ASK CAPPIE THE COMPUTER CAT
SHOULD I UPGRADE MY WINDOWS SOFTWARE Dear Cappie,
Should I upgrade to Windows 11 or stay with Windows 10 since I finally understand how to use it? What are the pros and cons for upgrading? Marie Dear Marie, Let me begin by saying Windows 11 functions very much as Windows 10 does. The upgrade is more of a cosmetic upgrade and doesn't feel totally different or require a high learning curve to use. n The Taskbar icons are in the
middle and have a simpler look n The Settings dialogs are nicer to view n It has improved multimonitor functionality Some of the interface changes will take some time to get used to, but the learning curve is not as great as Windows 10 was from Windows 8.
Be advised that if your computer is too old or unable to meet the system requirements for Windows 11 (1GHz CPU, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, TMP (Trusted Platform Module) security chip, Secure Boot capability), you may not be able to upgrade to the new system. However, if you purchased your PC within the last six years, TMP chips and Secure Boot capabilities have been standard on most PCs and if your PC was manufactured in the last four years your computer should be able to update. Google “how to check if your
device meets Windows 11 requirements” for step-bystep directions and videos on how to check your system. Or if you are a member of the Computer Club, you can visit the computer club on Tuesday afternoons during their Tech Help sessions. and they can show you how. (The club also offers beginning and intermediate classes on learning the ins and outs of Windows 11.) As far as whether you should upgrade, it is a personal choice-- but eventually you will be forced to upgrade.
View the digital version of “Ask Cappie” monthly column by going to www. grandinfo.com. Click on the More News>Grand Lifestyles Magazine> to choose the month you want to view. Special thanks to Sue Gunderson for the lovely photo of her beautiful cat, Benji. age 10. He is an F3 Bengal, his grandparents were Wild Asian Leopard cats bred with a domestic cat. He is wild and crazy as well as sweet and loving.
On the flip side, if you just aren’t ready, you can safely use Windows 10 until October of 2025 when Microsoft will pull active support for Windows 10-- which means you still will be able to use the software, but you won't get any more security updates or see any new features added to the software. Because of all the internet attacks on computers, such as phishing, ransomware, remote exploits, etc. it is not a good idea to use operating systems that are not updated because you can get your personal data stolen if you get hacked. Grand Lifestyles | April 2022 | suncitygrand.com
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