Tag: Microsoft

Microsoft Windows 10 Makes Its Debut

Microsoft is releasing a new version of their Windows operating system – Windows 10 – on July 29, 2015.  Already being called “the most significant overhaul of its operating system in years,” by Business Insider, here are the reasons we feel it’s a good idea to consider this upgrade:

  • –       It is faster than Windows 7 and Windows 8
  • –       Windows 10 is more secure than Windows 7 and Windows 8
  • –       It contains features making it far easier to use on both tablet and desktop.

DigitalTrends.com has even more reasons in this preview article as to why an upgrade to Windows 10 should be seriously considered.

Even better, the upgrade to Windows 10 will be FREE to most users of Windows 7 and 8 for one year. After a year, users who have not already downloaded Windows 10 will need to purchase it.

If you have Windows XP on your computer you may still be able to upgrade to Windows 10 for free, if your system came with a Windows 7 license that was “downgraded” to Windows XP. If you’re not sure whether this pertains to your current set-up, contact us. We’ll be glad to help.

We recommend that our Canon Capital Computer Solutions customers plan on upgrading to Windows 10. However – as with all major operating system upgrades – some planning is required PRIOR to installing the upgrade to be sure that your existing hardware and software will work with Windows 10. Failure to do so can cause unexpected costs in replacing peripherals (printers, scanners, etc.) and software packages in order to get them to work with Windows 10.

We will be reaching out to our customers over the next few months to discuss Windows 10, and help determine if upgrading is in your best interest. In the meantime, we are always available to you at 215-723-4881 or www.canoncapital.com.

Important Update on Windows 10 Release

The release of Windows 10 is upon us and many of you may be considering taking advantage of Microsoft’s offer to upgrade to the new operating system for free. As your trusted advisor, we would recommend that you do not upgrade to Windows 10 until the appropriate research has been done to ensure all your existing applications and peripherals (printers, scanners, etc.) have been confirmed to work with the new operating system. Failure to do so can cause unexpected costs in replacing hardware and software in order to get them to work with Windows 10.

A great example of this was uncovered by our Computer Solutions business unit. They researched and found that Intuit has released a document stating the only version of QuickBooks they recommend running on Windows 10 is QuickBooks 2015. This means if you upgrade to Windows 10, your QuickBooks accounting software may no longer function properly unless you are running the most current version.

As our Computer Solutions business unit continues to research software for our clients, it appears that many other vendors are taking the same stance. Therefore, let’s not rush into an upgrade. You have plenty of time to take advantage of this offer, as it is valid until July 29, 2016. Questions? Call us at 215-723-4881 or contact us online.

The Microsoft Windows 10 Free Upgrade Offer Ends July 29 – Should You Do It?

It’s hard to believe it’s almost a year since Microsoft released Windows 10, the latest version of their Windows operating system. Existing Windows users have the opportunity to access a free upgrade through July 29, 2016. So, should you upgrade? If you have already upgraded and things are going well, then by all means stay with it. If you have not upgraded yet, we do not recommend a rush to do so.

The features of Windows 10 are mostly cosmetic, and we’ve yet to see the major software suppliers release new products not compatible with Windows 7 and 8. Even QuickBooks 2016 – the only version of QuickBooks compatible with Windows 10 – is also compatible with Windows 7 and 8. So as long as your primary software continues to support Windows 7 and 8, we don’t recommend upgrading to Windows 10 on an existing computer.

An operating system upgrade is never as easy as just pushing a button. You need to make sure all of your hardware, software and peripheral equipment is compatible with the new operating system. Will your QuickBooks work? Will you still be able to print? Multiply this by the number and variety of computers in your workplace and what seemed a simple task can be a daunting project.

Be prepared by being proactive.

What we do recommend is that you start preparing now for the day you’ll need to replace your computers, s since Windows 10 will be the standard on any new machines. This includes staying up to date with all software packages and apps while using Windows 7 or 8. Doing so provides better support and more security.

We also suggest scheduling our Computer Solutions’ upfront analysis service which reviews your hardware, software, and equipment to determine what, if any, work is needed before a transition to Windows 10. This allows you to take your time and know what to expect when you eventually move on from Windows 7 or 8 to Windows 10. It’s part of our due diligence and saves you the inconvenience and cost of future unknowns.

We’ve conducted this upfront analysis for a number of clients who have chosen to upgrade to Windows 10 and found that even with no predetermined issues, there were some hiccups once the transition to Windows 10 was complete.

There’s another element to the free Windows 10 upgrade. Some users have experienced an automatic update. Others have made the upgrade accidentally due to the way Windows has presented the option in pop-up messages. If this is the case in your situation, Windows 10 does have an uninstall option allowing you to revert to your previous operating system as long as you do so within 30 days of the Windows 10 installation.

If you have questions or would like to schedule an upfront analysis to be prepared for Windows 10, we are always available to you at 215-723-4881 or www.canoncapital.com.