Windows has not seen wide adoption of a “New and Improved” operating system since Windows 7. My history with Windows goes back to the beginning. The elation surrounding Windows 3.11SP2, the first real adoptable Windows OS, might be matched with the pending release of WIN10.
Today marks my fifth day, working solely with the WIN10 Tech Preview. Though I was hesitant to take the plunge, the gamble has paid off. All of the functionality that has made WIN7 a rock solid OS may be found in WIN10. My programs work (with no configuration changes). With deference to expected regular and lengthy reboot sequences (I normally reboot twice a month) I have found no flaws in the “not ready for prime time” version of the OS.
A nine minute video of the Tech Preview build may be found here. Cortana, as the video explains, is not yet supported by WIN10 Tech Preview. Cortana promises to compete with Google Now and SIRI, as a voice interactive digital assistant, but has yet to be activated in the current WIN10 release. When SIRI and Google Now voice interactive services released, a training curve for new users met adoption. No such hurdle will exist for cortana, users already expect a competent assistant, hiding in their computer or phone.
Microsoft’s goal, a line of Operating Systems REV’s, usable across all devices, has been stymied by lackluster adoption. Vista and WIN8 have not stormed the market (see chart above). Previous versions of Microsoft products have found much more success (WIN95/98, WINXP, WIN7). Slow adoption could be due to the rapidly changing way we use and access the tools technology provides us. Previous successfully adopted MS offerings met a user base tied to the desktop, and products that maximized the tools available through a 3 point interface (monitor, keyboard and mouse). We use our tools, whatever form they may take (phone, phablet, tablet, laptop, pc) with high expectations. No longer are we stuck at a PC.
Starnes Consulting services a wide variety of clients, ranging from solopreneur single computer offices to national firms. We still see WIN XP, despite its EOL (end of life) status, the majority of users are sticking with WIN7. As PC’s expire many users have been forced to upgrade to WIN8, due to lack of WIN7 machines available for purchase.
Spending the hours and dollars to roll back to WIN7, a process made even tougher by Microsoft, presents a hurdle most will not cross. Corporate users looking for increased productivity in an “upgraded” computer, running WIN8, are often met with a desktop they do not know how to use. The missing START button is only the beginning of the frustration cycle.
WIN10 addresses this need head on. The START button is located where the users expect to find it, in the lower left hand corner of the screen. Programs represent and load in the expected manner. Software that has traditionally run well on WIN7 runs with no issues in WIN10 (so far). The software load on my primary PC includes three browsers, MS Office, STEAM (gaming) and SWTOR (gaming). All is well, even in the tech build. In fact my PC is running well, with a better experience and performance metrics than the previous load (WIN7 Ult 64).
Companies drowning in frustrated users, attempting to adopt WIN8, should look forward to the newest MS offering. Traditionally every OTHER Microsoft operating system has flourished, finding widespread adoption. WIN10 seems to be a WINner, regardless of pre release build.
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