Windows 10 is
Coming
Microsoft will
be formally launching Windows 10 for PC's on July 29, with the
upgrade being free to current users of Windows 7 and Windows
8.1. Launch dates for Enterprise and mobile versions have not
been announced, but are expected later this year. We do not
expect any compatibility issues between our software and the new
Windows, but we do recommend you make sure you're running the latest
versions of CDXZipStream and CDXStreamer. Click on the "Account"
icon on the toolbar to check your version, or just install the
downloads from these locations:
CDXZipStream Download
CDXStreamer Download
Besides
improved speed and performance, Windows 10 has a variety of new
features such as the Cortana digital assistant, traditional Start
Menu, multiple desktops for organizing files for a single user,
DirectX 12 (for gamers), and a new browser called Edge (so long
Internet Explorer!) that allows web page annotation. New
security features include application vetting that can prevent
zero-day attacks, and the ability to use biometrics in lieu of
passwords.
Windows 10 is
supposed to be the last version of Windows, but expect to see a
steady stream of improvements and updates. Since Windows 10 now
allows for individual apps, or even specific operating components
like the Start Menu, to be changed independently, there should be no
more "big bang" updates every few years. Even Office
for Windows 10 will eventually receive continual updates. The
later release of the Enterprise version will necessarily have a much
more controlled process for updating.
Microsoft is
calling this "Windows as a Service" and it will be
interesting to see if it continues to be a one-time purchase, or will
have annual subscription fees like Office 365. In the meantime,
if you are running Windows 7 Service Pack 1 or Windows 8.1, you will
be able to upgrade for free to Windows 10 for one year after the
launch, with free updates for the life of the device.
Otherwise, Windows Home will retail for $119 and Windows 10 Pro
will sell for $199.
Should you
upgrade on July 29? Beta testing of Windows 10 began in October
of 2014, so there are lots of reviews and other resources on the web
that can help you make that decision. In the past, waiting for
the first service pack was usually a good strategy. But with
the likely end of service packs with Windows 10, a reasonably
conservative approach would be to wait and continue to monitor
reviews at reputable websites for a few more months, up until the end
of the free upgrade period of one year. Also, look for the
launch date of the Enterprise version, since consumer versions are
often de facto test beds for business releases.
Need to do
some more research? For a start check out this Microsoft FAQ about the new
Windows. (And yes, at least for Windows 7 and 8.1 users, you can
rollback to your previous version if you don't like Windows 10).
