Windows 10 Review - A clear sky after a storm, possible sprinkles. Part 4 (Final thoughts, should you upgrade?)

Wrap-up

Windows 10 is the bigger and better overhaul Microsoft has realized in years.

It can be compared to the radical rethinking that led to Windows 7, after Windows Vista resulted to be a total disaster.

Windows 10 is 10 times faster, user-friendlier and more reliable than Windows 8.1.

In one word, it makes Windows usable again.

Though the UX is more enjoyable and smoother, the lack of control on updates, the privacy concerns related to Cortana and Edge Browser, as well as OneDrive issues, are non-trivial considerations, especially for corporate customers. Windows 10 is a Big Brother nightmare come true, and this forms a big CAVEAT you should be aware of before upgrading.

Should you upgrade?

Note: I'm not sure how Microsoft wants to handle the upgrade with regard to pirated versions and this blog doesn't support piracy, regardless. In this paragraph I'm considering the upgrade decision under a strictly technical point of view, but you should always be advised of the foregoing privacy considerations.

We can split up our analysis into different possible cases:

1. Home users running Windows 7, or 8.1: DEFINITELY YES! If you run Windows 8.1, get rid of that unusable mess and enjoy a faster, more usable and reliable operating system. If you run Windows 7, consider your OS is starting getting older and its end of life is coming closer. You risk having to pay later on for the same OS you'd get now for free.
2. Home users running earlier Windows versions (Vista, XP, etc.): DON'T BOTHER! Unless you absolutely need or want Windows, you couldn't benefit from a free upgrade, because you'd need to buy a Windows 7 license first. Older computers may have issues preventing the upgrade from being installed, if their processor is unsupported. Switch to Linux, or UNIX, and stop paying for the Microsoft tax. If you just want to stick with Windows, buy a new PC with Windows 10 pre-installed (here's the catch for you, guys, in case you didn't get it).
   
3. Corporate users: HARD TO TELL IN GENERAL. Each companies will have to deal with this decision based on their budgets, strategies and targets. The increased area of liability resulting from regulations like HIPAA, though, will probably force companies and organizations to upgrade in order to prevent any legal actions by numerous third-party subjects that might come in contact with them for several reasons (Federal, State and local government agencies, law enforcement, shareholders, customers, vendors, etc.).

BACK TO PART 1