Windows 10

[johnsimion]

The one and only version of Windows that I liked was Windows XP. Ever since then, the more "smart" they make it, the more "stupid" it gets. I don't like it when programs think they know better than I do where I should file stuff. All that's happened with newer versions is more complication, more stuff automated that I don't want automated, slower, and incompatibility with older stuff.

 

[Mazo EMS2]

Sheesh...it's been out and running for a long time already...still not used to it?? I like it, haven't had any issues with it at all. No one likes change, but once ya get a handle on it, you'll like it

 

[bhern]

Well, it's a word that begins with "L," that's true...

I just found out recently that according to the EULA for any windows OS Microsoft still owns the software. By using it and agreeing to the EULA you are only leasing the software and that Microsoft has the right to change or view anything on your computer.

Actually, you are *licensing* the software. You do not purchase it -- therefore, you do not *own* it. But you possess a license to use it per the terms -- and gosh knows, they make gripping reading -- of the license agreement. The distinction comes down to issues with copyright law, and licensing is not at all unusual when it comes to digital products -- software, music, your phone, etc. (I work for a software company and we license our software as well.) Much of what goes onto silicon is licensed, not owned. Here's an older but quickly effective article on that topic:

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/apr/05/digital-media-licensed-not-owned


As far as rights to change or view anything on your computer, no, Microsoft has a privacy agreement that stipulates various conditions, among them consequences of using certain features that depend upon transmitting information, etc.

I do believe the license agreement does require you to accept periodic updates, but I believe it also provides for a way to select which updates you wish to reject -- the consequences of which may be a loss of functionality, etc.

(And for what it's worth on the original topic, I split my time between Windows and Mac OS, and am actually very happy with Windows 10. There are aspects to both operating systems that are praiseworthy, and headscratchers on both as well. The stability of Windows 10 has been noted by others, and while previous versions set a low bar to hurdle, I have no complaints. The ironic development on the Windows front is that by taking pages from Apple's book in terms of building their own systems, they've both made some great products -- I *love* my Surface Pro -- and caused the wider market to up their game, too. Who knew that Microsoft would turn out to be an even better hardware manufacturer than a software developer?)

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

I just found out recently that according to the EULA for any windows OS Microsoft still owns the software. By using it and agreeing to the EULA you are

only leasing the software

That's pretty much the norm for all software. And always has been. What's changing is going to subscription based s/w instead of buying it and keeping and using it forever. I think all Internet Security software is like that now. After your subscription period runs out, no more updates. MS is pushing hard to go that way.

 

[tibadoe]

I have not real issues with W10. Usually upgrade after the latest current/latest version has been out for a while to give it time to work out some bugs. Change is just a part of life. Didn't vote since I don't fit any of the listed categories.

 

[Flanker]

I checked the HATE box; though in fairness; it's actually more like; really don't like aspects of Win 10. Back Win 10 pre release time; when MS was offering a free trial upgrade for Win 8/8.1 users--I tried it. Due to an "at the time unknown" issue between the Win 10 upgrade/trial version and inefficiently coded drivers for my Nvidia GPU, my gaming performance dropped noticeably. So I implemented the included "free" reversion back to Win 8.1. The reversion borked itself, causing a total loss of all data on my HDD. You can imagine how thrilled I was with that Win 10 unadvertised feature. While reinstalling Win 8.1, all my apps/programs, and rebuilding my entire data structure from scratch I made due with directing several very unChristianly and terminal thoughts towards everyone invovled with the Win 10 trial release.

Since then I've been treated to two borked bi-annual Win 10 updates costing me $300.00 + in various professional services, as well as many hours on the phone with Tech Support (at the vendor who built my system), as well as many hours of diagnostic/testing fun on my own.

As Win 10 updates "in the background" there have been numerous instances of updates DLing unknownst to me while I was gaming; causing a number of baffling (until I realized it was a back ground Windows update) and REALLY irritating in game performance issues/CTDs etc.

I do not use virtually all of the highly touted Win 10 features and services (over Win 8.1) so they are worthless ad OS advances to me; though as with everyone else, I'm stuck with the mandatory updates (as opposed to the old manual update option in previous Windows Builds) built into Win 10.

Other than that; it's OK as an OS for gaming, surfing, word processing and such.

Recently I came across a third party app to allow me to run searches and installs for updates (both Windows and installed apps/hardware) that has taken a fair bit of the irritation out of updating the OS/drivers and such. There is also a third party app available to allow the user to completely shut off Windows updates; though I don't use it.