Windows 10: initial takes

[Feanor]

After however long it's been since Microsoft invited me to reserve my copy, I've done so on two machines, my Win 7 music computer and my Win 8.1 general purpose desktop. The former I "reserved" over a week ago, the latter about 4 days ago. The latter, Win 8.1 desktop was upgraded yesterday.

I'd say everything when smoothly with on significant glitches; all the apps I've tried seem to work fine, though there are a few I haven't tried yet.

Win 10 is certainly an improvement over Win 8.1, noticeably with respect to its not shoving the 'Metro' interface down you throat. It starts on the desktop which now has a 'Start' button. The new 'Start' provides access similar to the old, pre-Win 9 'Start' though it looks different. The Control Panel interface is now significantly different though not necessarily better. [edit]It's possible to navigate to Control Panel like Win 7/8.[/edit]

There are few former Windows apps or service that aren't provided, including Windows Media Player; see here ... 6 Features Disappearing in Windows 10 (and How to Replace Them) | PCMag.com ... I won't miss these. (I use VLC Media Player for most media and Foobar2000 for music. I don't play any MS games, though my wife might miss these on her machine.)

CAUTION: Do not accept the "Express" installation: look for the 'Custom Installation' button which is tiny and obscure, located to the lower left of the screen. The Express installation automatically signs you up for a variety of Microsoft services, including somes that monitor your computer in ways that you don't necessarily need or want. Also 'Express' changes you default apps to those of MS choosing, including their new 'Edge' browser which looks nice, at least and will import Chrome bookmarks if you decide to go with it.

[edit]Canadians should note that 'Cortina' is not presently available in Canada.[/edit]
~

So now I'm waiting for my music player Win 7 machine to upgrade. After that I will upgrade my wife's Win 8.1 laptop, my Win 8.1 Pipo TV box (which is working well, BTW), and my daughter will eventually upgrade her Win 7 machine as well. (Too damned many computers.)