WIndows 10

Don't over-react, none of this debate, nor me, is worth taking such a drastic step ... we're both 'core people' on here, you for a lot longer than me, and I have no wish to be driving you away. I'm sure there's room on here for us both, and both of our views on Windows ! (You wait 'till we kick off about, I don't' know ... Lightroom or something!!)

Like a few before, you may just be misunderstanding my style. Nothing I've written is 'trolling'. I just raise the debate, try to add some balance, and by the questions I work to extract more information and finer details about the matter (like the points on the start menu and shut-down options that we've seen screenshots of). Its all about getting a better picture of the issue onto the thread.

I think both viewpoints have been spelled out well enough now, so of course we can leave it now. For those who like win8 and sing its praises here, I've accepted that as good for them .... but I feel the negative view has been seized on as meaning those who hold it just can't change, or don't understand it .... you said I needed to go and read about it. That's the bit I feel has been unfair ... rather than explore the man-machine interface aspects and see how the changes are affecting intuitive working with the OS, we've just been told to get with the times, accept change and learn. Not very understanding or considerate.

But we all look forward to a free upgrade to the latest version, absolutely. And lets hope there's plenty to satisfy a much wider range of customers than win 8 offered.

Gwyn, I do hope you can keep on posting on many topics here. I have no wish to get in the way of that, so I will offer to stay lowkey and out of your way.

Fair enough jemx99, although it can work the other way round. I have one Vista laptop left because it runs some older software that's not compatible with later OS.

However, it will eventually go and everything else is currently Windows 7.

Good point!

A quick update on this thread.

Windows 10 will be available free for those with Windows 7, 8 or 8.1 from July 29th. The offer is valid for one year.

If your computer is up to date then you will notice a little white Windows icon on the right hand side of the task bar, so near the date/time. If you click on that you can reserve your free copy. If you haven't got it yet check your updates are up to date and it will magically appear over the next couple of days.

You can also check if your computer is compatible with W10 by clicking on the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) top left in the app, and clicking on is my PC ready.

You do not have to update to W10 immediately it is available, but you do have to reserve you copy.

I'd update from Windows 7 in a flash if Microsoft reintroduced Twain support. My top-notch scanner has been languishing in a cupboard since I "moved up" from Windows XP to 7 and found it no longer functions. I don't know what would be involved in bringing back Twain but I would have thought a few extra lines of code would accomplish it. I'm more interested in this core functionality than in some rearrangement of the desktop deckchairs. Having said that, I'll probably give Windows 10 a try-out on my netbook and could well be sold on the claimed improvements.

If you just want really good scanning ability, then Vuescan is your answer. Forget TWAIN
Matt

Sadly, Vuescan won't work because it needs a WIA driver specific to my scanner and the manufacturer, Visioneer, can't be bothered providing one. You're right, though ... it looks like time to forget Twain.

Thanks for the information Gwyn.
Oh you are most welcome. So glad to be able to let one of you have another moan.

I give up.

I had completely missed all of this until now. I skipped to the end and found Gwyn's helpful post, and have now reserved my copy. I wondered what the white windows icon was that appeared on my computer recently!

Thanks Gwyn, the whole thing would have passed me by.

Best wishes, Kris.

Thanks for the info Gwyn!

If you want to remove the update icon, it was apparently installed by Microsoft update KB 3035583 - see here http://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/04/09/microsofts_mystery_update_will_push_wind...
Removing that update should, I think, remove the icon and the prompts.

FWIW, remember the important motto of "Never buy Version 1 of ANYTHING"! - and W10 will lock you very heavily into the Microsoft "World", just like Apple do with IoS. Investigate very carefully before you "buy" - I will!

Windows 10 has been heavily tested. I can't see how upgrading to 10 ties you into anything more than your existing Microsoft OS does.
At least MS don't mine your private life like some Internet companies I (and Tim Cook of Apple) could mention.

There is no need to remove the icon. Just don't click on reserve a copy. You have a whole year to do it. Leave the icon where it is or you will lose the chance of a free upgrade.

1) As I said, "Never..."
2) If you investigate W10 you will find that you will have to sign up to an MS a/c which does lock you far more closely into their "World"
3) Removing the KB update should not prevent you downloading it later on - so consider before you do.

Caveat emptor!

My understanding is that the 10 update can only be applied to 7 and 8.1. An upgrade from 8 will require applying the 8 to 8.1 (free) update first.

My own view is to wait and see. Certainly will not be jumping straight in to upgrade on day one! If it isn't broken can't see the point of fixing it.

I don't know how anyone can knock Lightroom and rave about Photoshop, skipping that they're from the same company, and Lightroom is tailored for photographers