Should I upgrade to Windows 10

Windows 10 is the latest and last version our inconsistent but loveable operating system. But the question that users all over the world ask is: should I upgrade?

Don't worry, XetoWare is here to give you a quick yet through overview of the pros and cons of getting Microsoft's latest product.

​As one of our trademarks is to cut to the chase: if you are using Windows XP, Vista, 8 or 8.1, immediately upgrade to Windows 10. Why? Do we really have to explain?

However if you are still on Windows 7, then this is the guide for you.

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Windows 7 vs Windows 10

One trend that is highly prominent is Windows 7s ease of use and simplicity, making using a PC a walk in the park. Windows 10 complicates things that 7 made easy for us.

​One example is the introduction of Metro and Universal Apps for Desktop PCs. The issue is that desktop users do not really enjoy using apps designed for tablets and phones. Furthermore, the introduction of the Start Screen in Windows 8, caused confusion and irritation. Windows 10 still includes the start screen it only takes up half your screen now. If you're an user who likes things simple and nice, stick to Windows 7; because it still just works.

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​Windows 10 is faster. That is simply a fact. It starts up a bit faster, runs applications smoother and saves you a few seconds when copying files. This is usually the case with newer operating systems, however that does not mean that Windows 7 is slow and useless. A slow computer running Windows 10 can be much slower than a normal PC running Windows 7.

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Windows 10 has a lot of extra features. A prime example is Cortana, the intelligent virtual assistant that may even rival Siri. Cortana allows you to quickly set reminders using your voice, look up things without opening your browsing and much more. Another new feature, is Edge, the web browser that will succeed the apparently slow and inefficient Internet Explorer. Among other things, Edge is known to outperform Chrome at its Google's own speed tests! Thus, upgrading to Windows 10 will give you the perks of a faster browser, and a friendly assistant! Of course, there are also other additional features such as virtual desktops, and a more unified OS overall, but those features can be easily added to Windows 7 through freeware third party applications.

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Windows 10, however, has recently come under heavy criticism for a lot of privacy issues that Windows 7 does not encompass. By default, users of Windows 10 are opted in for sending 'anonymous' usage data to Microsoft. This includes their keystrokes, browsing history, etc. Although there are tools that help you disable most of these features, you can never be too sure, especially as Windows is a closed-source operating system. Windows 7, on the other hand largely remains satisfactory in terms of maintaining a formidable level of user privacy.

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Despite its hiccups with privacy, Windows 10 is a more secure operating system than all its predesscors. This is largely because new exploits that affect all previous versions of Windows are automatically fixed in Windows 10. Therefore, to the everyday computer user, adopting Windows 10 will make your computing experience more secure. However, if you use Windows 7, and have Windows Update enabled, there is not much to worry about in terms of security, provided that you have common sense and a good Antivirus software.

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​Therefore, we hope that our concise inspection of Windows 10 and 7 helps you decide if you want to upgrade to Windows 10 or not. Our take on any drastic upgrade is that if its not really required, don't get it. Sure, Windows 10 has a lot of new features, and enhanced security, but Windows 7, with the help of some good freeware can be equally as good, if not better. Thus, our opinion is, if it works, don't fix it, and with that in mind, XetoWare stays with Windows 7.