emails in one hour. She normally gets one or two per day.

 

[Porkwarrior]

Win 10 is the Antichrist of PC's...it will switch more millions to Apple or Linux than Hillary will force people to Trump.

Here's the current Cliff notes & fix, but don't worry, all Windoze users will have to change sooner or later. Win 10 is Microsoft's version of being a hamfisted Google, and they're losing.


http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/w...8-forever-stop-upgrade-notifications-3614204/

 

[Carnal_Flower]

I kept getting those annoying pop ups until somehow I clicked on Install by mistake. So voila I was forced to get Windows 10.

I had heard so many bad things about it I was expecting to hate it, but it's pretty much fine with me. Definitely prefer it to 8.

There are minor bugs. The worst is that I cannot add attachments to emails. Wont upload Word docs. But that's not bad for being the worst. Couple other small things.

I'm fine with it. I'm glad I installed it.

 

[Mindfondler]

I'd recommend that anyone who currently runs Windows 7/8 and doesn't want a nasty surprise downloads GWX Control Panel (even if you don't install it but just keep it on-hand for emergencies):

This is a free tool that can remove and disable the 'Get Windows 10' notification area icon on Windows 7 and Windows 8. Recent versions can also disable 'Upgrade to Windows 10' behavior in the Windows Update control panel and do much more.

I think I read (but can't confirm) that it may even be able to halt a scheduled upgrade when the countdown timer has already started.

Don't just take my word for it: Google it and you'll find that quite a lot of people are using it.

Me -- I've moved to Linux and haven't looked back. I have a feeling that I could attract a fair bit of business by helping others to make the same move. If you're a gamer or use other applications that only run on Windows, then you're probably stuck (though check out WINE), but I haven't yet found anything that I want to do but cannot.


.

 

[lovecraft68]

I bought one a few months back with 8.1 I keep getting the 10 pop ups and declining.

Last week I came downstairs to find the screen on the windows 10 page as if I were accepting it, with "next" my only option. I shut the lap tap down and restarted it. Still there.

I hit next and got to accept or decline. I click decline. Computer screen goes blank for a couple of minutes then I get the spinning wheel saying it is trying to restore my former operating system

Meaning it deleted (or said it did) my operating system to force me to take this crap. In a bout ten minutes everything came back up the way it was.

If I had the patience to learn an entirely new system I would buy a damn Mac just for this.

 

[someoneyouknow]

Folks, you can stop blaming Bill Gates for this travesty. He hasn't been involved with Microsoft for roughly 2 decades.

The person you can blame and throw your hatred towards is the Indian guy running the company. I'm all for immigration (the offspring of an immigrant) but when they try to force their cultural beliefs on everyone else, that's where I draw the line.

I'm waiting for the day the class action lawsuits (plural) start flying. I may even throw a party.

 

[Zeb_Carter]

Ever since I bought the new laptop - last Sept - there have been pop-ups offering the free upgrade to Windows 10. It's free,so what's the catch? blah-blah...

My question is@ Has anyone here experienced the upgrade? If so, are there glitches, etc? Is it used by Big Brother to track my porn usage?

What's the deal?

I'm quite happy to plod along in steam-mode using the ancient 8, but this persistent - almost insistent - campaign to take up the offer is pissing me off.

IF you don't want the popups there is a utility that will get rid of them and keep Windows Update from reinstalling them...

It's called GWX Control Panel and it works.

You can download it at MajorGeeks - this link downloads the application...it will get rid of the nagware wanting you to download Win10.

 

[HandsInTheDark]

Folk here saying they ended up upgrading and "it's fine" are missing the point.

As of Windows 10, Microsoft defines what's on your computer and what it can do. You can't turn off upgrades. That means they control the software and can give and take away whatever they like, when they like. They own your computer and your data at that point. When they decide on some new DRM scheme, or that you shouldn't be on Tor, or make a mistake and put your love life on display in the cloud for all to see, you won't have options. Ultimately, they'll move you to a renting scheme, where you pay to play. Your monthly software bill is just a few years away.

People here have been likening Windows 10 to a household commodity like a toaster. Except this is a toaster that tells you can't have rye toast, reports what you eat to your mother, stops you from having toast at all if it decides you are gaining weight, and bolts itself to the outlet so you can't replace it without calling an electrician. If it was a car, it would be a car that tells your mother everywhere you go and what you bought and brought home in it. It would obey the speed limit, always. It would refuse to let you go to certain gas stations or have certain people in your car, and it would change the seats, location of the gas pedal and radio settings whenever it liked. And one day it won't start and you'll be told you need to buy another car because cars can't be fixed, only replaced.

Seriously, if you're ok with giving up that much control, consider getting a computer with Google's Chrome OS. Yes, you're giving data to Google, and you'll do everything in the browser, but if you're using your computer like an appliance you probably do everything in a browser anyway. At least it won't brick your computer (and if it somehow does, you won't lose ANY data) and you'll never have to worry about backups, a virus or a computer setting again. It boots very fast and you can get at everything from any device you own.

Linux is definitely more work. They haven't figured out how to make installing stuff effortless yet, and the first time you have to type apt-get to install something you'll roll your eyes and wish these geeks made things a little simpler. But at least you'll own your computer again.

 

[Sammael Bard]

I upgraded my laptop from Win 8.1 to Win 10 last month. The upgrade will be free for a few more months before you have to pay for it.

That's the only reason I upgraded my laptop.

If you don't like it, you can revert back to your old OS within a month. Being an ex-Win 8.1 user, I deleted my previous OS. Win 10 is much better than that drivel. I haven't had issues with it. In fact, it's pretty cool.

I think you try it out before making your judgement. I had a bad experience with the update last year, so it took me this long to get over the fear of losing my laptop to a defective update patch.

 

[Boxlicker101]

Windows 10 was imposed on my computer a couple of months ago. As far as I am concerned, it is a virus. It destroyed programs and lost files and, as far as I can tell, did nothing good. I actually have a new computer now, which I had to buy after the old one was ruined. It comes with Win 10, and I have yet to see any advantage over Win 7.