Windows 10: Better, Stronger, Faster? 1

Microsoft made a big splash with its launch of Windows 10 on July 29. For many PC users, switching to the new OS is a no-brainer, while it’s a close call for others. If you haven’t decided whether your business is ready to make the switch, here’s a closer look at Windows 10 to help you determine if the new OS is truly better, stronger, and faster.
Windows 10

COST

Upgrade to Windows 10 for free! Users with Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows Phone 8.1 can receive the new OS free of charge until July 29 or July 29; Windows 10 is free for the device’s lifetime, meaning support and updates at no cost as long as Microsoft supports the operating system.

This free offer excludes Windows Vista, XP, 7 Enterprise, 8/8.1 Enterprise, and RT/RT 8.1. These OS require a $119 per Home license or $199 per Pro license to upgrade to Windows 10. However, your upgrade is free if you have Software Assurance with one of these OS.

SUPPORT

Windows 7 and Windows 8 are approaching the end of support faster than we’d like to think. By upgrading to Windows 10, you gain years of additional mainstream and extended support. Here’s a comparison of the operating system support life cycles for Windows 10 vs. Windows 8 vs. Windows 7:

Operating System End of Mainstream Support End of Extended Support

Windows 7 JanuaJanuary 715, JanuaryJanuary 14Windows 8 JanuaJanuary 88, JanuaryJanuary 10Windows 10 OctoOctober 1020, OctoberOctober 14Windows 10 brings added years of mainstream and extended support. The end of mainstream support means that Microsoft will no longer enhance the product, but there will still be support for security and reliability issues. Extended support still provides security and reliability support; however, this marks the end of support for non-security hotfixes, requests for new features and designs, and warranty claims, Do Savora.

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The question is, what will you do when your OS support ends within the next few years? If you’re an eligible candidate for a free upgrade to Windows 10, it may be worthwhile to upgrade before the offer expires.

SPEED

Is Windows 10 faster? TechSpot put Windows 10 to the test against Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 for speed performance. The new OS ranked within seconds of Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 for speed in all performance areas. Here’s a quick look at the difference you may be able to feel daily with wake-up and boot times:

Operating System Hibernation Wake Up Hybrid Sleep Wake Up Boot-Time

Windows 7 27 seconds 17 seconds 5 seconds

Windows 8.1 23 seconds 12 seconds 4 seconds

Windows 10 21 seconds 10 seconds 6 seconds

Like wake-up and boot speed, it’s a close call for Windows 10 against Windows 7 and 8.1 in application, storage, and gaming performance. Windows 10 has no clear win over past ora regarding speed in any particular category.

FEATURES

Windows 10 brings futuristic features to computing. With this new OS, users can expect enhanced collaboration, mobility, and ease of use with a fresh look. Here’s an overview of some of the latest enhancements:

MOBILITY. THE NEW OS RUNS ACROSS ALL MICROSOFT DEVICES – FROM DESKTOPS TO LAPTOPS, HYBRIDS, TABLETS, AND SMARTPHONES. IT’S A SINGLE PLATFORM FOR ALL OF YOUR ENDPOINTS.

CORTANA. MICROSOFT’S WINDOWS PHONE VOICE ASSISTANT ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS IN SECONDS. CORTANA ALSO HANDLES CORE COMMANDS LIKE OPENING A BROWSER, CREATING A NEW EMAIL, SETTING REMINDERS OR CALENDAR APPOINTMENTS, AND MORE.

WINDOWS HELLO. SHOW YOUR FACE OR TOUCH YOUR FINGER ON DEVICES FOR BIOMETRIC AUTHENTICATION. HELLO REMOVES THE NEED FOR PASSWORDS AND MAKES AUTHENTICATION MORE SECURE.

EDGE. SEARCH FASTER WITH THE NEW MICROSOFT EDGE WEB BROWSER. DRAW, TYPE, AND WRITE NOTES DIRECTLY ON WEB PAGES AND SHARE THEM WITH OTHERS.

BATTERY SAVER. THIS FEATURE CONSERVES BATTERY BY LIMITING BACKGROUND ACTIVITY AND ADJUSTING HARDWARE SETTINGS WHEN ACTIVATED.

UPDATES. WINDOWS 10 NOW DELIVERS SECURITY PATCHES OUTSIDE WINDOWS UPDATE, SO THEY GO STRAIGHT TO YOUR COMPUTER THE MOMENT THEY ARE AVAILABLE.

BETTER, STRONGER, FASTER?

Is Windows 10 better, stronger, and faster? Switching to Windows 10 brings extended support, futuristic features, performance enhancements, and no cost (for some). While its speed may not be a deciding factor, weighing the benefits of new features and added support against your current operating system could tip the scale. Microsoft has made the decision even more compelling for Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows Phone 8.1 with a one-year offer for a free upgrade.

Testing the OS for compatibility is necessary if you have determined that Windows 10 is right for your business. Testing applications, hardware, drivers, printers, and more for suitability with Windows 10 is required for a smooth transition. Since the OS was released on July 29, numerous patches and updates have already been released to enhance compatibility and stability. There will undoubtedly be more updates and patches to come as users test the operating system. The key question in determining when your business will make the switch is how much testing is required to ensure a smooth transition.

If you’re still not decided on Windows 10, try testing the new OS on Microsoft’s website, or contact us to explore what operating system option is right for your organization. If you’ve determined that Windows 10 is right for your business, contact our team to ensure a smooth transition to the new OS.