h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

One of the questions I get asked by my brothers is why I dual boot my pc's between win 7 and win 8. The answer is, software compatibility. I have programs that work well in win 7 but don't work either as well or at all in win 8. Some software vendors supply patches but others don't. For example, my webcam, (not that old) works well in win 7 but not in win 8. The manufacturer haven't issued any software upgrades, in fact they told me I needed to upgrade the webcam. Sorry, but no, I won't be forced into replacing stuff just because they can't be bothered to issue an upgrade/patch for their software. The same applies to games. I'm not a big games player but again, I won't buy new just because they can't be bothered to patch/upgrade. As and when the likes of Microsoft and other software folk stop all support, like they have with XP, then I'll continue to use both which prolongs the life of my existing software and saves me mega bucks by not having to buy new stuff all the time.
The next version of windows, win 10, is going to be a free upgrade for the first time by Microsoft, they're following Apples example of not charging anymore for these system upgrades. What needs to happen now is that all 3rd party software we install should follow suit. They should upgrade in order to make their software work on the new systems, not just force people to go and buy new again.
When the new win 10 system gets its final release in late 2015 I'll probably triple boot it for a time until I see exactly what works and what doesn't in terms of 3rd party software. My pc's have the capacity to do this though I appreciate most home pc's probably wouldn't be able to cope with such a set up.
So, there we have it, a rather long explanation as to why I dual boot systems.

Deb

My computer just downloaded Window 8.1.

It is the Devil's spawn! The Start button now leads to a screen with a lot of useless windows. There's never anything I really want there, but what I *do* want has to be looked through by the Search function.

It took me two weeks to notice that there is a new "File Explorer" icon. It's beginning. I can work with it, but I liked the old Start menu with its branching better.

" but I liked the old Start menu "
You'll be pleased to hear that the old start button and start menu is making a comeback in win 10. Its been the biggest criticism of win 8 from inception, the loss of the traditional start button.

Right. But when I read your comments about Win 10 crashing all the time, I worry that the wait may be a long one.

Ah yes, but remember I'm using the Technical Preview which means its no where near ready for release and the idea is for users like me to find the problems before release. It'll be late 2015, possibly early 2016 before its unleashed on the public in general. Hopefully, (fingerscrossed) stable and user friendly.

[Amy P]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-30121159

webcams - beware and check passwords etc