Windows 10 will bring back some of the familiar features of Windows 7, but that’s next year. But here’s what bothers some people: They won’t be able to buy a Windows 7 machine after October 31 unless they buy a more expensive computer with Windows 7 Professional on it. They call that “gotchya.” (Note: Microsoft skipped Windows 9 and went straight to 10.)
In the meantime, some readers have asked us about “Classic Shell,” which fixes the absurdities of Windows 8. You can get it at ClassicShell.net. It gives you three choices: the classic Windows start menu, Windows XP style or Windows 7, as you like it.
Meanwhile, back at the Microsoft ranch … Windows 8.1 is a free upgrade, and brings back the “start” button. Clicking it with your left mouse button gives you a list of programs, clicking with the right mouse button takes you to the familiar “Control Panel,” “File Explorer,” “Power Options,” and “Shut Down.”
If you’re still using Windows 8, you can get 8.1 by tapping the Windows key (looks like a flag) and typing “Store.” That takes you to an online store where you buy things. But the 8.1 upgrade is free.