On July 29th, Microsoft will release the new upgrade to Windows 10 on select machines.  Then, they will do a phased roll out over time to others as they have enough input to consider them “ready”.

Some of us were fortunate enough to get the FINAL RELEASE early so we can complete testing.  I’m running it on a Samsung Desktop ( All In One ), a Microsoft Surface Pro 3 ( 2 in 1 ) that is both a computer and tablet, and on Windows Phone ( which is a version not slated for release until the end of the quarter ).

Windows 10 is an excellent system.  It works much faster, is more secure, and for standard operations is very stable.  It actually networks quickly, and uses the cloud beautifully.  Anyone who makes negative comments to you about it has simply not worked with it day to day, which we have done for many months.

Auto Shop Writer 9 ( and of course the upcoming 10 ) work on it beautifully, and you may see improved performance.  We have experienced no problems on ASW with Windows 10, nor do we have any problems with the Advantage Database Server running on it.

So, can you upgrade ?  II you are running Windows 7, 8, or 8.1, its absolutely free, and will remain free ( contrary to uninformed rumors ).  It also will be constantly improved and upgraded ( just like ASW ).  If you are running an older computer, and decide to get a new one, it will have Windows 10 pre-installed.  The manufacturers love this product and have worked closely with Microsoft to get it in its current form.

Are there advantages to upgrading ?  If you are a power user, there are features that you will love.  If you are a normal user, or even a computer novice, it will be easier, more secure, and likely faster.

So that leaves the question, SHOULD you upgrade ?  In the lower right corner of your computer is a little Windows Icon ( looks like 4 rectangles inside a square ).  Right click on it and the menu will give you an option to check your computer.  It will tell you if your computer is ready.  Also, it is backward compatible so software that runs won Windows 7 or 8 should run on it just fine.  The big caution here has to do with modifications that may have been made to your system.  Some people have altered networking, or have components that are highly specialized placed in the computer.  Some have control software ( ie. anti-virus, malware ) that may make the upgrade not respond well.  Some have special settings that are not normal, performed by some tech expert, and this may not be picked up by compatibility testing.  You need to know if your IT professional may have anything “special” in your system.

You will be prompted sometime after July 29 ( if you elected to let your machine upgrade ) and asked if  you want to install the new system.  If everything is in good shape, you are likely to be fine doing the upgrade.  If you have doubts, wait until you get them resolved. 

This upgrade will take an hour or more.  You cannot touch your computer ( unless prompted ) during the process.  If you get the prompt and say “No”, then you can go back in during a more convenient time.  Be sure to do only one of your computers at a time unless you are doing this over a weekend or at night.  If all goes as desired, you will be up and running on all machines, with the network intact, after the update completes.

Questions ?  Feel free to call or email.  If you run into a roadblock, get your IT person on the line.  If all else fails, call and we’ll try to help even though it is not ASW related.

Phone Info:  Important

Like many companies, we recently moved our phone number ( 949 589-3186 ) to a cellular service.  In addition to making it more portable, we now have texting capability on the same number ( which we’ve heard would be desirable to our clients ).  So, now you can email, text, or call for support.  Text to the same number anytime, even if its just to say Hi.

In addition to internal refinements, we have made updates on the services for two of our providers.  If you use either of these, please read the notes below:

Royalty Rewards

When you are working in a workorder, you can now enter a new Royalty Rewards member under the Services tab.  In addition, you can add a Promo Code on that same tab.  In the past promo codes were added when closing a workorder, but now they can be added at any time ( like when the workorder is first created ) and will apply to the submitted record.

Kukui

A new service provider for CRM ( Customer Retention Management ) is now integrated into ASW 9.5.  It is Kukui  ( www.kukui.com ).  Auto Shop Writer can now submit data to them daily.  Please follow these steps to setup the service.

• On the Server, under the ASW9s folder, create a new subfolder called Kukui Extract
• On the Task bar ( lower right corner ), find the ASW Update icon, right click on it, and Quit the program ( on the server )
• Copy the MLS9AUS.exe from the \ASW9s\MLS folder to the root \ASW9s folder
• Go to Start – All programs – Startup on the server and click on the ASWUpdate item to restart the auto updater.
• On any computer, go into ASW, and on the Menu select Tools, Setup, 3rd Party, Kukui.  You will be asked if you want to turn on the service, and you can select Yes.

Now, each night after midnight, ASW Updater will create a file for the Kukui service.  You will need to call your rep and they will install special software on your server that will transfer that file each day to their server for processing.

 

Please read the previous bulletin about the upcoming Windows 10 release, ASW 10 progress, and especially procedures for contact this summer.  Remember, EMAIL is always the fastest way to get a response because it is monitored throughout the day, evenings, and weekends ( 6 am PDT to 11 pm PDT, 7 days a week ).