I’ve remained quite quiet on the subject of Windows 10, but over the past month or so I’ve had several clients and family members ask me about my impressions/opinion on the matter, so I thought it was time to finally make a posting.
I was lucky enough to be part of the Microsoft Insider’s program and got to take Windows 10 for a test ride well before its official release.
In comparison to Windows 8, Windows 10 is (in my opinion) far superior. Then again Windows 8 was a dud, so it isn’t hard to improve upon it. That said, when compared to Windows 7, I truly see nothing of note! I personally find Microsoft hasn’t innovated on the Windows or Office front in several iterations. They change layouts, themes, … but not functionalities/features, nothing of note and in the process they keep changing menus, … for no real gain for the average user.
I will limit myself to say that it appears to run very smoothly.
That’s said, recent issues at a client’s office illustrate issues with third-party drivers not being compatible causing MAJOR headaches and performance issues with MS Office, printers and other hardware/software.
The real issue with Windows 10 however has nothing to do with its performance, appearance, … but rather with privacy. In this new version, Microsoft has chosen to follow in the footsteps of most of the other service providers (Google to name but one major player) and has embedded Windows 10 with a number of services/programs that will transmit all sorts of information regarding your usage, software, web surfing, …, in it you give them permission to transfer your personal folders and files. Furthermore, from what I have read, even deactivating all sorts of settings does not in fact terminate the invasion into your privacy.
The other thing that bothers me is the initial EULA you have to accept to use Windows 10 is some 45 pages long! I’m sorry to say but that is simply nuts and unacceptable. It can not be expected of anyone to properly read, little alone understand sufficiently its content to be in a proper position to accept the agreement put forth. No agreement should ever be this convoluted. So people simply agree without ever understanding, little alone being aware of what they are accepting. In this instance however, they are giving Microsoft full permission to pretty much do anything they see fit. Microsoft also does not explain for what purpose the data collection is being done. Perhaps if they elaborated the use, people would not object, but the whole thing is so vague that it allows them to do pretty much anything to choose.
All of this to say, I personally will not be upgrading. If you are not concerned with data harvesting and wish to be an early adopter, do be aware that you may experience so pains until such time as all the necessary drivers are made available.
Lastly, I’ll simply say what many people already know to be true, Nothing in life is Free. So if Microsoft has decided to offer Windows 10 for Free, then they must be getting something in return. They are a corporation and have but one goal in life and that is $$$. I’m not saying don’t upgrade, that is up to you, but do so knowing exactly what you are getting into.
I would have preferred paying for Windows 10 and having a ‘regular’, non-invasive copy, rather than be offered a so called free version which invades one’s privacy in ways no one truly know.
Then again, what do I know anyways, this is just one person’s opinion. Take the time to read up on the subject, read the EULA and form your own opinion on the matter.
The following links maybe be of interest to you and relate directly to this post
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/windows-10-1.3223168
http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/jul/31/windows-10-microsoft-faces-criticism-over-privacy-default-settings
http://www.techradar.com/news/software/operating-systems/the-windows-10-privacy-settings-you-need-to-change-right-now-1301257
http://pastebin.com/2qhnMk60
https://fix10.isleaked.com/ (appears to be gone!? so try http://web.archive.org/web/20150828023511/https://fix10.isleaked.com/ instead)