I have had a lot of people notice the prompt to get the Free upgrade to windows 10, and they have asked if they should do it.  Here are important points you should consider when making the decision:

• Windows 10 is an awesome product, and has many advantages like better security, faster operating system, new capabilities
• Windows 10 is going through exhaustive testing by volunteers ( Insiders ) world wide who are reporting issues and viewpoints directly to Microsoft.
• Windows 10 gives you the best of small apps ( news, mail, calendar ) and full programs ( like ASW ) all on the same screen
• Windows 10 takes full advantage of the new hardware advances

In contrast, there are some other points you need to consider:

• Insiders who are doing the testing and reporting are all “techies” and have a good deal of knowledge about hardware, and working through problems
• There are still many unresolved bugs in the preview release that must be addressed before July 29th.
• Some hardware may have devices and software that will not play nice with Windows 10 until it is updated by the manufacturer / publisher
• People who are not “tech savy” and encounter problems with the install, may have difficulty getting support.
• Microsoft, like everyone else, uses contracted scripted support.  This means your question gets a scripted response based on keywords that may miss the actual question by a universe.  We see this happening even within the Insiders Community when these folks try to be helpful and just cause confusion.
• ASW 10 will be released after Windows 10, and it will work fine on your Windows 7 or 8/8.1 computers.  Of course it will also work fine with Windows 10.
• I will be very happy to help if you encounter Windows 10 installation problems, but I cannot guarantee that we will find answers right away.  I may have to seek answers from Microsoft and those may take awhile.
• Windows 10 installs best on newer computers already running Windows 8.1.  If you are running 8.0, you MUST update to Windows 8.1 before you can do a Windows 10 install.

And finally, if your tech person goes negative about Windows 10 it is clear evidence that individual has not been working with it to get ready for the release.  Hardware manufacturers like Dell, Toshiba, and others are thrilled with it, and all new computers will be sold with it.  Its just that upgrades can take time to get fully processed effectively.  The wide range of devices and configurations is a major challenge for anyone, even a company as large as Microsoft.

Maybe your best answer is to install the update on your newest, and least used, computer first, see how it goes, and when it is running comfortably, progress to the next one.

And as an aside … I’ve been testing it on a desktop, tablet, and Windows Phone …since it was first made available.  I like it, but then I’ve been doing this for 33+ years.

This bulletin has several important pieces of information.  Please read it carefully. 

UPDATE FAILURE NOTICE:

If your system posts a notice that it has not been updating, there are two possible reasons.  First, the auto updater may have stopped working.  Rebooting your server should resolve that.  The other is a brand new issue.  Our server hosting company, in it’s quest to keep webservices secure, uses a software to block robotic access.  IF your IP address ( on the internet ) is suspect, it will ask you to complete a CAPTCHA form.  Of course you never see it because the autoupdater runs without showing you any web pages.  So, if you get the message, and look at the Process Log, and see recent entries say “Access Denied”, then you have this problem.

First, you need to know that your computer IP address has been identified in internet security services ( not limited to ASW services at all ) as problematic.  You will need to consult with an expert to find out why.  Secondly, you can check this by going to http://www.AutoShopWriter.com and if you see a message that says to type in a code to delist your IP address, do it.  Then the autoupdater will again have access to the server.  

With all of the hackers out there, server providers will continue make massive efforts to curb malware and resulting problems.  Do not delay.  If you run into this situation, you will want to find out why in very short order.

WINDOWS 10:

Many of you have seen the question popup on your computer asking if you want the free upgrade to Windows 10.  This results in calls to us to ask if we are compatible with Windows 10.  The answer is simply, yes !  We have been testing on Windows 10 machines from the very first days of the Preview program, and have experienced no problems.

The next question is “Should I upgrade to Windows 10?”  We are comfortable with it, and most of our clients will like it also.  The update will be released July 29th and is fully automatic.  You just need to be patient, and answer a few questions on each computer.  Millions of computers are working with the preview versions and the installs are now quite solid.  You just need to be patient and let it complete it’s work.  It could take up to an hour on a computer.  Run it as an UPDATE ( not a clean install ) and it will save all of your programs and data.  Then invest a little time viewing or reading some of the online tutorials on how to use it … it’s a tool, and a very good one, but your biggest benefit comes when you see how to use it.

AUTO SHOP WRITER 10:

Originally this was an “internals” upgrade to optimize the code, and utilize the very latest development tools.  Along the way we quickly realized that suddenly we had a lot of “input and experience” over the 15 years we’ve offered a Windows product, and we could actually make some huge changes that will make your work so much easier, faster, and give you a better command of the data you are putting in each day, without making it necessary to learn all of the systems over again.  The results should be very well received, and we are also creating the ability to provide more services and features.  Obviously we want this to be perfect from it’s initial release which means massive testing, completely updated documentation, and a very careful analysis of the results.

ASW 10 is being constructed with the very latest in software development tools from Microsoft, and in fact some are not even released for full  use at this time. Initially we will be doing installs on one workstation at shops that would like to participate in testing a pre-final release version.  These will be hand installed by us, online, and your ASW 9 will continue to operate normally for your business.  More will follow on this topic in the coming months.  Until ASW 10 is released, there are still enhancements coming to ASW 9 as we see their immediate need / benefit. 

SUMMER SCHEDULE:

Every summer, business usually accelerates for our clients, and we also tend to do more work from remote sites.  Therefore, we don’t put out many updates during this time.  If your machine does update, and you have an issue, do not delay.  Please contact us immediately.

For support, we suggest you first send an email to:  support@masterlinksoftware.com.  Email is monitored constantly even if we are not in the office, and outside of normal business hours ( including evenings and weekends ).  Emails are answered quickly and personally ( never scripted ).  If you have an emergency, call 949 589-3186.  Again, even when out of the office for an extended time, this number is monitored ( or forwarded ).  Leave a voice mail if prompted, and leave your first name, shop name, and call back number.  PLEASE speak slowly and clearly.  We want to get back to you but have to be able to understand your message.

These are amazing and exciting times.  Thanks for sharing them with us.  The technology advancements we will see over the next 24 months will bring so much imagination into reality.  We hope you enjoy the ride !