Showing posts with label tech talk. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tech talk. Show all posts

Learn about Windows 11

Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Brian Boston, instructor
Microsoft updated Windows 11 in Fall 2022 but continues to support Windows 10 for the next few years. 

So why upgrade? What benefits does the new OS offer and should you make the transition now or wait to buy a new computer? 

Bring your questions and we will help you learn about Windows 11. Class will be held in a computer lab, but you can bring a laptop.

2/15 - 2/22 | 6:00 – 8:00 pm | Wednesday (2) | Fee: $49 | Brian Boston | Location: Building 1300, Room 1308, Shoreline CC Campus




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Where is Fred Rogers when you need him?

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

From Dr. François S. Clemmons, modified to landscape under Creative Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0


By Brian Boston

It’s hard not to watch “Won’t You Be My Neighbor,” and not come away philosophical. This documentary about a human being of seemly infinite grace who became a PBS icon for children puts you in the mood to be reflective and thoughtful about the world in which we live.

Damage Control vs. Usage Improvement
While I do help people use their computers more creatively and effectively, I seem to also spend a lot of time protecting or recovering people from tech scams, identity theft and other malicious acts. Of the five different type of talks I am currently offering at Sno-Isle libraries through their Tech Pros program, only two topics fit into the creative/effective column.

On top of that I had just finished a class on fake news in October (Rumor Mill: How to Find Fact from Fiction on the Web) for the Creative Retirement Institute (EDCC). There I had to show example after example of the vicious fictions created by people feeding the paranoia of their ideological base, picking at the character of anyone who disagrees or simply seeking to profit from the fear and uncertainty generated by incomprehensible threats.

Okay, that sentence was long. It was also depressing. I am sure that some people’s reaction to all this is to crawl to the nearest corner and assume the fetal position.

Fred’s Frame of Mind
So, I was in the right state to see Fred Rogers again in the Oscar-winning documentary by Morgan Neville, (available through Amazon Prime, ITunes, King County Library, Sno-Isle Library and the Seattle Public Library). It was a great antidote to the fake news, public displays of disrespect, and the tendency of people to think the worst of their fellow human beings.

Fred loved people, especially children and thought the best of them. Though Fred died 15 years ago, I know he would be appalled at the relentless pace and vicious content we are hit with every day. But, I don’t think he would get caught up in it.

Instead, I believe he would respond without anger or antipathy to the person, not to the attack:

“You must be particularly upset or angry to speak so hurtfully to others. It must be hard on you and those you care about when you feel like that.”

And then, he would be prepared to listen.

That first part is something most people can understand intellectually. The second part is the hard part, though. Opening yourself up to hear someone is risky, but it is also the secret step to stopping the endless battle and beginning a true dialog.

Are People Worth the Effort?
In writing this, I am reminded of a story told by one of my Tech Support Scam attendees at the Marysville Library. As he recalled the story, a phone scammer called an intended victim who started asking the scammer questions, not about the scam but about the scammer himself.

Finally, the “victim” started sharing with the scammer that he knew this was a scam and shared his feeling the caller was “better than this” and “deserved more than just scamming people.”

Sometime later the scammer called this person back, stating that their phone call changed his life. He quit the scam, gained a legitimate job and learned in the process that he was a better person than he thought he was. Is the story true? I have no idea. I can only hope it is.

Am I suggesting that everyone try to do this? No. This was likely a special circumstance that both people were “primed” to pursue with a positive outcome. If the circumstances seem right, perhaps.

A Lesson in Reaching Out
Oftentimes we aren’t looking for an opportunity for something like this at all. That was the situation for Ben Taylor from Ogden, Utah. Ben has a You-Tube channel where he has, among other things, attempted to scam scammers.

That changed a little over a year ago when Ben received a random message on Facebook:



Ben started to communicate with the scammer (Joel) who initially wanted to receive electronics shipped through a third-party at a suspicious address in the US. Over the next few months of interaction, Ben purchased a camera and sent it to Joel, telling him he would pay for pictures of Liberia. While the first set of pictures were poor quality, Joel practiced and finally started sending very nice pics.

Then Ben took the good pictures, made a photo book (By D Grace of God) and started an Indiegogo campaign to sell the book for $10.

They sold over 1,000 books to people in 40 different countries with Ben splitting the profits 50/50 with Joel. Ben then donated his profits to Joel’s village, having Joel manage the purchase and distribution of school supplies to the poorest children.



If this amazing story ended at this point, it would have been enough for most. Ben and Joel’s story went viral. To continue book purchases and offer more merchandise, Ben started a webpage: bydgraceofgod.

Donations and purchases helped Ben travel to Joel’s village and distribute more assistance to the people of Liberia. It certainly changed the lives of a onetime Liberian scammer and his American business partner forever.

Book and products are available here.

Finding Fred
With stories like Ben and Joel, perhaps I have my answer to “Where is Fred Rogers when you need him?”. The essence of Fred’s approach was to believe that people are inherently good. They just need to be understood and supported so each one could be “as good as they could be” as Fred would say.

When an opportunity presents itself and things align, Fred seems to be there for me. Maybe he can also be there for others. We just need to see the signs and open our hearts to those moments.

More about Ben and Joel’s story




When not thinking about we can treat each other better or occasionally contributing to the Shoreline Area News, Brian Boston helps individuals and groups with technology and offers classes through the Sno-isle Libraries, Computer Q/A at The Commons and the Creative Retirement Institute at Edmonds Community College. More information at bostonlegacyworks.com.



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Tech Talk: Last Week Guide: The free Windows 10 Upgrade

Sunday, July 24, 2016



Its only four days before Microsoft’s imposed deadline for Windows 7 and 8.1 users to upgrade to Windows 10 for free. For those of you on the fence about upgrading or unsure that will be happening as of midnight Friday, July 29 here’s a quick guide to what we know.

Is Microsoft serious about charging for Windows 10?
Absolutely. While there have been rumors for months suggesting that Microsoft might extend or change this deadline, the word from them is that it is still happening. The recent announcement that Microsoft will miss its previously stated goal of 1 billion systems running Windows 10 by mid-2018 only confirms their plans not to extend the free upgrade period. Once you have upgraded to Windows 10, further upgrades will be free for the life of the device.

Are there any exceptions to this?
Yes, there is … though the exceptions are pretty specific.

If you are upgrading a Windows Phone using Windows 8.1 … and your phone is supported by Windows 10 … and your service provider makes the upgrade available, your upgrade will continue to be free. Since Windows Phones that qualify make up a very small percentage of the current mobile phone market, this is a very select group.

If you are using a Windows 7 or 8.1 system with “assistive technologies.” you can upgrade for free after the July 29th deadline according to the Microsoft Accessibility Blog. Assistive technologies include software and hardware designed to help people who have a defined disability (low vision, mobility, hearing, etc.) that limits their computer activity. As we haven’t seen more detail as yet on this from Microsoft, I am assuming this means users of third-party assistive technologies, not Windows’ built-in accessibility tools. Upgrading systems with these specialized tools in place has always been more complicated because of how they integrate with the operating system, and, often, the costs of upgrading them to compatible versions.

So, if I download Windows 10 now, I will be able to install it for free anytime, right?
Wrong. In order for Windows 10 to be a free upgrade, it needs to be installed AND activated before the midnight Friday 29th deadline. Once Microsoft’s activation servers have information on the system, you have more flexibility. See option 2 under “What if I am not ready upgrade?” below for more details.

What if I am not ready to upgrade?
If you think you might upgrade at some point but aren’t ready to do it now, these are your options:

1. Pay for the upgrade
There is nothing wrong with this option, as long as you understand the costs. If you are running a Windows 7 or 8 Home version (check by using the Windows Key+R to display an entry area, typing winver and pressing Enter), your upgrade cost is about $120. If it is Windows 7 or 8.1 Professional, the cost jumps up to $200. While some discounts may available through individual retailers, those prices seem to be the standard. The key thing to know if that Windows 10 will only upgrade over its appropriate version (Home or Home Premium to Windows 10 Home, Pro or Professional to Windows 10 Pro).

2. Upgrade, then roll back to your previous OS.
According to the Windows 10 Upgrade FAQ:
“Once you’ve upgraded to Windows 10 using the free upgrade offer, you can reinstall or perform a clean installation on the same device. You won’t need a product key to re-activate Windows 10 on the same hardware. For more info on how to create your own Windows 10 installation media, go to the Microsoft software download website.”

What this means is that you can upgrade temporarily to Windows 10, then do into Settings, Update and Security, and Recovery to go back to your previous Windows version. This option is available to you up to 30 days after your upgrade. A post on The Windows Club shows the process. Once the Windows activation servers have a record of your system on Windows 10, you will be able upgrade or restore that system for free going forward.

I recommend if you chose to do this process to make a full backup of your computer before starting. While the upgrade and rollback processes work very well, anytime you make these kinds of major changes in a system, there can still be a chance for trouble to occur.

3. Wait and get a new system
Most new PCs are now running Windows 10. That is the traditional route most people have taken to get a new version of Windows … and it still works. Whether it this approach, or one of the other methods, you will be get free updates of Windows 10 as they become available.

What if I am not comfortable with the Windows 10 upgrade process?
You could have someone else install Windows 10 for you. There are individuals like me who do this for a fee. I frankly think that this personalized service is more worthwhile for you if you wish a system to be checked out prior to an upgrade or once the upgrade is completed. It’s at those times either problems can be addressed or you can be advised on screens being displayed or actions to take. Since most of upgrade time (20 minutes to an hour) is a hands-off operation, there is a lot of waiting around on your dime.

If you prefer the lesser expensive route of having a computer store install Windows 10, that is fine, providing you know the reputation of the place and have a relationship with them. Upgrade prices usually start at about $30 and is often a flat fee. The best deal I have seen lately is from Microsoft Stores. If you bring in your qualifying computer with Windows 7 or 8.1 to a nearby store (Check for a Microsoft Store near you), they will upgrade it to Windows 10 for free the same day. If they fail to upgrade it in time, you get a free Dell laptop.

When is the next version available?
Microsoft has announced that version 1607 of Windows 10 (also known as The Anniversary Update) will be available starting August 2nd as a free automatic upgrade for current Windows 10 users and a paid upgrade for Windows 7 and 8.1 users.

Why do we keeping getting all these new versions?
For those of you keeping track of versions, this will be the third major update for Windows 10 in the past year, not including the monthly “Cumulative Updates” that have been be occurring every month.” This is a big change from the once every-three-year cycle Microsoft has previously used for Windows.

This new approach challenges traditional notions of a software product. Products are usually considered static items and are typically replaced by newer or different products. Software with its malleability has never fit well into the paradigm of a product, especially as software update mechanisms have evolved. Microsoft is dealing with this by recasting Windows as a service. Services evolve and adjust to changing circumstances.

The advantage of having Windows as an updatable service is that changes can frequently occur in the background, tend to be incremental and need less orientation … once you accept the premise.

If you don’t accept the premise and continue to treat Windows as a product, then the process of frequent updates becomes an intrusion over which you have little control and a source of frustration.

Is there a compelling reason to just wait for the next version?
None that come to mind. The traditional reason (“Wait until the bugs are ironed out”) doesn’t really apply. While some features of Windows 10 (namely, the Microsoft Edge web browser and Cortana digital assistant) are more fully fleshed out in version 1607, the basic system has already been through a major update, version 1511, in November of last year and is functioning fine.

Since version 1511 is also a free upgrade for Windows 7 and 8.1, it is worth doing. As mentioned earlier, the upgrade to the current version will also let you upgrade to version 1607 for free, so there is little downside to doing. If you wait for 1607, you will pay for the upgrade.

One note – if you upgrade to version 1511 now, it will be 30 days before you are automatically prompted to upgrade 1607. Microsoft specifically does this to allow you time to “roll-back” to Windows 7 or 8.1, if necessary. A new upgrade clears out the previous Windows 7 or 8.1 operating system files that allow the capability to roll back. If you don't wish to wait for 30 days, you can still manually upgrade within the 30-day window through Microsoft’s Update Page.

What more can you tell me about Windows 10 Anniversary Update (version 1607) that is available on August 2nd?
There is a lot to say … so we will hold those thoughts to another post.

~~~
Boston LegacyWorks, LLC offers talks and individual help on technology topics, troubleshooting and tutoring on PC usage, and services so you can manage and maintain your computer, your network of computers, or how they connect with the world. Contact us for information on how we can help you.



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Tech Talk: Windows 10 Upgrades: I Hear Stories…

Thursday, July 21, 2016

I hear stories...
By Brian Boston

Windows 10 Upgrades: I Hear Stories…
In helping people with Windows 10 upgrades, I hear a lot of stories. So do you:
  • “I heard Windows 10 has a lot of problems.”
  • “I heard Microsoft is upgrading people without their permission.”
  • “I hear that there are privacy concerns with Windows 10.”

There are other rumors going around but these seem to be the top three I hear. Usually these concerns come without specifics, because most of us remember the headlines long after the details have faded. It’s difficult to respond without the actual context of the concern. The best I can do is give me my “take” on what the concern is and whether it should be your concern. So here goes:

Windows 10 has a lot of problems – Not Accurate
As someone who installs Windows 10 once to twice a week and has been using it on many systems for more than a year (if you count pre-release versions), I am always surprised to hear people tell me this. As a support guy, I expect to directly encounter all sorts of problems. Windows 10 has been one of the least problematic upgrades I have ever experienced. It doesn’t mean that Windows 10 is problem-free, but I find it more forgiving than other Windows versions. We can’t escape problems with old hardware or out-of-date software, but it handled nearly everything else well.

This lack of serious issues made it hard for tech journalists to come up with the usual articles around the public release of Windows 10 detailing problems. So the stuff they found was more obscure and unusual, leaving more room for speculation and concerns. Unfortunately, the headlines were still the same size. Bill Gates was speaking about Gates Foundation work when he said, “Headlines in a way are what mislead you because bad news is a headline and gradual improvement is not.” Good software launches seem to also fit that pattern.

Upgrading to Windows 10 without permission – Not Technically Accurate, But Very Annoying
While Windows 10 has a very smooth upgrade experience overall, their aggressive practices to get people to upgrade have been less laudable. Besides the endless update reminders, the practice of “pre-downloading” the upgrade on people’s systems and changes in how the upgrade is handled through Windows Update. That last set of items has tripped many people up and caused unintended upgrades.

The first occurred when, Microsoft started moving the Windows 10 upgrade on Windows 8.1 and 7 systems from an “Optional” status to “Recommended.” This shouldn’t be a problem, except that most people who are using automatic updates are installing, by default, any Recommended updates. In effect, Windows 10 starts a download-and-install process on these systems. While it’s possible to stop the process at a couple of points (like not agreeing to the user license when prompted), the options to say no aren’t terribly obvious. This has led people to thinking they haven’t agreed to the upgrade when, technically, they have.

If you prefer not to upgrade to Windows 10 or wish to upgrade of your own accord, you need to turn off the feature that automatically installs Recommended updates. I have detailed steps to do this in this document. The first two pages lay out the problem with page 3 going step-by-step through the solution.  Essentially, you are going to the Windows Update tool and unchecking an item in the Change Settings area designed to give you recommend updates the same way you receive important updates. While I have mentioned this before, it’s clear from discussions that the message benefits from repeating it here.

You can also put an end to the most aggressive upgrade “incentives” by using Steve Gibson’s tool Never 10 tool. This simple utility uses methods provided in Windows to suppress these messages and can be reversed at any time to allow you to install on your terms.

Windows 10 privacy concerns – Not as Bad as You Think …and Largely Controllable
With little evidence of technical problems at Windows 10’s release, at lot of tech press focused attention on the information that Window 10 collects about you, your preferences, and your system.  Within all the claims and clamor, concerns break into four areas of possible collection:
    1. System Improvement
      Though Microsoft has been collecting information on computer crashes for years to improve stability on their systems, the depth and detail of information collected has increased dramatically in the last few years. Most of this kind of detail known as “system telemetry” details your computer’s behavior and how you interact with it to improve future product releases. By default, Windows 10 ‘s Diagnostic and usage data (under the Feedback and diagnostic areas in Settings/Privacy) is set to Full. You can limit the capability by changing the setting to Basic or Enhanced. See Microsoft’s Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on feedback, diagnostic, and privacy .
    2. Network WIFI Settings
      Windows 10 adds a capability previously called WI-FI sense on Windows phones that lets you share trusted WI-FI settings with people in your Contact Lists. This is one group of privacy settings I prefer to disable. You will find them in Settings/Network/Wi-Fi/Manage Wi-FI Settings. “Connect to suggested open hotspots” and “Connect to networks shared by my contacts” can both be switched off. Microsoft appears to be removing this feature in its next major release of Windows 10, due shortly after the July 29 free upgrade period ends.
    3. Ad preferences
      Microsoft, like Google, Amazon, and Facebook, collects information on searches, purchases and other Internet activity to help guide what advertising is presented to you in its products, web sites and services. The data profile it collects shows preferences buts doesn’t contain any personal data. The only association with you and your Microsoft account is an “advertising id.” While it’s possible to turn off this advertising id, this only has the consequence of making the ads you see more generic and less based on your interests. You can do this in Windows 10 using Settings/ Privacy/ General/ Let apps use my advertising ID….  Also, this can be controlled through Microsoft’s “Opt-Out” web page.
    4. Cortana
      Perhaps the newest data collector and the most “personal,” Cortana will collect information about your interests and activities IF you tell it to do so. If you are concerned about what Cortana will track, go to the Notebook on Cortana’s menu and disable the features you wish not to track. You can also go to the Bing Personalization page  and clear information on Interests it has already collected.

There are, of course, many more stories I hear about Windows 10, especially as we inch closer to the end of July and end of its free upgrade period. More on that in an upcoming post. Perhaps the most important point of confusion for many people is "end of the free upgrade period" means.

Defining the "End of Free"
It does mean that upgrades from 7 or 8.1 will no longer be free after midnight, July 29th. It doesn't mean that people who have already upgraded to Windows 10 will need to pay for future upgrades. If you have already upgraded to Windows 10, you will be automatically upgraded for free to the next Windows 10 release, due to be released on August 2nd. Microsoft has stated that people who have already upgraded will continue to get free upgrades for the life of their computer.

~~~
Boston LegacyWorks, LLC offers talks and individual help on technology topics, troubleshooting and tutoring on PC usage, and services so you can manage and maintain your computer, your network of computers, or how they connect with the world. Contact us for information on how we can help you.



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Tech Talk: Windows 10: Should I or Shouldn’t I: Part 4

Friday, August 14, 2015

By Brian Boston

Over the last three parts of this series (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3), we have covered a lot of ground in how Windows 10 is different, and what it offers. 

To Upgrade or Not to Upgrade, Is that the Question?

Whether it is relevant to you depends on your reactions to the changes the new operating system brings, the features it promises, and opportunities it offers you to be productive, creative, connected, or entertained.

While many may be intrigued, perhaps even excited about Windows 10, there are also many dreading changes to their computer’s way of working. Change is hard as we noted earlier in this series.

Avoiding Technical Obsolescence


I asked my 89-year old mother whether she wanted to upgrade. She said “Yes! I don’t want to become obsolete.”

While I assured her that she will never become obsolete with me around, this is a legitimate concern for many. “Being connected” 25 years ago meant you had a telephone land line. Today it’s more likely you mean constant Internet access to the world on your mobile device. One of reasons that Windows 10 exists is because Microsoft wants desktop and laptop PCs to continue to be relevant in a technological world where smartphones have become the dominant computing device.

Upgrading to Windows 10 doesn’t have to be a major step forward in features or capabilities. It just needs to help you stay current and connected with the world around you as painlessly as possible. Hopefully with the information offered here in these tech talks, you can determine whether that goal is achieved on your behalf. My personal observation is that not upgrading just postpones the pain and increases its intensity next time.

That’s why my initial answer to the “upgrade or not” question was and continues to be:

Upgrade …. it’s free to do so at least until July 2016 and avoids the unpleasantness of being technically obsolete.


I will continue exploring Windows 10 on September 27 when Computer Q/A at the Commons starts its fall sessions at Town Center at Lake Forest Park .See the Third Place Commons Calendar or Boston LegacyWorks.com for more information.



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Tech Talk: Windows 10: Should I or Shouldn’t I: Part 3

Wednesday, August 12, 2015


By Brian Boston

In Parts 1 and 2, we talked about restrictions to upgrading and how things are changing for both Windows 7 and 8.1 users in Windows 10. Start Menu aside, it’s time to tackle a couple of the bigger additions and changes in the new operating system.

Where’s Internet Explorer?

Windows’ venerable web browser, Internet Explorer (currently IE 11), is still in Windows 10 but hidden away in the Start menu under All Apps, Windows Accessories. The Modern version of IE, introduced in Windows 8, is gone. It sported a very different User Interface and was received with confusion even when revamped in Windows 8.1


Taking center stage is Microsoft Edge, a lighter, faster web browser.

Microsoft took Internet Explorer and stripped out all its old obsolete code to make Edge. That code goes back at least a decade and was retained to allow internal web-based applications developed for use in various companies to continue functioning. Today’s Web standards don’t use this code at all. As a result, Edge is pretty nimble at loading web pages.


Edge mirrors its lean operation with a spare look and feel. It inherited Reading Mode from Modern IE, a nifty way to read articles on web pages without all the distractions that also come with the page. If a web page supports Reading Mode, the book icon in the address bar shifts from its grayed out state and will display a clean page of text when pressed.


The hub icon, consisting of three uneven horizontal lines, stores items like Favorites, History, and Downloads. A pen-with-paper icon allows you to create and save “Web Notes” associated with and displayed on a particular web page and share it with others. Rounding out the options are a star icon for adding favorites or Reading List items, and the Share button to format links to the app designed for sharing.

Edge is probably the least “finished” of Windows 10 apps at this point with more updates due this fall. Among those will be the ability to use extensions from other web browsers.

As for IE, it’s still in Windows for compatibility reasons but it’s clear that Microsoft wants you to use Edge. Its startup page even asks you to try Microsoft Edge..

Upgraders to Windows 10 who are using another web browser as their default will be surprised to see Microsoft Edge starting up instead of their favorite browser. This led to some strong words from the CEO of Mozilla, which makes the Firefox web browser. Fortunately this setting can be changed back a couple of ways.

Cortana can inform and help you organize your life.


The ability for search “everything” has been augmented by the presence of Cortana, a “digital assistant” that first appeared in Windows Phones last year. Cortana combines the power of Google Now’s search capabilities with the personal approach pioneered by Apple’s “Siri” and then takes it up a notch. While these other tools can tell you about the day’s weather, Cortana will respond to the question “Will I need a coat tomorrow?”


Cortana’s “personality” and ability to anticipate your needs can be surprising as it learns your preferences and interests. This information is kept and can be updated by you in Contana’s Notebook. Privacy advocates have expressed concern about the level of information that Cortana can collect. Fortunately, you can control this flow of information through privacy settings and, frankly, by not telling Cortana as much. However, the more it knows, the better it can serve your needs.

Cortana was released on Window Phone 8.1 in preview form in the US in April of last year. Though the Windows 10 desktop version is only available in USA, UK, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, and China at Windows 10 launch, it continues to roll out over time to other countries, with preview versions due in Australia, Brazil, Canada, India, Japan, and Mexico by the end of 2015.

The reason for the slow roll out is that Cortana not only needs to speak and understand the language of the region, but also use the appropriate tone, idioms, and track local and national interests of the area. The level of formality and awareness of items like local sports and customs are as important as information that Cortana shares.

While people wonder how useful a digital assistant is, the best way to determine it for yourself is to try it out. As most laptops and tablets these days are equipped with a built-in microphone and speakers, this is a simple affair. If you have a desktop system, you can simply type in your questions to Cortana, but I recommend you set the system up with microphone and speakers to make the best use of the assistant’s capabilities.

For example, I love the fact that while I am engrossed in another activity, I can simply say “Hey Cortana, remind me to get the chicken stock out of the freezer in 45 minutes.” Cortana will set an alarm reminder to alert me at the appropriate time while I continue my activity.


Cortana can also tell jokes, identify music playing, and remind you of things when you leave or arrive at a location. You can tell it to launch apps, dictate email, do web searches, give directions, estimate travel times and more. With the evolving nature of Windows 10, this probably is just the beginning of its capabilities.

Decision Time…Almost!

Enough of feature details and analysis! It’s clear that there are a lot of little changes and some big changes moving to Windows 10. Is it worth your time? That depends not just on the kind of operating system you currently have and new directions Windows 10 is going. It also depends on you and your reaction to all this information.

If it helps, I have some final thoughts in Part 4

Till then…

~~~
Boston LegacyWorks, LLC offers talks and individual help on technology topics, troubleshooting and tutoring on PC usage, and services so you can manage and maintain your computer, your network of computers, or how they connect with the world. Contact us for information on how we can help you.

Updated 08-13-2015 9:44am



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Tech Talk: Windows 10: Should I or Shouldn’t I: Part 2

Monday, August 10, 2015

By Brian Boston

In Part 1, we explored some technical reasons that might stop you from upgrading. Now, let’s look at some of more personal reasons why you might either wish to upgrade or not. It may depend on the operating system you are using right now.

If you are currently running Windows 8.1

Windows 8.1 users who have chafed at the changes from Windows 7 to 8 will likely embrace the changes made for Windows 10. Those who actually liked the new interface in Windows 8 and 8.1, especially touch support, may be disappointed as the focus has switched back to mouse support:



  • Start Menu is back. When Windows 8 switched the Start Menu out and offered the Start Screen instead, it was not well received. Windows 8.1 restored the Start Button, but the return of the Start Menu itself didn’t come until Windows 10. This version of Start Menu combines the tiles of the Start Screen with more traditional icons. And the menu can adjust to full screen when a keyboard is removed or a setting is adjusted. This menu change is part of a larger transformation in OS and app behavior called Tablet Mode that supports more of a tablet experience (or not, according to some reviewers).

  • Charms are gone. This black bar that popped out from the screen’s right side was never fully embraced or appreciated except as an annoyance, especially for mouse users. PC Settings in Charms moved to the Start Menu with other charms (Share, Devices, App Settings) added to a app menu in the title bar of new style apps that use these items.

  • Task View and Snap Assist. The Windows 8 task viewer was a “touchy” pop-out column on the left side that challenged touch and mouse users alike. The new Task View (demonstrated here along with Virtual Desktops) is full screen with large thumbnails of running apps easily accessed by swiping or clicking on the Task View icon in the Taskbar. Snap Assist uses this same view with you drag app windows to the side of the screen and “snap” it. The “assist” let you naturally chose the app window to snap to the opposite side and does the work for you.


  • New style apps better integrated with old style desktop applications. The “new” apps in Windows 8 were originally full screen, touch-focused, and often awkward to use with the mouse. Windows 10 turned them into windowed, resizable apps with similar buttons to minimize, maximize, and close like the traditional 32-bit desktop applications we all know.
  • Less side scrolling, more up-and-down scrolling in built-in apps. Many apps that shipped with Windows 8 had great horizontal scrolling screens to showed additional information. While these were fun for touch users, it wasn’t as discoverable or easily useable for mouse users. These updated apps now scroll vertically.


  • More smartphone-like features (Action Center, Settings). The style of grouping and presenting settings and notifications has adapted to methods used on smartphones. It also solves the problem of locating those disappearing notifications that disappear too quickly or are missed completely.

If you are currently running Windows 7

Windows 7 users may be more divided in their opinion. Whereas Windows 8 users might be more inclined toward Windows 10 because of bad Windows 8 experiences, many Windows 7 users have actually been pleased with their OS and may be less likely to move to something new.

Though some elements of Window 10 are similar to Windows 7, there is still a lot that is different in look and feel. Windows 10 is full of changes that started in Windows 8. They may be specifically confusing to Windows 7 users and noticeable for everyone else:


  • Where is Control Panel, Documents, Pictures, etc.? Control Panel and most of the advanced features of Windows 7 are still there for advanced users if you right-click on the Start Button. Control Panel has many of its more commonly used items moved to Settings in the regular Start Menu.
  • Button and icons have changed. Microsoft has changed the design of most of its icons and buttons as well as placing new icons on the Taskbar. Most of these make-overs are designed to make them more easily clickable and touchable than what was possible in previous versions of Windows, especially on smaller screens. Others are simplified in color or design. Hovering over each one will usually tell you what it is. 
  • A bunch of new apps. With Windows 8, Microsoft released a number of apps in the area of Communication (Mail, Calendar, People) that you can use for email and scheduling, and Information (Weather, News, Money, Sports, Maps, etc.) based on Bing information as well as, Photos, Alarms, and other useful tasks. Some of these will be in the Start Tiles or available in All Apps on the Start Menu. Most of these apps have been updated for Windows 10. Additional apps can be located and installed from the Store app. Many of these apps are free.

But wait…there’s more

Overall, these changes are more evolutionary than anything else. There are some bigger changes, too. We will focus on those items and look a bit closer at the actual question of whether you should upgrade or not… in Part 3.

Till then…

~~~
Boston LegacyWorks, LLC offers talks and individual help on technology topics, troubleshooting and tutoring on PC usage, and services so you can manage and maintain your computer, your network of computers, or how they connect with the world. Contact us for information on how we can help you.



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Tech Talk: Windows 10: Should I or Shouldn’t I, Part 1

Saturday, August 8, 2015

By Brian Boston



If you are simply looking for an “out of the blue” recommendation on whether to upgrade to Windows 10 or not, I can save you some reading .

Upgrade….it’s free to do so at least until July 2016 and avoids the unpleasantness of being technically obsolete.

If that is an unsatisfactory answer, you are in the right place. We are going to lay out some details to help you with the question “Should I upgrade?” over the next three posts and possibly learn a few things in the process.

First a few questions:

Are you running a system that qualifies for the Windows 10 upgrade?

For the full upgrade (bringing over your apps and personal data), you need either Windows 7 (updated to Service Park 1) or Windows 8.1. Windows 8 needs its free upgrade to 8.1 first (and then some additional updates). Windows Vista and XP don’t qualify for the free upgrade though many systems running Vista might fit Windows 10’s system hardware requirements

Are You Using One of the Features in Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 Removed During Installation? Though most people don’t’ use these features, they have their fans.


  • Windows Media Center. This software allows the recording and playback of television programs as well displaying pictures and DVD and music playback. Microsoft will be making a DVD Playback app available free for a limited time to replace that functionality for systems that had Media Center (see this FAQ for details). Fortunately, there also other free alternatives for all Windows 10 systems like VLC Media Player that do an excellent job without all these restrictions.

  • Windows 7 Desktop Gadgets – these gadgets started with Windows Vista but dropped after Window 7 was released due to security concerns.


  • Solitaire, Minesweeper, and Hearts – common to Windows 7 and earlier Windows versions, these games were separated in Windows 8 from the operating system. The new versions of Solitaire, Microsoft Solitaire Collection, and Microsoft Minesweeper are available in the Windows Store. Both programs in Windows 10 are ad-supported or you can pay a subscription to open up new features and remove the ads. Sorry, no Hearts, at least from Microsoft.
  • Floppy Drive support. As floppy drives have replaced by USB flash drives, the responsibility for drivers that support these devices has shifted to the drive manufacturer. So, if you are using a USB Floppy drive, you will need to check Windows Update for drivers or go to the drive manufacturer to find them.

What is the downside if I don’t upgrade?

Where is no technical downside to staying with your current operating system in the short term. Both Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 will continue to function and work with your applications and services. Microsoft will continue to support security updates to Windows 7 into January, 2020 and Windows 8.1 will be supported the same way until January, 2023.

What will likely happen before those dates is that newer versions of the applications you use will eventually stop supporting these older OS versions. And, since Microsoft is switching to more incremental updates to Windows 10 over that same period, the operating system will continue to evolve further from the designs of Windows 7 or 8 without changing its own version. This means that your personal learning curve will only deepen with time and will become more challenging if you buy a new system.

How different will Windows 10 be for me?

If the answers to these questions haven’t deterred you from upgrading then your reasoning can shift from the strictly technical to more contextual and subjective. That falls more into “What’s changed…and will I like it” category. And the answer is:

It depends…

One of biggest dependencies is the version of Windows you happen to be running right now and your feelings about it. That will be our topic in Part 2 of Windows 10: Should I or Shouldn’t I

Till then…

Boston LegacyWorks, LLC offers talks and individual help on technology topics, troubleshooting and tutoring on PC usage, and services so you can manage and maintain your computer, your network of computers, or how they connect with the world. Contact us for information on how we can help you.



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Tech Talk: “Yes, Virginia, the Windows 10 upgrade involves a learning curve”

Saturday, August 1, 2015


By Brian Boston

The world is a changing place. Whether it’s the weather, the nature of your work or relationships, or the fortune of your favorite sport teams, change is part of the rhythm of life. It can be something we wish would go faster (economic improvement, street repairs) or slower (the aging process, climate change).

Technological change seems to produce a schizophrenic reaction among people. Most people seem to enjoy the general benefits of a more connected and supported society as long as we don’t have to confront technology changes directly. If the computer and software you have been comfortable using for years could support of the rigors of cloud computing, portable device connection, and Internet service integration, using what you have would be ideal for most people.

“Why mess up a perfectly good present with the future?”

It seems the worst comes when software manufacturers do big updates to their applications or operating systems. People accept that some change is necessary to support new technology and changes that improve interactivity make sense, but it the learning curve can be scary if the approach is to pack it all in one release every two to three years.

That’s what happened with Windows 8. It was like waking up in Disneyland’s Tomorrow Land with no way out. Fascinating place to explore for some; frustrating place to be productive for everyone else.

Windows 8.1 a year later refined the vision started in Windows 8 and started process of incremental improvements that brought back a start button and added improvements to mouse usage and program interaction. While some of these incremental changes started with Window 8.1, a large number came after product release, adding feature updates to the monthly and quarterly cycle of bug fixes and security updates sent to our PCs. And the learning curve became much more manageable.

Change in Byte-Sized Chunks

That is what Microsoft is planning to do once Windows 10 is in place; incremental change. No more big releases of Windows. Windows 10 will be the last of its kind.

Given the rolling nature of incremental change, Windows 10 doesn’t actually have to be “finished” for release, just stable enough for mass consumption and complete enough to handle today’s needs. In other words, it can be more like most other items we prefer in our life .



Sounds great…what’s the catch?

That’s great news for the future, but Windows 10 itself is still a big release. And yes, there will be a learning curve. How much depends on the current version of Windows you are using, the system hardware you have, your level of expertise, and willingness to adapt.

What Microsoft learned with Windows 8 is that the willingness to adapt is not something to expect from computer users. After all, most people just want to check email, access the Internet for information or communication, use programs to create and edit content or play games. They don’t want to learn a new operating system.

Most previous versions of Windows let you go back to a more “classic” view of the OS. Windows 8 did not. In fact, not only did Windows 8 force you into a new mode of operation, it also made it easier to use touch than a mouse. That's great for the few people who had touch screens but lousy for everyone else.

Your learning curve depends on your current OS


For those of you chafing under 8 and 8.1, the changes to the visual style and mouse operation in Windows 10 will be more of a relief than anything else. Items that were difficult to click on have either been eliminated or new clickable options have been provided. Some touch and tablet users may not appreciate some changes (no Charms, less swiping options) but this will be offset a bit by the ability to switch to a tablet-friendly mode and the ability to detect and modify the user interface when a keyboard is attached/detached. 

If you are using Windows 7 and found it a challenging change from Windows Vista or XP, expect a similar challenge. The new Start menu is a mix of old and new as is most of the system. The more expert users might find the distribution of settings between PC Settings and Control Panel confusing.

There are things to look forward to as well.

What both Windows 8 and 7 users will appreciate is the merging of app behavior between the old-style “desktop apps” and the new style apps created for Windows 8. Initially these apps (called variously, Metro/New Windows 8/Modern apps) were full-screen and simplified in design, a totally different world than working with desktop apps. This led to a very schizophrenic user interface and more of a challenge for people to use. Windows 10 allows the new style of apps to be windowed and adjustable in size just like traditional desktop apps.

There are new items inspired by smartphones, like the Notification Center and a smarter Task View. Look for more discoverable features by using ellipses buttons and hamburger menus.


Windows is attempting to stay relevant in the face of declining PC sales by not only adopting details from mobile devices, it is promoting a “universal app” design. An extension of its Modern App design, Universal apps that will work on Windows 10 PCs, the Xbox One, and Windows 10 mobile devices due out in the autumn time frame. If you are currently using a Windows Phone with 8.1, it will also be upgradable to the mobile version of Windows 10.

So, is it worth an upgrade?

So, there are welcome changes coming and learning curves to expect in the upgrade process to Windows 10. These are part of the swirling sea of variables that you need to consider when choosing whether to upgrade or not. 

And there are more variables to catalog and add to your checklist. Look for those in our next installment.

Boston LegacyWorks, LLC offers talks and individual help on technology topics, troubleshooting and tutoring on PC usage, and services so you can manage and maintain your computer, your network of computers, or how they connect with the world. Contact us for information on how we can help you.



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Tech Talk: Upgrading to Windows 10: Reserving Your Free Copy

Sunday, July 26, 2015


By Brian Boston

In our last Tech Talk post, I recommended you reserve your free copy of Windows 10 whether or not you chose to install it. The reservation is simply to download the operating system. You may install it immediately upon download or sometime later.

The reservation process assumes that you have Windows 7 with SP1 (Service Pack 1) or Windows 8.1. And, it presumes a little Windows flag has appeared in what is called the System Tray of your Taskbar, near the date and time.

To quickly check your version of Windows, type “winver” (without the quotes) while in either the Windows 8 Start Screen or the Windows 7 Start menu and press the Enter Key.



Windows 7 is internally version 6.1 for program compatibility reasons. Likewise, Windows 8.1 is internally 6.3. If you are running 6.2 (Windows 8) or another version of Windows, look at the sections near the bottom of this post for more information on the feasibility of upgrading to Windows 10.

As we mentioned in our previous post, computers that are “qualified” to receive the free upgrade to Windows 10 started to display a little Windows flag near the date and time entries on the Taskbar in June and a banner encouraging you to reserve your copy on the Windows Update window.

So what happens when I click on the flag?

You are presented with an opportunity to join the queue for downloading the upgrade along with a description of some of the features in Windows 10. Those are the obvious items. There is a menu button in the upper left corner that will direct to you to various screens about Windows 10 and the process you start by reserving a copy.



The process is:

You reserve the copy and, optionally, can enter an email address to receive your confirmation and more information about the process.

On July 29, the download process begins. This doesn’t mean that you will receive the operating system on that day. There are likely tens of thousands of people in the queue ahead of you. In addition, people who are in the Windows Insider program and testing Windows 10 for months will be getting their copies first. This approach will shake out any hitches with the download and install process with the more experienced folks. They will serve as an early warning system for problems.

Your download will occur behind the scenes while you are using your computer and will likely take some time. If you are one of those who turn on the computer occasionally and shuts it off when done, the download would be more timely and successful if you leave the system on or, at least, use the “sleep” option for a while. When the process is complete you will be notified and given the opportunity to set when installation occurs. Based on the most recent preliminary builds, you should be able to install immediately or months after download. It’s very flexible.



Checking for Compatibility

The menu button (known as a “hamburger” because its three horizontal lines resemble the patty inside a bun) in in the upper left corner slides out a menu. Among other items, it allows you to check your PC for compatibility with the new operating system. This is very helpful if you have concerns about whether your hardware is compatible. Since first appearing the “Check your PC” has continued to update its compatibility information. So, as Windows 10 has evolved and more compatibility testing is complete, this test is been updated.

If you are generally curious about compatibility, most systems now running Windows 7 with Service Pack or SP 1 and systems using Windows 8.1 are “upgradable.” In some cases, adding more memory (if supported in the hardware) or hard drive storage will not only improve the upgradability but overall operation of the system. You can use Crucial.com's System Scanner to determine what memory capacity you have and the type of memory required. 

Isn't Windows 8 upgradable?

Not directly. If you have Windows 8, you will need to first upgrade to Windows 8.1 to reserve and receive the free upgrade. The free Windows 8 to 8.1 upgrade is available at the online Windows Store, providing that Windows 8 has received the necessary updates to support that upgrade. Microsoft has more information on this process.

Once you have upgraded to Windows 8.1, be prepared to download and install a couple of years’ worth of updates before the system is ready for a Windows 10 upgrade. To speed this process, you will need to spend some time with Windows Update in Control Panel/System and Security checking for, downloading, and installing items. Many system or security updates require other updates to be in place first, so the goal is to keep checking for updates until no further updates are available.

What about my Windows XP/Vista computer?

If you are running Windows XP or Windows Vista, the offer and the upgrade do not apply to your system. Windows 10 only supports a brand new installation. That means that you should back up all your user files and be prepared to reinstall your applications and return the user files after installation.

Unless you purchased a higher-end computer with those older operating systems, it might not work well or be supported by Windows 10. Start with Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant. It will check for compatibility to run Windows 8. Generally, if the system will run Windows 8, it will also run Windows 10. You can also check Windows 10’s official hardware requirements.

One option for Windows Vista is to purchase and upgrade to Windows 7, if you can find it, and install Service Pack 1 (A free download) if it is not already included. This would qualify you for the free upgrade to Windows 10 and let you keep your applications and user data in place. However, like the upgrade from Windows 8 to 8.1 to 10, this can be a time-consuming task.

Is Windows RT 8.1 upgradable?

Windows RT is found on the original Microsoft Surface and Surface 2 tablets and was largely limited to those devices. Because Windows RT is lacking certain functions found in the full version of Windows, it is not fully upgradable to Windows 10. Microsoft has committed to providing some Windows 10 features to Windows RT after the release of Windows 10.

Onward to Upgrading



Once downloaded, the Windows 10 upgrade is a remarkably “hands-off” process once initiated. Based on recent builds, the installation time can vary widely, depending on variables like capability of computer’s processor, capacity of memory, and speed of the hard drive. If your current installation is more complicated, the process of transferring programs and settings may also add to installation time. To be safe, allow a few hours for this to complete, or run it overnight, if you wish.

Before You Start an Upgrade

A good general practice preparing for any operating system upgrade is to make a system backup of your current installation using the backup tool of your choice to an external hard drive. Both Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 have a built-in tool for this. In Windows 7, this is called a System Image Backup and can be found on the upper left corner in Control Panel/System and Security/Backup and Restore. For Windows 8.1, it is buried in bottom left corner of Control Panel/System and Security/File History.



At the very least, you should save a copy of your user files, typically found in Documents, Pictures, Music, and Video.

Your System is ready for the Upgrade. Are you?

Change is challenging and, your response to change deeply personal. Whether or not your computer usage is casual, constant, or simply tolerated, dealing with changes in your computer operating system is rarely straightforward.

Next time, let’s explore the challenge of change, especially with an operating system and whether it makes sense to upgrade at all.

~~~~
Boston LegacyWorks, LLC offers talks and individual help on technology topics, troubleshooting and tutoring on PC usage, and services so you can manage and maintain your computer, your network of computers, or how they connect with the world. Contact us for information on how we can help you.



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