NEW YORK: What are you waiting for? There are few reasons left to resist Microsoft’s Windows 10 update, especially while it’s still free.
Wait another month, and it will cost you $120.
Since Windows 10 came out nearly a year ago, some users have complained that they got the upgrade without meaning to.
But why hold out? Windows 10 is better than either of its predecessors, Windows 7 and 8. Even if you disagree after upgrading, you have a month to go back. Think of it as a free trial.
Windows 7 made sense when personal computers were largely boxes with monitors, keyboards and mice (or touchpads on laptops). But many computers now have touch screens, and Web pages, games and software are increasingly designed with touch in mind.
Microsoft responded with Windows 8, but overcompensated. Its touch-centric approach eliminated many aspects of Windows 7 that worked well on traditional computers. In such cases, it left you feeling as though you were using two different machines — one for touch and one for mice — neither of which worked perfectly.
Windows 10 combines the best of both, without that awkward tug of war. Choose desktop mode when you have a keyboard and mouse, and choose tablet mode when they are detached. You can make this automatic or have Windows prompt you each time. Your choice.
Some other highlights:
• Even if you don’t have a touch screen, you’ll still get some innovations from the touch world, including one-click access to common settings such as Wi-Fi and screen brightness.
• Microsoft has ditched the much-maligned Internet Explorer browser for a new one called Edge.
•Windows 10 brings Microsoft’s voice assistant, Cortana, to PCs. It might feel awkward talking to a machine at your desk, but many software companies, at least, believe voice is the future.
As for getting Windows 10 itself, one worry was its potential incompatibility with older apps and accessories. But makers of those apps and accessories have had nearly a year to offer fixes. By this point, only really old and obscure hardware should give you trouble.
Older machines with slower processors, less memory and less storage space also might run into performance issues. But if your computer’s that slow, it might be time for a new machine anyway.
Microsoft began phasing out Windows 7 last year, and new apps are designed for Windows 10. You might find yourself shut out by clinging on to the past.
Microsoft’s Get Windows 10 app will verify that you meet minimum system requirements, though minimum doesn’t mean speedy.
July 29 is the last day you can upgrade for free. After that, you’ll have to pay up or buy a new computer.