Windows 10, the latest version of the popular Microsoft operating system, has recently been released as a free upgrade for Windows 7 and Windows 8 users. (Microsoft somehow never released a Windows 9).
However, this deal will only be available for a year. As a dedicated Mac user, the new features that were promised convinced me to test it out and possibly resolve the Mac versus PC debate for myself.
While the new design and layout looks more appealing, the update has improved the Windows computer experience more than just visually. For those who were disappointed when Windows 8 got rid of the start menu, they no longer have to worry: It has finally made a triumphant comeback. Returning to the bottom left corner of the screen, the start menu allows users to quickly open “most used” or “recently added” apps and manage their computer easily. Microsoft has even added a personal assistant named Cortana, a voice-activated program similar to Siri.
While the new design and layout looks more appealing, the update has improved the Windows computer experience more than just visually.
Despite all of the cool new features, nothing man-made is perfect. In Windows 10, users lose the ability to decline updates, which can spell trouble in the future if an automatic shut down intervenes with their hard work. Thanks to random crashes, most of us have experienced the frustration and regret of not saving a document. Furthermore, when I attempted to play Solitaire—the staple card on most PCs—I discovered that there were ads that I had to pay monthly to remove. Seriously?
The privacy of Windows 10 users is a area of concern. While the Windows Privacy Statement claims that, “we give you choices about the personal data we collect and how we use it,” many significant settings are enabled by default. One notable example is a new feature called Wi-Fi Sense, which allows anyone you’ve added on Facebook, Skype, or Outlook to access your personal WiFi networks.
At the end of the day, the biggest factor is how willing you are to dig deeper into the Windows 10 settings in order to disable some data collection procedures. Remember, the upgrade is currently free if you have Windows 7 or 8. Overall, Windows 10 is faster, more attractive, and more efficient with its new features and is definitely worth getting.
