Posted on 07/02/2016 8:23:08 AM PDT by dayglored
As the Windows 10 free upgrade period draws to a close, Microsoft is stepping up its operating system's nagware to full-screen takeovers.
The Redmond software giant confirmed today it will start showing dark blue screens urging people to install the latest version of Windows. The full-screen ads will pop up on Windows 7 and 8.1 desktops from now until July 30, when the free upgrade period ends.
"This notification is a reminder that the Window 10 free upgrade offer ends on July 29, 2016. Microsoft recommends that you upgrade to Windows 10 before the offer expires," Microsoft said.
"You can choose to upgrade directly from the notification, dismiss the notification permanently, or choose to be reminded later."
Windows 10 has its benefits but not everyone is willing to stomach the force-fed upgrade. This week a Reg hack found out the hard way that latest Microsoft OS had knackered his laptop's mic and webcam, preventing him from using Skype properly.
Microsoft says users who have selected the "do not notify me again" option or who have manually disabled notifications through registry key settings will not see the update, as will those who have previously uninstalled Windows 10, have had a failed installation, or don't have PCs that can support the new OS.
This comes as Microsoft has been widely criticized for forcing the Windows 10 upgrade on folks and popping up migration screens at wildly inappropriate times. It's hoped that after the free period is over, and you'll have to pay for Windows 10, Microsoft will dial down its efforts to cram its software onto people's machines.
Stubborn? Bad ASSumption. I updated my "old" computer from W7 and purchased a new computer with W10 pro. So now I am using two computers to access programs that I use daily. Not to mention the laptop from W8 to W10. The XP computer has been shelved for many years.
“90%” of your programs don’t work on Windows 10, yet you stayed with it? You’ve got more patience than me, sir.
Most of the anti-update crowd is on Win7 or 8 and don’t want to upgrade to 10. So be it. Folks think that by virtue of having anti-virus on their machines, they’re safe. There’s a sucker born every minute.
I put my “old” computer back on line for the programs that don’t work on W 10 Pro on the new computer.
I can think of good reasons on both sides of the upgrade issue, but each case should be evaluated individually as to what is best for the machine and its users.
In my mind, irrational hatred of Microsoft or a firm belief that “Bill Gates sucks”, are not especially wise and considered rationale for making the decision.
But what do I know? I’m just a little a-hole... ;>)
Try Wine in Linux. You can get Ubuntu 16 for free (ubuntu.com), it takes minutes to install, and everything you do from browsing the web and checking email to word processing can be done in Linux with little effort or training. Wine is a Windows emulator that does a great job running older Windows programs. Just food for thought.
I’d rather see people on more modern, safer operating systems than berate them for continuing to use XP. That doesn’t accomplish anything.
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