As a machinomic writer, I depend on certain key programs with my copy of Windows in order to produce the maximum output. While the offer for a free upgrade to Windows 10 sounds promising, there are a few concerns I have that could keep me from going forward with the upgrade right away:
1. Adobe CS2. This is a big one. I don't know what the future holds, and would prefer not to get locked into a version of Adobe that would require a monthly subscription to access features via the Creative Cloud I like my standalone; but my standalone is the way-outdated CS2. Would I be able to run Photoshop CS2 on Windows 10 if I put the program in compatibility mode? I would prefer not to have to buy a more modern version of Photoshop or Illustrator if I can help it, as even CS5 can be pricey still. If it comes down to the worst, I could always download Gimp; but I fear Gimp would have to update significantly to accommodate W10.
2. Office 2007. Yes, it's 8 years old (at time of post.) Yes, I know I should probably upgrade. But again, I don't usually have a spare $500 lying around for a full office upgrade. And I would want to know that I can run Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and especially Publisher 2007.
3. The Sims 3. It barely runs with most stuff packs and all expansion packs on Windows 7. Would 10 make the game's operations better or worse? I run an HP Pavilion p6540y with 8GB of RAM. The reason I still use it in spite its horrible inefficiency is because of the control over character puppetry and control over lighting it allows for screenshots, something I have neither of in significant amounts in Sims 4. I have all but completely retired Sims 2 for these purposes, as that game is ancient history now. Just in case, I'm also curious how compatible Sims 2 and 4 would likely be with 10. I know EA will update Sims 4 periodically to improve it. I don't have that same assurance for 2 and 3, given the age on those games.
Another reason that this is a big one is because it will be a while before I can upgrade to a Surface Pro 3 (or 4 in the future?) So I have to make my HP Pavilion work for at least another two years, even though it's beginning to slow down with age after being in service for five years solid. And I can't do my webcomic storytelling too easily on a Kindle Fire, which is my current laptop-ish device since my Dell gave up the ghost.
And speaking of the Kindle...
4. Kindle Fire software. How well would I be able to operate software on Windows 10 that interfaces Windows with my Kindle? I'd like to be able to manage files on both PC and Kindle, something which I find clumsy to do with Windows 7. I realize that the Windows and Android platforms are two very different birds; but the sync with Microsoft and Amazon would be a similar compatibility concern for me as with Microsoft and EA.
5. iTunes. It has taken quite a while to get a recent version of iTunes to work properly on my Windows 7. I'd like to know that if I have any problems running iTunes after an upgrade to 10, that it would be on Apple's end and not Microsoft's. If so, I'll simply wait for Apple to update things on their end.
I realize that this post can only give me insight on the Microsoft end of things, and I'd have to contact those other companies as well. But any assistance in understanding these topics would be greatly appreciated.
