Help! I am not tech savvy and I need your help. Windows 10 is available free until the end of July. I currently use Windows 8. I am writing up and can't deal with a computer disaster at the moment. I also use Mendeley software that I don't want to mess up. Should I upgrade??

I run Mendeley across an ipad, windows 10, some old windows (what came before 8, 7??) and I've had no problems with it.

Windows 10 is ok, just takes a little getting used to finding out where they've moved everything etc

Will you need to pay for Windows 10 later? I'm currently using Windows 7 and I saw Windows 10 and I kinda liked it.... but I don't wanna pay for it later.
I'm poor enough as it is at the moment! :D

Everyone I know who has upgraded to Windows 10 so far has regretted it. One even paid money to have it restored to her previous version as it kept crashing and she couldn't do the downgrade herself. One says he can't find anything on there and simple things takes ages to do now (probably just a learning curve thing that will get better).

The IT services at my university strongly advised us not to upgrade if we can help it (despite aggressive marketing from Microsoft). There are issues with privacy among other things. Google it! If you are happy with your current version, I'd say keep it!

Judging by Microsoft's sheer desperation to get people upgrading to Windows 10, it wouldn't surprise me if after the free period ends they actually start paying people to do it!

You've answered your own question there! Absolutely not! Maintain the status quo with your computer, and only do updates of the essential variety.

I went from w7 to w10 (as I hated w8). I like w10 - it's clean and fast but doesn't feel like a huge leap from w7.. as has been alluded to - make sure you turn off all logging it does.

What probably swayed me was not wanting to pay for it in the future! Not wanting to give a lecture but everything should be backed up in multiple locations (backed up and storage such as dropbox/google drive) - it's free now - so no excuse. Even an upgrade that wipes your machine utterly clean should not be a disaster... in fact... it's a good idea to upgrade to a clean install.

Thanks for all the responses. One other thing: can I download it now but install it later (e.g. in Sept after submission!) without paying?

I wouldn't risk it. It isn't worth the hassle if it goes wrong.

It seems you can download and save on a DVD or pendrive for later installation:

Thanks!

Update: my computer had a hard drive problem and packed up anyway. When I got it sorted out I installed Windows 10 and so far, no problems.