Is Window 10 Free... Forever, or Do You Have to Pay an Annual Fee After the First Year?

Well, it is almost time for Windows 7 and 8 users to be able to get the free upgrade to Windows 10.  But there has to be a catch, right?  The most common catch going around the internet is that it seems to be free for the first year, but, since Microsoft is moving to a rental model for programs, a fee will be charged for each year after the first.  What is the truth?  To summarize what is known:

• Windows 10 will be a free upgrade for Windows 7 and 8 users for the life of the current computer.  There will be no annual fee.  But only for the current computer.  
• You will be able to download a full installation disk for Windows 10, so you will not be stuck with a use until fail scenario, or  a use until you add something to the PC/tablet/smartphone scenario.
• Windows 10 free upgrade will not be available to Vista and XP users. 
• There isn't any special support program for Windows 10.  You get help from me, your own local IT expert, or from the Microsoft knowledge base.  Fee for service through a contractor will be available on the Microsoft website.

For the general user, I am recommending about a 3 month wait after general release before trying to install Windows 10 over an existing system.  This will give Microsoft time to fix the "big" flubs in the system.

 For details, read http://www.forbes.com/sites/gordonkelly/2015/06/17/windows-10-free-for-1-year-what-happens-next/