Windows 10 - yes or no?

[sesheta66]

Requesting input from my flist:

Windows 10 is free until today. I have yet to install it. Were I still on Windows 7, I'd probably not bother, but since my computer came with Windows 8 and I've since upgraded to 8.1, I'm undecided.

I do not like certain things about Windows 8/8.1 but what I don't like about Windows 10 is the automatic updates. I don't like control being taken away from me, whether it's to update at all or the timing of said updates. I don't like that I can't select some things to update and not select others. I don't like that it means an update at sometime in the future could install stuff I don't want without my consent or even knowledge. It's all too Big Brother for me.

So ... like it or hate it? Any problems? All input is appreciated.

Thanks!

Comments

[libby-drew.livejournal.com]

Hi! Go here to read how to secure your free upgrade, even if you don't want to upgrade right now.

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/act-now-keep-windows-10-upgrade-free-july-29/

<3

[sesheta-66.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

And, hey - you're alive!!! *big squishes*

[sassy-cissa.livejournal.com]

OMG!! I've missed you!!! ♥

[oceaxe.livejournal.com]

No time for a long comment, but this is just to say I was nervous about installing it but I like it much better than 8.1.

[sesheta-66.livejournal.com]

Thanks. My son likes it too, but I just can't get past the whole Big Brother approach. :\

[oceaxe.livejournal.com]

There are ways to opt out of some of the surveillance, like disabling or not activating Cortana and changing the defaults on the privacy settings. But I understand, it's still queasy-making.

[sesheta-66.livejournal.com]

Yeah, so from what I read yesterday, it sounds like the update to Cortana (I believe it comes out August 2nd) no longer allows turning off of stuff. And that update is mandatory with Windows 10. D:

Not sure if there would remain ways to do that, but it's so dodgy to me.

Still ... I want rid of Windows 8.1 and I want my menu back. *longs for Windows 7*

[emrys_mk]

I was one of those who absolutely did not want to upgrade to 10, but after my work computer was so rudely upgraded without my permission, I discovered that the 'start bar' had returned to its vaunted position in the lower left-hand corner. That was all the convincing I needed to go ahead and upgrade my laptop. So my opinion is that you should do the upgrade.

[sesheta-66.livejournal.com]

Thanks.

That's the main reason I'm considering it, but the auto-upgrades with everything rolled into one (not allowing a user to time or even reject upgrades or parts of them) are what make me pause. D:

[geinahop]

There is a way to disable automatic updates. You can set your connection to be a metered connection, and it will not automatically update over a metered connection. You can easily Google how to do that.

I like Windows 10. I've never had any problems with it. I upgraded my husband's computer last month, and he's not had any issues either. I just wish I could upgrade my old Vista computer for free.

[sesheta-66.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

I found this: http://www.howtogeek.com/226722/how-when-and-why-to-set-a-connection-as-metered-on-windows-10/

This is perfect for the one issue I have, of timing. I do have a cap on my bandwidth, so being able to schedule (if, for instance, my kids use too much for gaming) after the monthly refresh, would be great. This resolves that concern.

The thing is, this just delays the inevitable. With Windows 10 you can't select which updates to download. It bundles everything together and you get it all. :( I liked being able to select some, all or no updates.

Why yes, I am a bit of a control freak. :P

[sassy-cissa.livejournal.com]

I have no complaints about it...other than the normal microsoft complaints. lol

and I love having my task bar back oh and the open search thing makes finding a doc quite easy. ♥

[sesheta-66.livejournal.com]

Oh, the taskbar. *misses it* That's the main reason I'm considering it.

Still ... Big Brother. :(

[dmmccabe.livejournal.com]

Oh, I had exactly the same reservations about doing the upgrade - I'm going from Windows 7 Pro - but I found out that there is a way to turn off the automatic updates, though it's not as easy as it used to be. Also, you should turn off the option to get updates from other computers on the network. You can do that by not using the "express install" and opting out of that when it asks. Anyway, I went ahead with it two days ago and am pleased with it for the most part. Everything works, and that was the most important thing. :)

[sesheta-66.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the details. Much appreciated.

When I read up on it yesterday, I found that apparently the update to Cortana (roll-out Aug 2, I believe) will no longer allow some of the options to shut stuff off. And that update is mandatory. :\

Not sure what that'll eventually mean (or what future upgrades will mean) but it makes me very wary.

Le sigh. Only a few hours left to decide.

*continues to ponder*

[fourth_rose]

100% with you about the Big Brother issue. Besides, I use a number of rather exotic programs (still on W7 with most of my computers) which are not guaranteed to work with W10, so I'm not upgrading. W7 will be supported until 2020, W8 even until 2023 - as I see it, that's a small eternity as far as software development is concerned, so who knows what will come up in the meantime - or if my hardware even makes it until then...

I'm not a fan of W8 at all, but using Classic Shell has made it a lot more manageable for me.

[celestlyn.livejournal.com]

I like Windows 10. After the disaster that was Win 8, I couldn't upgrade fast enough. Win 10 is much better.

As far as the automatic upgrades go, I'm mostly happy for them. I hate being interrupted when I'm in the middle of something to approve or disapprove and then having to restart the computer when I'm busy. But then, I have to do some of that anyway.

I admit I hate the Big Brotherishness of it all. And that applies to all of the devices and programs. I worry that I could get dinged for illegal streaming, sharing ebooks...all kinds of stuff that devices could spy on us about.

But I'd still do the Win 10 upgrade. My favorite OS, by far, was XP. It just wasn't able to keep up with the new tech anymore.