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shadders
United Kingdom
224 Posts |
 Posted - 21 Apr 2017 : 11:35:49
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Hi,
Microsoft will move to a model where they will only provide security updates for 18 months after the release of the version of Windows 10.
http://www.techradar.com/news/major-windows-10-updates-will-come-twice-a-year-microsoft-promises
Stating : "Caldas went on to write that Microsoft will support each of these major updates with security patches for 18 months after their deployment, which isn’t necessarily news, but a reminder in light of this announcement."
The changes between versions can cause some programs to fail.
What is Number One's position on the support for Windows 10 versions given this change in support from Microsoft ?, in that will Number One be supporting only the latest version of Windows 10, or all versions if you have frozen the changes (such as using in a VM).
If the software model between Windows 10 and Windows 8.1 changes, will support for Windows 8.1 which is up until 2020, be removed, for any new versions of Easy-PC ?
Thanks and regards,
Shadders. |
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shadders
United Kingdom
224 Posts |
Posted - 17 Jul 2017 : 14:58:51
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Hi,
As above, and regarding V21, new information on unsupported processors. :
http://www.techradar.com/news/windows-10-upgrade-creates-nothing-but-chaos-for-unsupported-2-in-1s
This seems to be a bug, where the Atom processor is supported, but current Windows 10 build states it is not.
This may mean that even when you implement Windows 10, the processor generation may become out of date :
https://www.intel.co.uk/content/www/uk/en/support/processors/000006105.html
I am not sure of Microsoft policy, whether they deprecate older processors despite that they functionally provide a working PC.
So, does Number One have a view on supporting Windows 10 - in that Windows 10 will work on unsupported processors, but will not be updated any further. (this may mean specific libraries/drivers cause an issue - Easy-PC needs the latest).
Regards,
Shadders. |
Edited by - shadders on 17 Jul 2017 14:59:22 |
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DavidM
United Kingdom
458 Posts |
Posted - 18 Jul 2017 : 09:18:14
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Thanks Microsoft! As if we didn't all have better things to do than worry about whether our processor is deemed 'suitable' for on-going support!
Our basic principle is to support Easy-PC on current (and recent) genuine installations of Windows. From time to time we see hardware-related issues, but thus far they have largely been restricted to those involving particular graphics cards. The introduction of potential processor compatibility issues into the mix is clearly something that could complicate things for all of us.
Our position has to remain one of supporting Easy-PC on supported installations of Windows. If this means that at some point certain processors fall out of favour in Microsoft's eyes, then that does not necessarily mean that we will not support someone who is using Easy-PC on those platforms.
This could be viewed in the same way as running Windows 10 in a virtual environment on a Linux or Mac system. While we do not directly support those platforms, we recognise that some users prefer to work on those systems.
We have to be able to reproduce a fault in order to fix it, so if someone is running Windows 10 under WINE - or on an unsupported Atom processor - and something bad happens with our software, as long as that issue can be reproduced on a fully supported configuration then we can still look at addressing it. We certainly don't want to cast any of our loyal users into the outer darkness simply for having the audacity to make their own choices on hardware platform!
I hope that goes at least some way towards reassuring you of your on-going position with Easy-PC support.
regards,
David.
--
David Manns
Development Director |
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shadders
United Kingdom
224 Posts |
Posted - 18 Jul 2017 : 10:03:20
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Hi David,
Thanks. I run Windows 8.1 in a VM - and Easy-PC. Further information here :
https://arstechnica.co.uk/information-technology/2017/07/windows-10-support-device-lifetime/
I can see yourselves are in a very difficult position, as per 2020, WIndows 8.1 is not supported.
Windows 10 is currently stated to be only supported for the last 18months - 3 latest builds. The Ars Technica article indicates Windows is now Windows As A Service.
What this may mean, Easy-PC requires one of the latest Windows 10 build due to changes in the build, but the hardware platform becomes unsupported, and if Windows 10 does move to a subscription model, no matter whether you do subscribe, you cannot upgrade as the PC hardware is not supported.
The probability for the above is minimal, and the alternative may be the Windows Enterprise version - which costs more - but i am not sure of the full requirements as i do not use Windows 10 or that version.
This is not ideal, but the Windows OS seems to be a moving target, so any planning may be negated by future changes.
Regards,
Shadders. |
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DavidM
United Kingdom
458 Posts |
Posted - 18 Jul 2017 : 10:15:06
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We also have to bear in mind that there is little or no code in the application that even needs to know which version of Windows is being used. In fact, where it does that is mostly in legacy code for versions we no longer support, for example to make sure we do not try to use a deprecated function on a version where that function no longer exists.
To that extent, Easy-PC is pretty much version-agnostic, so we hope that whatever Microsoft does to mess with the way they enforce or prevent upgrades we can remain that way. If we can structure things in a way that allows the application to continue to run on those 'older' platforms without hampering our future development then clearly it is in all our interests to do that.
David. |
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shadders
United Kingdom
224 Posts |
Posted - 18 Jul 2017 : 10:50:50
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Hi David,
Thanks. I suppose it does depend on the person and their hardware. I can envisage that someone may start to subscribe (if Microsoft introduce this), their hardware is out of support, and Microsoft force the "now" unsubscribed software to stop working (no subscription paid) or at a reduced OS capability due to no new subscription paid.
The only way Microsoft can mess up Easy-PC is to force yourselves down a route of software development which stops the new program working on legacy OS's. I cannot see this happening for a few years, if at all.
Regards,
Shadders. |
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Easy-PC and Windows 10