Windows 10 is here.

and people are using it.

So, what are the initial reactions?

Well, firstly, the 'free upgrade' is just that. Apart from the size of the download, it seems remarkably trouble-free. The upgrade process takes some time, involves a couple of re-boots - but when it's finished, the resulting system seems to have nearly all your programs, data & settings in place. It's not perfect (you still need to back-up anything important before you begin), but it's the slickest 'Windows Upgrade' yet. One slightly sour note: Microsoft are pushing out the upgrade files via Windows Update whether you've asked for them or not. This is great if you decide to go for the upgrade - the download is ready & waiting. But if you don't and you're on a limited Internet connection you might not be so happy.

In operation, it's pleasingly slick. We think it's a good blend of old & new. It seems slightly quicker (on the same machine) as Windows 7 or 8. Initially we thought it a bit slow - however it turns out that, after the upgraded is seemingly complete, the system is, in fact, downloading & installing a list of "Apps". Once these are all complete performance improves noticeably.

Hardware compatibility seems pretty good (apart from the usual problems with printers), and software excellent: it runs my old copy of Lotus Approach better than Win7!

Our conclusion from these early days? It's good, domestic users should do it. Commercial users should still test compatibility for ALL of their systems before taking the plunge. But they should put in their near-term plans!