The Windows 10 is a simple operating system. It comes with the best combination of features of the Windows 7 and the Windows 8. It is a combination of some of the best features found on Windows 7 and touch features of the Windows 8. Windows 10 is a fresh operating system which is familiar at the same time. It is very easy to be used with touch screen computers and conventional computers.
Windows 10 is power packed with features like a Start menu, Cortana- Microsoft’s virtual assistant, and the Edge browser. Windows 10 also evolves with time getting accustomed to the preferences of the user. This single OS is capable of working through multiple platforms. It is able to support computers, tablets, and phones unlike any other operating system that ever could.
Pros and Cons of Windows 10
Pros
- Capable of supporting Desktop and touch screen interfaces
- Easy to upgrade
- Cortana – Most human sounding assistant
- Edge – Simple interface and fast design
- Supported apps are very useful
Cons
- No major changes, mostly looks like the traditional desktop
- Xbox one will need to be supported by a robust network
Upgrade to Windows 10
One of the major advantages of Windows 10 is, it is very easy to upgrade from Windows 7 or Windows 8. In fact, the process to upgrade from an earlier version of Windows is now easier and smoother. The upgrade can be performed by booting from a USB drive or a hard drive which will take about half an hour to complete or can be done online easily.
Booting and Biometric Authentication Support
Once the installation completes, the user will be requested to add in his personalizations and login with a Microsoft Account. If the computer that is using Windows 10 comes with a Solid state hard drive, the machine will be able to boot up in just 10 to 15 seconds. This is almost the same time that it takes for Windows 7 and Windows 8 to upgrade as well. On a conventional computer the log in will not see much of a difference but if the computer comes with biometric authentication like a fingerprint sensor, eye scanner or an infrared camera the user will be able to log into the operating system instantly. This feature is known as Windows Hello. There are not many devices that are yet to support Windows Hello, but this may change in the future as biometric authentication is becoming a preferred way of security rather than typing in passwords.
Interface of Windows 10
The desktop on the Windows 10 is front and centered unlike the Windows 8 which had its desktop showed to a side. The Start menu was a block one on Windows 8, which is one of the reasons that users were on the back foot to upgrade to the Windows 8 OS at that time. This is one of the features that has been changed with the Windows 10 OS.
The Windows 10 OS goes back in time to feel a lot like the Windows 7 in good way. When we tap on the Windows Key on the Windows 8, it takes a bit more time for the startup screen to appear. The Windows 10 allows the user to tap on the Windows Key and immediately type to search for something he is looking for which is a convenience.
Usually, a user will open up multiple applications, windows and browser tabs which will seem somewhat of a chaos. Full screen apps are specially designed for tablets but are not very much suitable for laptops and desktop computer. The Windows 10 comes with capability of resizing its modern windows making them more useful. This feature is out of the box but on previous versions this had to be downloaded separately.
Microsoft still uses the tile like look with sharp corners but with much flair than the Windows 7 and Windows 8. The Window 10 comes with a modern and appealing look which is welcoming with the right balance of all features. The start and settings menu come with slight transparency. The explorer comes with plenty of while space and clean lines. The themes also came with a darker shade when compared with the theme found on the Windows 8 OS.
Start Menu
The start menu is also one of the key features which has been resurrected from previous windows versions. It will be capable of displaying all the applications used by the user. The start menu will comprise of blocky tiles. This feature also came with the Windows 8 OS but on Windows 10 it is more functional. The other advantage is the user does not need to leave the desktop in order to see them. The Live tiles are customizable. They can be made big or small according to the preference of the user. The user can also find an app he is looking for by hitting the Windows Key on the keyboard and typing the name of the specific app. If the user prefers the Windows 8 start screen, he can switch to it through the settings menu.
Continuum
The Windows 10 OS also comes with a feature known as “Continuum”. This feature gives the OS the ability to transform from a touch based platform to a desktop platform very easily. It can be used with devices like the surface which are hybrid computers. They can work as a laptop or as a laptop according to the way they are connected with the accessories. When the device is in tablets mode will turn all application to full screen, simplify the taskbar and activate a start menu similar to Windows 8. When the keyboard is connected to the device, Windows 10 automatically switches its interface to support a laptop style of usage. This feature also comes with endless possibilities. According to Microsoft, a phone powered by Windows 10 could be plugged into an external monitor with the help of a HDMI dongle or wireless in the future.
Cortana
Windows 10 also is powered by a virtual assistant called “Cortana”, which is somewhat similar to the way in which Apple’s “Siri” works. It is capable of answering basic questions by listening to the user. It can be enabled by saying “Hey Cortana”. The user can also type in queries onto Cortana search box if he is not a fan of voice commands. Over time, Cortana also learns personal preferences of the user. This will help the personal assistant to return more personalized answers for the queries presented to it. Cortana is able to function as accurately as Google Now and Siri. Although, out of the lot, Google Now may be the smartest of them all, it may not take much time for Cortana to catch up.
Microsoft Edge
The Windows 10 also comes with the web browser known as Edge. It is faster than the Internet explorer which was insecure and slow. It is designed in a similar way to Google Chrome which has a simple style and operates fast. Google Chrome eats up memory of the user which slows down the computer and the browser itself. In this aspect, the Microsoft Edge can be preferred over Google Chrome. Undoubtedly the Edge can be considered the most elegant piece of software that comes with the Windows 10 OS. It comes with a simple interface and powered by Cortana without voice command. The other unique feature of edge is the fact that the user does not have to hit enter to complete the search.
Favorites
Windows 10 also gives the user the power to manage favorites. Web pages can be highlighted and marketed with the help of the Surface stylus and saved on Evernote for later retrieval.
Streaming to Xbox
Windows 10 is now capable of streaming games to Xbox with the help of the home network. The Xbox one controller needs to be plugged in to the PC, and by hitting the Xbox app streaming button the game can be activated.
Apps
Core apps have been redesigned on the new operating system. The apps include Mail, Calendar, and Maps found on the Windows store. These are universal apps which are expected to run on Windows 10 phones later. These apps function better than when they ran on the Windows 8. They are fast, attractive and light on the processor. The News app is also a useful feature which has been built straight into the OS. It is able to alert the user of news that he may be interested in according to his preference. The app store has also been redesigned to make searching for apps, locating and installing them an ease.
Microsoft 10 is free…….. for existing users
Microsoft decided to give away Windows 10 for free for the existing users of Windows 8 and Windows 7. Microsoft is more interested in getting more people on board to use the new OS rather than making them pay for it. The Windows 10 Home version is for most customers while the Windows Pro version comes with advanced features which can be taken advantage of by power users. The Windows 10 comes with versions specially designed for enterprise and schools as well.
Basic Requirements to Upgrade to Windows 10
The minimum requirements for Windows 10 are similar to that found for Windows 8
- 1GHz processor
- 1GB RAM (2 GB for 64 bit)
- 16-20 GB free Hard-drive space
This will not be an issue as it will be hard to find a computer to by with these specs these days
In overall, the Windows 10 comes with a refined design and provides the user with a great experience. The OS is also able to support hybrid devices, which is a unique feature. When compared with the Windows 7 and the Windows 8, the Windows 10 can be recommended without any hesitation. Especially, when Microsoft is offering the Windows 10 for free for existing users.
Image Courtesy:
Windows 10 By Microsoft Sweden (win10_windows_startscreen1) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
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