Office Document Strategies Blog

Reports are coming in that many older functioning MFPs from virtually every brand are having difficulty with SMB scanning due to an upgrade that Microsoft has released which affects the older versions of SMB (V0 & V1).  The upgrade corrects a security problem which is a good thing but for networked MFPs from Kyocera, Ricoh, Konica Minolta, Canon, Toshiba, Sharp, Samsung and other brands, it can interfere with the functioning of their scanning operations. 

I finally decided to take the leap and join the approximately 75 million others who have upgraded to Windows 10 by doing the upgrade from Windows 7 Pro to Windows 10 Pro on my primary computer.  This is the unit I use to write this blog, handle all my email and other website work I do for my Rotary group.  For me it is a critical tool and I was hesitant to jump in.

A week or so ago I upgraded my first computer to Windows 10.  How hard?  Not really at all.  The computer I decided to go with first was my wife's Windows 8.1 laptop because it is not usually involved in any mission critical work around our place.

Following on last week's blog regarding the public release of Windows 10 on July 29th it is interesting to look at what the proposed process means for Microsoft and also for PC users around the world.

Many users of Windows software are waiting to see what the new proposed release, Windows 10, is going to be like.  Since the release of Windows 8 and its subsequent free upgrade Windows 8.1 was decidely under whelming there is a hope that Windows 10 will not disappoint again.  

Since Windows 7 the long standing primary installation of this important operating system is getting pretty long in the tooth, especially with the advent of the growth of mobile computing a move to a new platform is certainly desirable for many users.  Of course anyone using Windows 8.1, even if they have become more comfortable over time, will be really looking to get new functionality and better comfort with the new release. Windows 8 for SMB businesses has not gained great traction so the changes here will be more consumer driven.  For Windows 7 there are many businesses who are ready for a change to a new OS.

To get a feel for what to expect with this new critical release for Microsoft, here are some comments you can review:

• Windows 10 betas are coming fast and furious. 

• Finally, Windows 10 looks ready for its big debut

• Windows 10 for PCs and tablets slated for general availability on July 29

• How to reserve your free copy of Windows 10

At this point much of the discussion around Windows 10 has been focused at IT professionals and those who are more technically inclined.  This is going to change once the general release comes out at the end of this month.  Millions of users of the Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8 and 8.1 are going to be notified that they are eligible and on the list to receive the new operating system.  At this point they have one year to decide to install and activate it to be able to use it free for life of the computer.
Figuring out whether you wish to go ahead with the installation and start using Windows 10 right away is going to be something you want to check out.  Do some reading, check with some of those you trust about upgrading software, check the notices and most of all check with the suppliers of key software applications you count on.  Once the indicators show more potential for gaining performance or functionality go ahead and do the upgrade.  Windows 10 is going to become the new reality for PCs pretty soon and if you are eligible to join the ranks without new costs then it may just be a worthwhile thing to do in the next twelve months.
Lee K

Microsoft is planning to release the commercial version of Windows 10 this fall.  Two days ago they released the Windows 10 Preview which will permit some users to test out the new system.

Microsoft has announced more details about the new Windows 10 slated for release this fall.  As is usual with Windows OS releases the information will be spotty with each announcement but will gradually tell us what to expect when the upgrade comes out.