gazoobie Loc: Lombard, Illinois

In IT over 40 years. I live by the rule let everyone else test new software. On the business side we were almost always below cutting edge. On my pc I would never install a new OS until a service pack was released. If I install win 10 it will be just before the free deadline. The only thing that would change my mind is that the new version has some feature I really want or need.

flyguy Loc: Las Cruces, New Mexico

I absolutely agree with you on this, seems like there are always some unanticipated bugs that show up when real users begin to use a new program, so it's better to wait for the first patch and avoid some headaches.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Same background, same philosophy. Though, I've pretty much moved to Linux and Mac over the years.

In a world without fences and walls, who needs gates and windows?
--Bob

nicksr1125 Loc: Mesa, AZ

I'll load Win7 on a test drive, get all the updates & then load Win10. I already know 1 program that runs in compatibility mode under Win7. So, I'll test all my programs before committing my main drive.

lone ranger Loc: Port Saint Lucie, Florida

very well said, i too, recently moved from a pc to a iMac, and truly enjoying it....

Festus Loc: North Dakota

What really galls me is that Microsoft has already added some Windows 10 files on virtually all computers that have Windows 7/8!

pixbyjnjphotos Loc: Apache Junction,AZ

I agree with you Bob. For an internet machine and general computing, Linux is the way to go. I don't know anything about Mac but assume it is way better than Windows.

flyguy Loc: Las Cruces, New Mexico

The Mac OS X operating system is built upon, and has it's underpinnings based on, an open source version of Unix/Linux called Darwin.

So if you know how to use those commands on the command line, all of the tools like the Bash shell, a compiler, and many utilities are included with the Mac operating system.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

I live by a different rule. I like new tech. Computers are my hobby. My home pc is for fun and RnR (and my home business). I used to run my home system the way you describe. About 2005 I changed my philosophy.

I sign up for beta releases and run them in a sandbox. I first make a clone then load any new OS update the second it comes out. Does it break things? Once and a while. Usually not, but if so a patch always comes out in short order. If something major is wrong, I can always boot off the clone I made prior to the OS update and restore the system. I have had to do that only once since 2005. In that case I set up a dual boot system accessing the same data so I could run both OSs.

Regarding installed software, my take is computer OS manufacturers provide beta to developers a year ahead. It's up to the software developer to make his software compliant before the OS update's general release date. If the developer doesn't do that then the developer doesn't really want me to use his software.

Many enterprise managers delay the OS releases about 30 days, and that method done right, might help prevent issues.

But you describe waiting a long time before updating. Other issues will arise. Installed software may prove problematic, because developers update their software for the new OS features. Security vulnerabilities may develop, since OS updates also include security.

So there are some cons to waiting a long long time to update.

However with computers there is always more than one right way to do something. So do what makes you happy.

rugerbearcat Loc: Newport Beach, Calif.

I don't have a problem performing system upgrades, but I always clone first. Especially when it's an OS upgrade from Microsoft. . . ! :-O

JD750 Loc: SoCal

Wasn't aware it was possible to make a clone of Windows system. What software do you use for that?

rugerbearcat Loc: Newport Beach, Calif.

Acronis

Kuzano

Acronis Trueimage to be exact. Have been doing the same thing for years for my machines and for client machines on my computer consulting business (in the biz for 25 years now).

I never install a new system, or upgrade a system to a new drive until I have a "clone" of the existing system sitting on the shelf to drop back in the computer and get it running as before the work takes place.

My practice is to keep the clone drive stored for 30 days until the client gives me a clearance to format the original drive.

Even then, I often keep an "old system" folder on the clients new system, because any new drive has considerable space to do that until the new system starts building up. Sometimes there is enough space on the upgraded drive to just leave the "old system" folder in place.

Another option is to use either a partitioning process on the new drive, or leave the old drive in the computer as a second hard drive (hard to do on laptops... easy on desktops.)

I did recently discover that they make laptop hard drive enclosures that replace the CD/DVD drive space and put a second hard drive in your laptop, utilizing that internal interface for faster speed. So with this new tactic you can have two internal hard drives in any laptop that has a slot/pocket and interface for a CD/DVD drive. The HD enclosures that fit in the CD space are make and model specific and run from $25 to 50.

The drive enclosures are "hot/warm" interchangeable, so by leaving out the screw that locks the drive enclosure in place you can remove and insert another hard drive, or the original CD/DVD. This simply by buying extra drive enclosures at those low prices. Makes backups easier as well, as you can simply slide another external drive into the slot and use the internal SATA interface that is in the computer for the CD burner.

With CD/DVD's now being risky for long term or archival storage, I no longer have any clients who store data on optical disks. I have not used optical for storage for over 5 years now. GREAT WAY to lose data and not part of any backup plan I recommend.

Makes it much easier to "clone" a second drive in a laptop, because cloning software is sometimes "iffy" on USB.

jbigelow Loc: Plattsburgh, NY

Many in the IT community used to have a saying about OS versions;

"Point-Oh (x.0), just say no".