The Power of Ten – Living with Changing Technology

I try to keep my computer up to date with any software patches and the occasional security changes. These are easy things to do, and most take place in the background while you go about your merry way. Well, on July 29, 2015, Microsoft released Windows 10 to the masses.

I wanted to jump on the bandwagon and upgrade right away, but many of the programs I used did not play well with the new version. The programs that were in jeopardy were my illustration software, and I would not be able to work without them. Today I found out that I am clear to upgrade without any “problems.”

I put the word “problems” in quotes, because although my programs will function with Windows 10, I do not know if I will. My family utilizes me as the resident IT professional, but I am no Bill Gates or Steve Jobs. I absolutely hate upgrading my computer. I hate checking for compatibility, backing everything up, downloading software, and then crossing my fingers so that everything runs smoothly. Every time I have to allow my computer to restart, to complete the installation, I find my fingers gripping my hair in angst.

Will this new upgrade make my computer run smoothly? Maybe, I have seen statements that my system would run faster. Is the price worth the effort? It is free for me to upgrade from Windows 7 for the span of one year, so I hope so. Will it be easy? Time will tell if I can perform the upgrade. I am sure my younger fans are laughing at me right now. It seems like every twelve year-old can hack into NORAD these days.

As I venture on this new path, I ask that you say a little prayer for me. I hope the transition will be uneventful, but I have my doubts. If you do not hear from me in a week, I am probably taking a sledgehammer to my hard drive.