Microsoft – Windows 10 Will Be Our Last

Microsoft say Windows 10 will be their last named version of Windows, as the company will now just incrementally update its operating system software.

Microsoft revealed that the upcoming release of Windows 10 will be the last version of the company’s iconic operating system.

The company will instead update Windows in an ‘ongoing manner’, Microsoft development executive Jerry Nixon revealed at its Ignite event, rather then releasing standalone versions every few years.  Microsoft also confirmed the news in a statement, which said it expected there to be a “long future” for the product.

“Windows will be delivered as a service bringing new innovations and updates in an ongoing manner” it said.

Windows 10 is set to become available to customers in Summer this year, and will even come as a free upgrade to those currently running Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows Phone 8.1

However, reports have claimed that work on the first official update for the software, codenamed Redstone, is already under-way, and will come to market sometime in 2016.

Windows 10 Screen Layout Preview

Windows 10 (codenamed Threshold) is an upcoming computer operating system being developed by Microsoft as part of the Windows NT family of operating systems.  First presented in April 2014 at the Build Conference, it is scheduled to be released on July 29, 2015 and is currently in public beta testing through the Windows Insider program.  During its first year of availability, upgrades to Windows 10 will be offered at no charge for consumer users of genuine Windows 7 and Windows 8.1.

The software promises a major overhaul in terms of several functions, not least in the return of the familiar Start menu, which comes with a new customisable space for a user’s favourite apps and Live Tiles (from Windows Phone), where users can place their favourite apps, people and websites.

Microsoft is also aiming to give users a more traditional Windows experience that incorporates both touch, keyboard, and mouse inputs.  Other new features include a search option on the taskbar and Start menu; a new quadrant app layout; and a new task-view button on the taskbar.

Windows 10 also marked a break in naming tradition for Microsoft, skipping the expected ‘Windows 9’ name in a move widely seen at signifying a break with the past.  However it has also been rumoured that the name change could be down to coding systems from Windows 95 and 98 versions still being in use.

Windows 10 Feature Highlights

• Cortana
• Microsoft Edge
• Office on Windows
• Xbox Live and the integrated Xbox App
• New Photos, Videos, Music, Maps, People, Mail & Calendar apps
• Windows Continuum
• Windows Hello
• Windows Store

Find out more...

Find out more on the Windows Blog:
https://blogs.windows.com/bloggingwindows/2015/06/01/hello-world-windows-10-available-on-july-29/

Windows XP Support Ends on April 8th 2014
Don't let your PC go unprotected

This is a security alert for all Windows XP users!

Windows XP support has ended

This week (8th April 2014), Microsoft released the last ever batch of security updates for Windows XP and will no longer be releasing official service and support updates for this operating system in the future.

You can read more about this in the technology news section of the BBC web site:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-26884167

This means that in the future, users of XP could potentially be left without critical security updates, which may leave their computers more vulnerable to viruses and more susceptible to cyber-attack.

It could also mean that computer software and computer hardware manufacturers may begin to move away from supporting Windows XP which may lead to new programs and devices not being compatible with the ageing operating system.

Even though it was released back in 2001, Windows XP is still hugely popular, with some estimates suggesting that roughly one in five PCs across the globe still run XP.

If you still use Windows XP, then the ending of service packs and security updates doesn’t mean that your computer will stop working altogether.  It’ll still continue to look and act the same as usual.  However, it could become more vulnerable to cyber security risks and viruses, and over time the performance could also suffer.

Which OS (Operating System) is on your PC running?

If you’re unsure which version of the Windows operating system your computer is currently running you can visit the Microsoft web site, which will automatically tell you what your laptop computer or desktop PC is running.  If you find that your computer is running Windows XP then it might be time to act.

Click here to learn more about Windows XP end of support directly from Microsoft

Windows XP Desktop Example

If you would like some FREE advice, please contact AWP Computer Services and we can talk you through the options.

Thinking about upgrading your system?

To help keep yourself protected, Microsoft suggests that you check to see if your current PC can be upgraded to the latest software.  They offer a Windows Upgrade assistant on their web site that will scan your computer and tell you if your system is compatible with the new operating system.

Microsoft recommend that you download and run the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant to check whether your PC meets the system requirements for Windows 8. The Windows 8.1 system requirements are nearly the same as the Windows 8 system requirements, so if your PC can run Windows 8, in most cases, you can get the free update to Windows 8.1. Upgrade Assistant will also check program and device compatibility, and provide a free compatibility report.

Download the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant

What about transferring old files to a new PC?

If you’re not able to upgrade your computer to a more current operating system then it might be time to consider buying a new desktop PC or laptop computer.  If you were to buy a new PC, but want to transfer your files, photos and music over from your old Windows XP computer then Windows provide a free data transfer tool called Laplink PCmover Express. You can find out more about Laplink PCmover Express on the Microsoft web site.

How do I move all my Windows XP stuff to a new PC?

You can move your Windows XP stuff with Laplink, a free data migration solution that will walk you through all the steps to getting your files, settings, and user profiles from your Windows XP PC to your new Windows laptop, desktop, or tablet. (Note that you will need your Windows XP PC to migrate your data, and you can only migrate to a PC running Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1.)

Laplink PCmover Free 8

Click here to learn more about Laplink



Call AWP Computer Services for Assistance

If you are still unsure about your options, please feel free call AWP Computer Services for some FREE no obligation advice.  Whilst a direct transfer of your files to a nice new Windows 8 (8.1) laptop or desktop PC may be the preferred option, it's not the only option.  An upgrade to Windows Vista or Windows 7 (64 bit) in all their various flavours could be a cost effective way of extending the life of you existing computer system.

Visit the AWP Computer Services (PC Fix) web site for more information.