In homes and offices just about everyone runs at least one Windows PC. You’ll find Microsoft running in almost every school, library and businesses big and small. Most of my business clients ran windows XP Pro until the end of support life in April 2014 at which time we replace the machines with Windows 7 PC’s. Even though Windows 8 had been out for 2 years by this time and beta versions of windows 10 had been available to test neither 8 or 10 looked like a good solution for business. Windows 7 could still be purchased as a downgrade options on new PC’s up until the fall of 2016. But now it is 2018 and many of theses Windows 7 PC’s are reaching there end of life. All we have available is Windows 10 so lets make the most of it and get you set up for the transition.
Microsoft Account Or Local Account?
Hopefully you read this before you turned on your new Windows 10 PC but if not no worries just some info for you to consider. Lets take a closer look at how it uses Microsoft accounts. Introduced with Windows 8, when you add a user account to Windows, you get to choose between using a local offline account or a Microsoft online account.
Local Account: A local account is a username and password combination that you have used to log into any of the legacy Windows operating systems. It grants you access to the system’s resources and allows you to customize it to your settings and preferences. A local user account in Windows 10 will allow you to install traditional desktop apps, personalize settings and use the operating system the old fashioned way.
Microsoft Account: A Microsoft account is a re-branding of any of previous accounts for Microsoft products. As such, if you have ever used services like Hotmail, Outlook.com, Skype, or devices like Xbox game consoles or Windows smartphones, then you are sure to have a Microsoft account already. By re-branding and combining all these different accounts, Microsoft allows for complete integration of all their services into a single online account. The big difference from a local account is that you use an email address instead of a username to log into the operating system.
In Windows 10, the apps that come bundled with the operating system, like the Mail and Calendar app, can work without a Microsoft Account. If you own a Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education edition, you can even download and install apps from the Windows Store without having to use a Microsoft account. A local offline account will suffice. However, that works only for free apps and games. If you want to download paid apps, you must use a Microsoft account, as their licenses are tied to your online account.
Microsoft accounts aren’t something everybody wants. In Windows 10, a Microsoft account gives you the ability to sync things like personal options, passwords and settings. On the other hand, Windows 10 allows you to have more options when it comes to choosing between a Microsoft account and a local offline user account, so it remains for you to decide which one of the two is right for you.
In Conclusion: I always initially set up the first user account as a local offline account. This account can be utilized when all else fails for PC repair and service. Additional User accounts of either type can be added in addition to this main offline account. If you are not using paid apps like Office 365 or Xbox have no interest in Skype or other Microsoft products that require a Microsoft account then a local account is just fine you will still receive security updates and patches needed to keep your system safe and running smooth. If you are a business using standard desktop software solutions like CAD Quick books Office 2007 or 10 there is no need for an online account. Keep in mind that Office 2007 support ended in 2017 and Office 2010 support ends in 2020 as well as Windows 7 support. I think I will wait to see what comes out in the next 2 years before making the Jump to cloud based apps for companies running in that configuration. If you are setting up your company for the first time you will probably want to use the Cloud based services now available and set up your windows 10 PC’s accordingly. Contact Us if you need help or advise in setting up your new or restructuring your existing company IT environment we will be happy to help.
Check Out these great Office Products from Microsoft
Solutions for both Cloud based and Local only business and home users.
