Purchasing Windows 10

[MantaRay]

What's the best way to purchase Windows 10? I would like to load it onto both my main home pc and a standby pc.

Also, I'm a little puzzled, on ebay and some computer component websites I've seen it available on CD or usb for c.£25...when the normal price for the product seems to be around £90.

[Buenchico]

Which operating system is already on your PCs? If it's Windows 7 or 8 then Windows 10 is a free upgrade anyway.

[MantaRay]

Currently running XP, on it's last legs I know!

[Buenchico]

PS: Many of the cheap offers, such as this one
http://www.mrhightech.net/operating-systems/3570-microsoft-windows-10-home-0885370938876.html
are from unauthorised (and probably illegal) Chinese vendors. You might get what you think you're buying but if you don't you'll be unable to get your money back. See here
https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/mrhightech.com

[Buenchico]

Most machines running XP are unlikely to be able to handle Windows 10 well (if at all). Their device drivers won't be compatible, their processors won't be fast enough and they'll have insufficient RAM.

As I've written before, for the 'proper' price of Windows 10, you can buy a refurbished Windows 7 machine (which will be as good as new, with a completely fresh installation of the operating system) and then, if you so wish, upgrade it for free to Windows 10 - or save yourself the trouble and spend £89 on the model that's already got Windows 10 installed:
http://www.accomputerwarehouse.com/products/computing/refurbished-computers
(That's where I get my own computers, and those bought on behalf of friends, from. It's an excellent company).

[MantaRay]

Funnily enough that's exactly the website I was looking at a couple of days ago. I wondered if it was too good to be true.

[MantaRay]

According to the advice given on Microsoft's site, my computer meets the minimum technical requirements...but there's no mention of driver incompatibilities.

[Peter Pedant]

Do as the Cookie monster says !

Dont go near W 10 - if you do something terrible will happen like your computer wont ever work again - or worse !

using W10 is worse than going to the dentist ! you have been warned !!

[hc4361]

PP, don't be so dramatic. Millions of us have updated our pcs, netbooks and laptops to W10 without a hitch and are perfectly happy

[Peter Pedant]

No - bill gates has TOLD you you are happy
and like suggestible saps you have said - o yes Bill
can I pay you yet more money ?

why dont you give it to me instead ( erm your money that is ! )

[david small]

Windows 10 as far as I'm concerned is fine I have installed by downloading from Microsoft site on a desktop, two laptops, and a surface Pro. No problems, except the usual updates required. But other Windows versions were the same.

[hc4361]

PP, I haven't paid a penny for it.

[Old_Geezer]

The freebie is more to do with control and data collection than money (obviously as financially it's a free upgrade).

Beware minimum specs required. That usually means the performance won't be brilliant.