Well, it seems like some people have no choice. Apparently Microsoft has started downloading Windows 10 to those that qualify, whether they want it or not. (Sources: The Inquirer / Global News)

First, let me say that I've always used Windows, like it, feel comfortable with it and it's always met my needs. I'm also an update freak too, so signed up and downloaded Windows 10 a few weeks ago. Apart from my screensaver timeout reverting to one minute by itself, not many glitches that I have experienced.

I'm not a fan of Windows 10 updating itself whenever it feels like it. But, I read about that first and was aware that it was my choice to have those updates forced on me. I could have stuck with Windows 7 (never went to 8, looked horrible) and chose my updates whenever I wanted.

But the key word here is "choice." I knew what I was getting into and went ahead anyway.

As the Unofficial Computer Fixer for seniors in my condo complex -- thanks to my father-in-law -- I know there's tons of users out there that aren't familiar with their machines, and will let them handle the updates automatically.

As The Inquirer article above mentions, "'I know of two instances where people on metered connections went over their data cap for August because of this unwanted download. My own internet (slow DSL) was crawling for a week or so until I discovered this problem.

"'In fact, that's what led me to it. Not only does it download, it tries to install every time the computer is booted. It appears to download more data each time the install fails. It's a huge problem. What if the install partially succeeds? What if it continues to eat hard drive space?'

"One user pointed out that, if someone was on a 500MB data plan for a tablet and didn't connect to WiFi, this could eat up the better part of a year's worth of data."

These are not just annoying glitches, they are legitimate concerns and may be costing people money who don't have large data plans.

How are system admins facing this? They usually need time to check upgrades against company software, make sure it's all compatible etc. Imagine coming into work at 9:00 a.m. and your network is crawling, or worse -- down -- because Windows 10 is trying to download itself on all the computers and having problems. Nightmare!

As I've said to people before: "I love technology. I just don't trust it."

We rely on technology to make our lives easier ... but it will go wrong. Things will be happening that you are unaware of, and once you find out, it may be too late to rescue your brand's reputation.

It's a shame about this current "Updategate" as it's being called. Microsoft were on a roll with Windows 10, the reviews were good and people seemed to like it.

It may have blown all that goodwill and positive sentiment by simply not asking one question:

Do you want to download Windows 10 now?

John.

At a client meeting this past Wednesday I made the comment, "Love technology, just don't trust it."

Maybe it's the Mercury Retrogade, but of course my computer crashed when I got home that afternoon, had to have a new video card installed yesterday ... and I've been up since 6 this morning coaxing it back to life. (Windows updates take HOURS from scratch!)

As the updates chug along -- still need to install all my programs and software back on, what a joyful Friday task -- my trusty back-up laptop is handling this blog post just fine. (Herb Communications is now #1 on Google for the name. I believe the regular fresh content helps big time. Next step is to now get found for phrases and certain keywords that I want to encompass and be discovered for. That's more tricky, but not impossible. Done it before.)

Sorry, digressed there. I tend to go off on a tangent when discussing digital communications. One idea seems to flow into another, and then there's the Aha! moment. I had a few of those yesterday in a telephone conversation with a journalist. All will be revealed soon on that front.

I'm pretty old school. Colleagues know I write my meetings in a book on my desk, take a notepad and pen around the place. Why not just use Microsoft Outlook or tap notes on my mobile device?

Well, I find it quicker to jot shorthand down (journalism training!) and glance at my meetings book every morning to get a 5-second glance of what's lined up. It's just habit, but works for me.

Of course I have the tech back-up, the cloud storage, the external hard drive blah blah. Love all that, but don't trust it. One wrong piece of code, a bad update, a power cut ... and ... arrgghhh, I have no idea what's going on today!

OK, just making an exaggerated dramatic point there. Everyone has their preferences, and there's no right or wrong way to do business. At the end of the day it's about coming up with the correct solutions for clients, getting them the results they want and then, hopefully, the referrals will start.

I need to add carrier pigeon to the Contact page.

Have a great weekend ... and take the time to switch off.

John.