Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Microsoft

Windows 10 is out today, so what do you need to know?

The response to it has been pretty positive so far.

TODAY’S THE DAY that Windows 10 makes its long-awaited debut and for Microsoft to banish the bad memories of Windows 8.

You might not get it straight away – the upgrade will be released in phases, starting with Windows Insiders before moving onto those on the waiting list – but since you’ll be waiting anyway, here’s what you need to know.

How difficult is it to install?

Provided you have the correct version of Windows, the installation process is pretty straightforward. It’s a little time-consuming, and you should back up important data first before you proceed, but it’s straightforward.

There are two ways to install it. If you already own a computer or tablet with Windows 7 or 8.1 installed, you can upgrade for free.

If you look at the bottom right-hand corner of your screen, there should be a Windows icon on your system tray. Clicking on it will allow you to upgrade or sign up to the waiting list.

If you own a pro version of Windows, you will be upgraded to Windows 10 Pro.

windows-10-get-windows-630x333 Windows Blog Windows Blog

I can’t see this icon. What’s happening?

There could be a few reasons for this, but the main ones are:

- You don’t have Windows Updates turned on or not set to receive updates automatically
- Your device doesn’t have an up-to-date copy of Windows 7 or 8.1.
- You’ve blocked or uninstalled the necessary update needed.
- You’re running a pirated version of Windows.

If you have an older version of Windows, you have two options. You can either pay for it online or you can purchase a USB drive with it installed.

What kind of PC/device should you have?

These are the general specifications provided by Microsoft. What you need are:

- 1GHz processor.
- 1GB or RAM (2GB for 64-bit devices).
- 16GB of hard disk space (20GB for 64-bit devices).
- A display of at least 1024×600.

If you’re unsure, the Windows icon in the system tray has a ‘test your PC’ option which tells you if your device is compatible. Alternatively, you can find out by going into Control Panel > System and Security > System.

Why is it releasing Windows 10 in phases?

Likely because with all official launches, there will be bugs here and there. No software is ever perfect when it’s first released and doing it in phases gives Microsoft time to react.

The first people to gain access to the upgrade will be those involved with the Windows Insider programme, those who have been using the beta version of Windows 10 for months now.

There are roughly 4.4 million people who have been involved so once they’re out of the way, it will move onto those who signed up to the waiting list and then a general release.

Windows / YouTube

What’s the reaction to it been like?

Very positive. Many were happy to see the return of the Start button and turning it into one main operating system instead the disjointed nature of Windows 8′s desktop and tablet modes.

The Verge praised the update saying it’s “hugely exciting” saying that its decision to make this the ‘last Windows’ is good since it “ends the cycle of good and bad [Windows 8] in favour of something great.”

Windows 10 is hugely exciting. I rarely touch my MacBook Air anymore as I find the combination of some good hardware (like the Dell XPS 13) and Windows 10 is a joy to use. I like the direction Microsoft is taking with Windows 10, accepting feedback and ideas from its customers along the way. It feels like the best way to shape Windows into something people enjoy using, rather than something they have to use.

PC World also praised the update saying it charts a better course for the service, and has done a great job in making Windows 8 a distant memory.

Windows 10 feels like Windows; I made the mental shift from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 during the weeks I’ve spent with it as a Windows Insider. That was a very clever tactic, by the way, to encourage users to overcome their unfamiliarity with the OS as beta testers.So what’s our verdict? Download it, definitely. Not only is it free to the vast majority of customers, it’s a sizeable improvement over both of Microsoft’s prior operating systems. Microsoft, to its very great credit, has assumed a corporate persona of humility and responsiveness that it’s previously lacked. If there are problems—and there are—we have every confidence they’ll be fixed.

While ComputerWorld called it “a dramatic improvement over Windows 8,” saying it worked better as one main service instead of a “Rube Goldberg kludge of two operating systems poorly bolted together”.

Despite some bugs and annoyances (like being forced to accept Windows updates), it will be worthwhile to upgrade from Windows 8.1 before July 29, 2016, when Microsoft’s one-year free upgrade offer runs out. Windows 7 users should consider upgrading as well, thanks to Cortana, Edge and the advent of useful Windows apps.

So should I upgrade?

We would say yes since it’s free and fixes the many problems that Windows 8.1 presented, just make sure you back up your important files first as a precaution before doing anything.

But remember that you don’t have to upgrade straight away. As mentioned earlier, most people have a year to upgrade it for free so if you’re unsure, you can always hold off the decision for a bit while you see how other people fare.

Also, there will always be a few bugs here and there with the first version so waiting a little longer for them to be fixed is never a bad idea.

(Originally published: 20:30 28/7/2015)

Read: The sequel to the best Android phone of 2014 is official, and it looks amazing >

Read: Controversial app Uber to create 300 jobs in Limerick >

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
43 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Buí agus Gorm
    Favourite Buí agus Gorm
    Report
    Mar 12th 2022, 7:58 AM

    Amnesty and others should be ashamed of themselves coming out with this kind of gift wrapped propaganda for Russia, theres only one side commiting war crimes and it aint Ukraine

    274
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Nicholas McMurry
    Favourite Nicholas McMurry
    Report
    Mar 12th 2022, 9:51 AM

    @Buí agus Gorm: The rules of international humanitarian law are there to protect everyone. If you deny one side’s responsibilities you open up the Pandoras box. And a breach of international humanitarian law is not necessarily a war crime. War crimes are reserved for serious breaches. And you are right: the only war crimes that I have seen have come from the Russian side. But Amnesty should not be ashamed for standing up for international law.

    82
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute shligo boyzz
    Favourite shligo boyzz
    Report
    Mar 12th 2022, 10:32 AM

    @Nicholas McMurry: every rule is being broken by Russia who cares about the Russian pow’s getting a bit of a video taken of them they are getting off lightly.

    52
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sean McCarthy
    Favourite Sean McCarthy
    Report
    Mar 12th 2022, 11:45 AM

    @Nicholas McMurry: agreed. To put it simply, two wrongs don’t make a right.

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jonathan O'Riordan
    Favourite Jonathan O'Riordan
    Report
    Mar 12th 2022, 8:54 AM

    Hang on a minute, they are not POW’s as Herr Putin has said it is not a “war”

    75
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Shepherd
    Favourite Paul Shepherd
    Report
    Mar 12th 2022, 8:48 AM

    I wonder if “organised” groups like paid Syrian mercenaries or Chechen terrorists are to be treated as POW’s? Given their track records of brutality and human rights abuses, they should be shot out of hand.

    64
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute D. Memery
    Favourite D. Memery
    Report
    Mar 12th 2022, 9:06 AM

    @Paul Shepherd: mercenaries are not entitled to combatant nor prisoners of war status afforded under the Geneva Convention. As for ‘terrorists’ if they are members of a local opposition, clearly identifiable and openly carrying weapons they are entitled to such status.

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute D. Memery
    Favourite D. Memery
    Report
    Mar 12th 2022, 9:07 AM
    4
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Shepherd
    Favourite Paul Shepherd
    Report
    Mar 12th 2022, 10:07 AM

    @D. Memery: I’m sure their victims will be relieved that their human rights will be respected.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute D. Memery
    Favourite D. Memery
    Report
    Mar 12th 2022, 2:02 PM

    @Paul Shepherd: perhaps you should direct your critism at the authors of the convention and the International Red Cross so! If you read the link you will note that although mercenaries are not entitled the combatant status they are permitted to be detained and tried for any crimes committed under civilian law.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Rob Gale
    Favourite Rob Gale
    Report
    Mar 12th 2022, 11:15 AM

    If some dude came to my country and attacked my family n friends and then I captured him. I wouldn’t be caring if some yolk from the UN thought filming him was degrading. To be honest i probably wouldnt be keeping him alive in the first place.

    29
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Nicholas McMurry
    Favourite Nicholas McMurry
    Report
    Mar 12th 2022, 3:27 PM

    @Rob Gale: What is the point in defending our values if we don’t have any?

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Anna Carr
    Favourite Anna Carr
    Report
    Mar 12th 2022, 10:53 AM

    I’m sorry but did Russia worry about all the innocents they have killed in cold blood? Women, children, the old and the sick. And those soldiers looked like middle Eastern blokes that joined up.

    33
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Anna Carr
    Favourite Anna Carr
    Report
    Mar 12th 2022, 6:54 PM

    @Roy Dowling: oh b1. te me you @$$ wipe. I’m not gender biased I’m on the side of those unable to defend themselves. Why are there such €€jits here making such immature uneducated comments in the middle of a conflict.

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Roy Dowling
    Favourite Roy Dowling
    Report
    Mar 12th 2022, 10:09 PM

    @Anna Carr: hopefully I’ll never get close enough to you to b1.te you. People like you are why are to the problems of this world. You expect all men capable to defend themselves but no women are capable to defend themselves. Makes it more gender bias on your side.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Daftbit Jelly
    Favourite Daftbit Jelly
    Report
    Mar 12th 2022, 11:09 AM

    I think Ukraine needs to take the high ground and not engage in tactics Putin would use.

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute TrollsRrealpeople2
    Favourite TrollsRrealpeople2
    Report
    Mar 12th 2022, 4:33 PM

    Civilians didn’t sign up to the Geneva convention to protect Russian invaders. When this goes full guerilla warfare those sad phone calls will be public executions.

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Keth Warsaw
    Favourite Keth Warsaw
    Report
    Mar 12th 2022, 8:01 PM

    The general perception is that Putin started a war. I would suggest cautiously that Putin started an invasion. By way of Ukraine’s defence, a war began. Compare this war to the US troops exiting Afghanistan. Al-Qaeda (although already largely present with the country) carried out an invasion. Not a war. While I admire Zelenskyy’s bravery and hope the best for him, I can’t help but think he’s not being realistic in meeting Putin halfway. That Ireland voted to fast-track Ukraine into the EU will only stoke the fire. But then Ireland is just an EU provincial government. France / Netherlands who both vetoed the move is a tad more realistic.

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds