Why are so many posting 10 Beta "not for daily use"?

[DRFP]

Why are so many saying that windows 10 beta is not for daily use?

 

I have been a beta tester of MS products since IE 2 and win XP days.

 

I have always installed beta's and then used them daily. I have other computers like an older laptop with Win 7 but to truly beta test you need to use the OS daily!

 

I'm sending feedback to MS

 

If you do not do this then do not expect MS to change things we find need to change.

 

You need to use and use an OS and stress it to see what works and what needs to be fixed or changed.

 

This Alpha of 10 is better than 8 and 8.1 but the program is identified by sites and other programs as 8.1 so far.

 

It will get better with updates.

 

 

[Nick H. Supervisor]

It's not that it can't be used as your main OS, it's more that it shouldn't be used as your main OS as it could be unstable and result in a loss of data. That might not be such a major issue if a majority of your computer time is browsing the Internet, but it would be an issue for companies dealing with information.

Speaking of companies, the fact that the preview comes with a keylogger means that everything you type is recorded and sent to Microsoft. That means passwords, bank account details, the lot. While I have no doubt that Microsoft have security in place on their end to make sure that information isn't abused, you can't guarantee it.

[Max Norris]

Why are so many saying that windows 10 beta is not for daily use?

Because a lot of people aren't able to deal with the potential problems that will come up using something that's this rough, and a fair number of people running it probably have trouble figuring out some basic troubleshooting. This isn't even a beta. Just a few random copy-pastes from Microsoft.com, they even tell you so.

 

Remember, trying out an early build like this can be risky. That's why we recommend that you don't install the preview on your primary home or business PC. Unexpected PC crashes could damage or even delete your files, so you should back up everything.

Download and install the preview only if you:

..

Really know your way around a PC and feel comfortable troubleshooting problems, backing up data, formatting a hard drive, installing an operating system from scratch, or restoring your old one if necessary.

..

Aren't installing it on your everyday computer.

We're not kidding about the expert thing. So if you think BIOS is a new plant-based fuel, Tech Preview may not be right for you.

Plus there's the telemetry issue, which is a big part of this test release.

When you acquire, install and use the Program, Microsoft collects information about you, your devices, applications and networks, and your use of those devices, applications and networks. Examples of data we collect include your name, email address, preferences and interests; browsing, search and file history; phone call and SMS data; device configuration and sensor data; and application usage. For example, when you:

install the Program, we may collect information about your device and applications and use it for purposes such as determining or improving compatibility,

use voice input features like speech-to-text, we may collect voice information and use it for purposes such as improving speech processing,

open a file, we may collect information about the file, the application used to open the file, and how long it takes and use it for purposes such as improving performance, or

enter text, we may collect typed characters and use them for purposes such as improving autocomplete and spellcheck features.

The build that's more for everybody to play with will be the consumer preview next year.

[Chasethebase Veteran]

Exactly, this is an operating system that is still in development, unexpected bugs can and do happen and those are the risks you run by using an early stage OS. By stating this it gives Microsoft coverage in the event of a user's loss of data so that if a user was to complain, they can counter-argue with this.

 

You're more than welcome to use it on a daily basis as your main OS, but you know the risks you are taking by doing so.

[Aokromes]

Because it expires on 6 months? Because when it expires you will have to reinstall the whole system and you can't update? Because it's not even Beta instead Technology preview?

Why are so many saying that windows 10 beta is not for daily use?

[Pam14160]

If you are going to use the old terms instead of the new then this is an "Alpha" not a "Beta".  The new trim Tech Preview is actually a developers preview.  So being an alpha it is not a good idea to use as you main OS.

[Ice_Blue]

But it isn't exactly new untested code, is it?

It is the same tried and true Windows 8.1 code, with a few modifications.

 

The OS kernel is in fact Windows 8.1, isn't it?

 

It's not as different from 8.1 as, say, Vista was from XP.

 

I'm currently using the TP as my main OS, and it performs almost exactly the way 8.1 does.

I have not seen a deal-breaking flaw so far, and I don't just browse the Internet.

[Dot Matrix]

Speaking of companies, the fact that the preview comes with a keylogger means that everything you type is recorded and sent to Microsoft.

Everyone keeps saying this, but there has been no proof that it is recording everything you type.

But it isn't exactly new untested code, is it?

It is the same tried and true Windows 8.1 code, with a few modifications.

 

The OS kernel is in fact Windows 8.1, isn't it?

 

It's not as different from 8.1 as, say, Vista was from XP.

 

I'm currently using the TP as my main OS, and it performs almost exactly the way 8.1 does.

I have not seen a deal-breaking flaw so far, and I don't just browse the Internet.

Vista was wholly different from XP. The Windows codebase received massive upgrades and changes at the expense of backward compatibility. Windows 10 isn't that big of a change from 8.1, but there's still new code here, most of it unfinished. Who knows what that could do.

[fusi0n]

There are so many reasons as others stated.. if they advertised it for everyday use, it would be a huge disaster.. Microsoft can't release a Windows this early.. This should be mostly common sense.. Yes, it works great, for me anyway.. But, this is still just the very start..  

[dead.cell]

If you are going to use the old terms instead of the new then this is an "Alpha" not a "Beta".  The new trim Tech Preview is actually a developers preview.  So being an alpha it is not a good idea to use as you main OS.

Hit the nail dead on.

DRFP, you keep talking about "Windows 10 beta" and "beta testing", but this isn't a beta. They may also not be looking to fix minor bugs whenever they have bigger projects and priorities in terms of getting certain modules, utilities, features to a working state. Beta testing will come later to help fine tune the mechanics to flesh out any kinks/hiccups.

 

It's usually then that, provided your data is secure elsewhere, that you can start to consider using it as a daily OS so that whatever issues you run into, you can better help them with reporting, tracking, and documenting flaws.

[+Anarkii Subscriber²]

ive installed this as my main OS. Why not? It actually works MUCH better than Windows 8 and does exactly what I want from Windows. The updates means I dont have to reinstall everything when new versions are released too so to me, there is no reason at all this can't be installed and used as your main OS.

[+therealDamien Subscriber¹]

ive installed this as my main OS. Why not? It actually works MUCH better than Windows 8 and does exactly what I want from Windows. The updates means I dont have to reinstall everything when new versions are released too so to me, there is no reason at all this can't be installed and used as your main OS.

so then you have absolute trust is microsoft monitor you?

 

bank/credit cards, porn.

[Skiver Veteran]

Everyone keeps saying this, but there has been no proof that it is recording everything you type.

Vista was wholly different from XP. The Windows codebase received massive upgrades and changes at the expense of backward compatibility. Windows 10 isn't that big of a change from 8.1, but there's still new code here, most of it unfinished. Who knows what that could do.

No, no-one knows exactly what they are doing however they do specifically state in the privacy statements;

 

 

 

• enter text, we may collect typed characters and use them for purposes such as improving autocomplete and spellcheck features.

 

This at the very least means they have "some" ability to do so. Given how intentionally vague that statement is. Someone using this needs to know that there is potential that anything they type has may be logged and taken.

[DeusProto]

so then you have absolute trust is microsoft monitor you?

 

bank/credit cards, porn.

 

Speaking for myself, yes.

 

 

If Microsoft misused this data the Department of Justice would (again) crawl so far up their behind.

 

I want them to even take random screenshots, videos, in addition to keylogging my usage, Whatever they need to improve the OS.

[Blue-Vision]

As part of testing, I installed 10, used it for 12 hours or so and then installed 8.1 again. My settings that usually sync up from my Microsoft Account (the machine name) did NOT appear this time on 8.1 during the Account Setup phase as they usually would. Upon getting to my 8.1 Desktop, however, all was as it should have been. Aside from that (the rough edges, which are expected this early on), the technical side of things seem to be mostly fine and I look forward to the Consumer Preview next year.

 

I agree that it's not meant for the "Average User" yet. The large majority of the userbase here at Neowin is Tech-Savvy, and things that can occur on Windows 10 TP that we are capable of dealing with in 10-30 seconds would likely be showstopper issues for the majority of other, less capable users out there. I have a friend who was very eager to try out the Technical Preview despite my warnings, so I installed it for him a week ago on bare metal .. and later today I'll be reinstalling his WIndows 8 image for him because it has "misbehaved frequently".

[Eric Veteran]

If you are going to use the old terms instead of the new then this is an "Alpha" not a "Beta".  The new trim Tech Preview is actually a developers preview.  So being an alpha it is not a good idea to use as you main OS.

 

It's not really even a developer preview. There are no build tools available for it.

so then you have absolute trust is microsoft monitor you?

 

bank/credit cards, porn.

 

Yup. They don't collect that and don't want it.

[blank]

I didn't have any problem using it. Seemed pretty stable, with some minor bugs and compatibility issues here and there.

i'd still be using it, but so can't stand the windows 8-10 horrible and ugly UI.

Works better than 8.1 though.

[starman444]

Im using Windows 8 and think its great. I dont trust anything with a keylogger. Man, the gov should trust users if they access the internet..

[Tha Bloo Monkee]

Maybe because alpha/beta software is not meant for daily use?

 

I personally think it's silly to be using it as your main OS but to each their own.  I guess there's a cool factor for some in "I'm running Windows 10 and it's not even out yet!".

 

Edit: Is there actually truth to this keylogger?  That seems so shady and borderline illegal it's not even funny.

[+Nik Louch Subscriber²]

The fact you claim to have been a beta tester for so long, but are asking such a question is really troubling!

[PGHammer]

But it isn't exactly new untested code, is it?

It is the same tried and true Windows 8.1 code, with a few modifications.

 

The OS kernel is in fact Windows 8.1, isn't it?

 

It's not as different from 8.1 as, say, Vista was from XP.

 

I'm currently using the TP as my main OS, and it performs almost exactly the way 8.1 does.

I have not seen a deal-breaking flaw so far, and I don't just browse the Internet.

However, there ARE differences - small to what the typical tester goes through, but potentially a minefield for someone that insists on complete software compatibility (and there are folks that insist on exactly that).

 

I have two games (both MMOs and both from Sony) that, for some reason, will install, but won't run, on the Technical Preview. Fine on 8.1 update 1, but clank on the Technical Preview.  That alone can be enough to sour someone on the OS.

 

It is precisely those small (and some would say nitpicky) differences (most of which are due to OS-isms in the code of the affected game or application) that can cause issues for testers (and even ruin the reputation of an entire OS - how many OS-isms were uncovered during Vista's testing cycle, for example?)

 

I'm a tester that goes back to before Windows 9x (back to MS-DOS and early NT), therefore, I can safely say I've been around the block a few times.  While there are far fewer "gotchas" in the Technical Preview than there were with Windows 8, there WILL be gotchas - programmers are human, and have been known to take shortcuts.

 

Hence the caveats.

[PGHammer]

Maybe because alpha/beta software is not meant for daily use?

 

I personally think it's silly to be using it as your main OS but to each their own.  I guess there's a cool factor for some in "I'm running Windows 10 and it's not even out yet!".

 

Edit: Is there actually truth to this keylogger?  That seems so shady and borderline illegal it's not even funny.

There ARE good (or even necessary) uses for keyloggers - which started in programming and debugging; the initial intent was to catch typos in code-entry.

 

One good use for a keylogger (in an operating system in this stage of development) is to catch PEBKAC-caused errors (including typos) - have you ever misdialed?  PEBKAC-created errors are the IT/computer equivalent of a misdial - however, such "misdials" can trigger other things happening (which can range from embarrassing to fatal - except in this case it's data that can get killed).  However, if a "misdial" is caught by a keylogger, it can be worked around (by changes in code) or other workarounds, if the "misdial" is common enough.

 

We as folks that spend most of our working days in IT are all het up over nefarious uses of keyloggers - mostly because it is those in the same line of work we ourselves are in that are using keyloggers for crookery - we don't want our reputations ruined by bad apples.  However, Microsoft came right out and SAID that there was extensive telemetry built into the Technical Preview - hardly something that a company that was up to crookery would do - they are basically warning any would-be crooks that there IS something in the OS that can catch them up to bad things!  Any crook with any ounce of sense will use an OS that has little or zero chance of having such telemetry anywhere inside it (such as 7, or Vista, or even XP) - rather than risk their own software telling on them.  It is the equivalent over being all het up over butter knives - how often have butter knives in particular been used in self-defense - or murder - merely within the past fifty years?

[DRFP]

I hear you all and agree with a lot of it.

 

I read back in the Win 7 days, people complaining about win 7 beta like it was a full RTM

 

Yes I made a mistake of saying Beta, its an Alpha, yet Alpha's are considered by some to be early Beta's because a preview like this is to help manufactures and software writers to know how to develope for the new OS release.

 

Its also for testers to give feedback about the OS and give opinions on how its working.

 

This release is not intended to be a "Free OS" and I see some people around the web think it is, in fact wait, after next April there will be people asking how can they keep the Beta running and activation after the end of use time......

 

I'm a serious tester, always have been, despite I agree with many comments on the thread, this is the time to put this OS on a machine and tear it up. report back to MS. You can't truly do this by using it for a few hours, or a day or two. This should be done over weeks as a system used to work on.

 

Its based on the WIndows 8.1 OS, the changes are not dramatic yet, but I like what I have seen so far ( get rid of flat design please). I would say its pretty stable with some bugs, I had to fix the log on options for Pin and finger print, the picture log on is still not working but when I have time I will fix that as well. Everything is working fine to date, but further testing may find more flaws.........thats the fun of testing, finding the flaws and fixing them!

[DRFP]

Maybe because alpha/beta software is not meant for daily use?

 

I personally think it's silly to be using it as your main OS but to each their own.  I guess there's a cool factor for some in "I'm running Windows 10 and it's not even out yet!".

 

Edit: Is there actually truth to this keylogger?  That seems so shady and borderline illegal it's not even funny.

I worry more about all these bank and bank card hacks than this potential MS key logging issue

[Praetor]

The fact you claim to have been a beta tester for so long, but are asking such a question is really troubling!

 

i was just thinking this.... i mean, for a tester so long as the OP claim it is, I find troublesome that he's even making this question! Not only Microsoft discourages to use this OS in the main computer, but the fact that this OS expires, can result in data loss or unexpected errors possibly resulting in (again) data loss and lost time (because of restores from backups) only makes sense to use in a secondary computer, knowing the risks of using it

 

Unless you are a paid tester, then you should use this OS in every single device you have, even your Gameboy :)