Microsoft
recently introduced their newest platform, Windows 10. It certainly has
plenty to offer. No, you didn’t miss out on an update in there! The
last version was Windows 8 and there will never be a Windows 9.
According to Microsoft, this has to do with various coding elements of
their platforms. Simply put, Windows 9 could break lazy code elements.
Others say that the name stems from the fact that Microsoft plans to
deliver this as a perfect “10” in terms of what it offers. They realize
consumers had issues with both Windows 7
and Windows 8. For this platform, they are keeping what works and
getting rid of what doesn’t. They are also offering this as a “one
application platform” so that it is easy to use.
Features
The features offered by Microsoft 10 are far advanced when you
compare them to what is available with the Windows 8 system. First of
all, this update is designed to operate successfully with all devices.
This means you can use it at work, at home, on your laptop, tablets, and
smartphones. Being able to use one platform universally is a huge
benefit.
The Start Menu was removed for Windows
8, and consumers missed it. Microsoft listened, and it will be brought
back for Windows 10. It will be similar to the classic Start menu of
Windows 7. However, there will be some modern apps for it as well that
make it more advanced. This is going to allow users to do a web search
from the Start menu if they desire. The layout and the size can be
customized, allowing it to be a flexible solution for the user to
benefit from. The Start menu is going to be better than it was in
previous versions.
One of the frustrations for users with Windows 8 is that the
touch/keyboard/mouse use elements have been jumpy. With Windows 10,
there is a smooth movement and flow. This approach is termed Continuum
by Microsoft. It is designed to allow a merger between the various
methods of input for data use. The mode will automatically switch based
on how the device is being used. Continuum is a big part of the Beta
testing.
The virtual desktop is also a feature that is being offered with
Microsoft 10. It can be found within Task View. This enables the user to
have a virtual desktop and the taskbar can be customized for each
desktop. This allows the user to change from a work to a home mode if they desire.
Ctrl –V is going to offer a wide range of features within Windows 10.
By right clicking, there is a prompt window that opens where you can
select properties. From there, you can select a variety of features
including Ctrl shortcuts, extended edit keys, and line wrapping.
For users that enjoy the Windows 7 Snap View, it is going to be
available in Windows 10. It will offer both classic and universal modes.
However, it is going to be further enhanced with the Snap Assist
interface. As a result, the user can create multiple desktop
environments.
Concerns
Some people are hesitant to use Windows 10 because of an issue with
Keylogger. However, the experts claim that this issue isn’t as large of a
problem as it has been made out to seem. The Keylogger isn’t a spy
element by Windows to collect your data and to track your usage habits.
All of the programs within Microsoft 10 that open
in the virtual desktop will continue to run in the background. Some
worry that this will become a challenge for the memory management
element of the operations. However, Microsoft feels that it will
increase the productivity and speed of Windows operations. They also
feel it will help to keep the desktop space free of clutter for the
user.
Microsoft has yet to share information about the minimum hardware requirements
or the install size of Windows 10. Some worry that their system isn’t
going to be compatible. However, it is likely that Microsoft just
doesn’t want to release these details until they have all of their
testing results completed and evaluated.
Cortana Integration is the voice assistant
for Windows Phone 8.1. There haven’t been any details yet about how it
will be implemented in Windows 10. There is also the concern about
scaling on high resolution screens. With so many people using high
resolution laptops and 4k monitors, this is going to have to be
addressed.
Explore
If you are interested in exploring Windows 10, go to http://lifehacker.com/windows-10-technical-preview-now-available-for-download-1641212531. This is an installation
link and allows you to see first-hand if Windows 10 is right for you.
It is recommended that you back up all your data before you install it.
You will need an external device such as a USB or a DVD that you can
burn to complete the download from this link.
On a side note, Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 10 will be the
next platform available on Windows Phone. There isn’t information yet
that verifies which of the smartphones will get this upgrade. There
isn’t information yet about when that will happen. Such information will
be shared once it is available by both Microsoft and mobile phone
providers.
Availability
As mentioned with the above link, it is possible to explore what
Windows 10 has to offer. Keep in mind that it is a technical preview. It
may be a good choice for developers and advanced users to explore.
There is no official release date from Microsoft for Windows 10. All
that has been suggested so far is that it will be “later in 2015” and
some wonder if it depends on bugs found in the Beta testing phase.
Pricing
There hasn’t been any confirmed information about the pricing for
Windows 10. There has been a buzz that Microsoft may give it way to
those that wish to upgrade from Microsoft 8. There are also rumors that
such an upgrade would cost a small fee. There have been several
presentations as well as Q&A sessions by Microsoft, and nothing has
been confirmed about pricing. This leads us to believe they haven’t made
any definite decisions about that aspect of the platform yet.