An overview of WIndows 10 and the upgrade process, and why you should care (or not...)

1. Redbridge
Technicians Forum
Windows Upgrade: The best bad idea you never had…
Arik Fletcher | @arikfletcher | uk.linkedin.com/in/arikf

2. When will it end?
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3. Is it REALLY over?
• Software updates and new features will not be released
• Security patches will not be developed
• Drivers for new hardware will not be verified
• Increased support costs from providers
• Limited compatibility for new software
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4. Windows 10 goes to School
• New lock down and
security policies
• Windows 10 S for
simplicity and safety
• Allows for new devices
with longer battery life
• Safety and security built
in from the start
• Educational apps
available in the store
• Support for cloud
collaboration
• Familiar and easy to use
for Windows XP/7 users
• Windows to Go: Your
Portable OS Pal!
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https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/education/products/windows

5. Every upgrade makes its own tune…
The
Good
• FUTURE READY: Built for the cloud & latest technology
• SECURE DESIGN: Malware Protection & Encrytion built in
• LEGACY SUPPORT: Compatible with most Win7/8 devices
• CONSTANTLY EVOLVING: New design with each version
• WINDOWS STORE: Limited Educational apps or value
• DEPLOYMENT HELL: Time, training, & system changes The
Bad
The
• APP SUPPORT: Legacy software may not run properly
• UPDATE OVERLOAD: Seasonal changes to keep up with
• SHIFTING GOALPOSTS: Mixed signals on the future
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6. CPU
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• What are you looking for?
– Windows 10 PCs should be 1Ghz dual core (at least)
– A 1GHz Dual Core PC is “better” than a 3GHz single core
– Windows 10 PCs require PAE, NX, & SSE2 CPU instructions
• How do you check your CPU?
– Go to www.cpuid.com
– Download and run CPU-Z
– Look at the bottom right for the Cores (at least 2)
– Look at the middle left for Core Speed (at least 1GHz)
– Look at the middle for Instructions (PAE, NX, SSE2)
• Anything else?
– AMD vs Intel; AMD is cheaper; Intel is better known
– More powerful processors will have a longer life

7. MEMORY
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• What are you looking for?
– At least 4GB of RAM, ideally around 8GB
– Only DDR2 or above should be used
– Dual channel RAM is highly recommended
• How do you check your RAM?
– Download and run CPU-Z again
– Check the Mainboard tab and note down the model
– Go to www.crucial.com/uk to check the maximum RAM
– Check the Memory tab to check for Dual Channel RAM
– Use the SPD tab to check how many slots are filled
– The SPD tab also shows you RAM type, size, and speed
• Anything else?
– Not all motherboards will support all RAM speeds
– Pay attention to maximum RAM and speed

8. HARD DISK
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• What are you looking for?
– Minimum size should be 120GB (200GB recommended)
– SATA drives are the minimum (SSD is highly recommended)
– Disk speed is critical (7200RPM or above recommended)
• How do you check your RAM?
– Download and run Speccy: www.piriform.com/speccy
– Look at the end text in Hard Drives section
– (SATA) means a standard or hybrid SATA disk
– (SATA-SSD) is an SSD disk with SATA connections
– (IDE) means an IDE disk and should be replaced
– The start of each line shows you the size of each disk
• Anything else?
– Hybrid drives provide faster speed and larger sizes
– Solid state drives are smaller but at least 30% faster

9. Are you ready?
Run the Windows 10 Upgrade Assistant
• Download and run the tool:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-
download/windows10
• Confirm compatibility with CPU, Memory, Storage,
and software, then run through the upgrade
to test a single device before deployment
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10. Recycling Options
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• Re-using existing equipment
– PCs that are out of warranty or below spec should be
replaced, but can be given a new lease of life as internet
kiosks, digital signage, or used for parts demonstrations
during ICT lessons.
– Mice, keyboards, and monitors do not need to be disposed
of and can be re-used provided they have connections that
are supported by new PCs
• Disposing of legacy equipment
– PCs should be wiped before disposal or
collected by a certified data destruction firm
– Several companies will collect PCs for free and
some will donate them (after cleaning) to Africa
and other 3rd world regions of the world

11. Never say never…
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https://www.neverware.com/freedownload/

12. Any Questions?
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