I am a creature of habit. I like my things and I like them just so. I had Windows 7 and it was great. The functionality was smooth, and visually it was good. Then Microsoft put Windows 8.1 on all their new laptops and I had to relearn everything. For me, that’s not much of an exaggeration. I’m still not a huge fan of Windows 8.1, I much prefer 7, but now I’m worried about making the switch to yet another upgrade. How different will Windows 10 really be from my beloved 7, and will the upgrade be forced on unsuspecting Microsoft users? Let’s compare.
First of all, if you are wanting to go from 10 back to 7 (or even 8.1 as crazy as that seems), there is a way to return to it. Follow the steps from Neurogadget and you will be all right. Of course, this is most likely to work only if you’ve upgraded in the last 30 days.
Some users are disappointed that the regular updates slated to be a part of the Windows 10 system will make hardware under two years old moot . But that’s just one small issue and for many who don’t know much about tech advancements, it may not be so detrimental. In terms of performance, 10 does enhance it (better battery span, quicker start up, smoother navigation), but PC system updates should do that already; isn’t that the point of an upgrade? I call this point a draw on principle.
In terms of appearance and design, Windows 7 maintains the comforting, well known yet slightly modern round boxed windows. Windows 10 maintains the very modern flat sleek windows (think glass – like a window) that we saw in 8.1. Honestly, I’m not sure which is better. It seems like the box windows would make it easier to switch between them, but Windows 10 offers the ability to keep windows in all four corners of the screen. The habitual creature in me screams, “don’t move away from your boxes!” The hyper-organized version of me calmly says that non-bulky windows easily spread out across your screen allow for optimizing multi-tasking. This one will require a bit more research.
I miss the search functionality of 7. It was easy to find, easy to use and very comprehensive. It set the standard for system searching. Windows 10, however, has added Cortana, the digital personal assistant. Cortana and I would make fast friends; possibly life-long friends. She (at the risk of receiving flack from my fellow women, Cortana just seems like a woman to me) searches information that is useful and relevant to you, gleaned from programs like e-mail. Windows 10’s search feature has also added results from the app store. That’s a feature I could do without.
The file management system for Windows 7 is tried and true. It’s something that’s so often used that it’s the hardest to change. It’s basic and it’s simple, no frills. Windows 10 will follow pretty closely to 8.1 with some minor changes. One of those minor changes is the addition of storage spaces, and if you use multiple hard drives this will be a big plus for you. Windows 10 also has an altered file copying set-up that will allow it to be done more smoothly, and in one window. As much as I love tried and true, I need my file functionality to be at the top of its tier. This point will also have to go to Windows 10.
Overall, it seems that Windows 10 would be pretty comparable to Windows 7. It does give your PC some valuable programming and functionality assists, but nothing that can really be lived without. Anything has to be better than Windows 8.1, so if that’s what you currently have, take the opportunity to upgrade for free!
If you are a “have to see it to believe it” kind of person, check out the video below.
[Image via bidnessetc.com ]