The wait of computer geeks all over the world finally ended on September 30, 2014 when Microsoft announced a big leap to its most popular Operating System . The announcement put an end to rumors like Windows X, Windows One and even Windows 9 for the name of next Windows. Aiming at the future of computer technology, it created even more enthusiasm, expectations & questions. This blog is an attempt to answer all such questions regarding the new Windows.
Next, users needed a choice to opt out of the Metro UI they had to struggle with in Windows 8. Hopefully Microsoft seems to have fulfilled the expectations with the next OS.
Why is it 'Windows 10' and not 'Windows 9'?
Of course, we saw Windows 8 followed by Windows 7 and the natural expectation was to have Windows 9 next. But this was not the case.
Well there's no clear reason behind the step, only thing Microsoft claims it "wouldn't be right" to call the new version Windows 9 given its importance.
Is it like Windows 7 or Windows 8?
It's basically a combination of Windows 7 and 8 that borrows design elements from each of Microsoft's two most recent operating systems combining the strengths of the two.
Described as Microsoft's "most comprehensive platform ever" , it is designed to make best use of the resources whether it's a desktop or a mobile device.
What's new & what can I expect?
1) The Start menu
The "Metro" start screen and Microsoft's traditional Start Menu have been combined; no longer is the screen one huge grid of tiles for desktop users. The Start menu returns to its rightful place: the lower left hand corner of the screen as in earlier versions of Windows. The live tiles are there, but now it's your choice to turn them off or resize them for a Windows 8 like environment.
2) Cortana
Windows 10 comes with a clever digital assistant called Cortana. Using Bing powered cloud smarts, it lets you communicate with your device and perform helpful tasks. Helping you search all sort of online information via the natural language, it can also play music and set alarms for you.
3) Edge browser
Offering you a seamless online browsing experience, the Windows 10 features a new inbuilt browser called the Edge browser. A brand new browser that is built to match speed and browsing the modern web. Features include a reading mode and the ability to annotate, either with a keyboard, pen or a finger. Also there is an integration with Cortana for additional experience. It still has Internet Explorer existing in a corner to manage some compatibility issues.
4) Windows Store apps
The Windows Store is again here with a wide range of useful apps. It gives you the freedom to run all apps in a desktop environment rather than forcing you to go full screen. Mail, Calender, Photos,Videos, Music, Maps and Xbox apps have been reconfigured to give a better speed with a better look & feel.
5) And it's even more smarter
- The Command Prompt of 21st century features keyboard shortcuts in Windows 10.
- One family, one platform & one store. Efforts have been made to make Windows 10 the versatile and flexible platform ever.
- Managing your device is now much easier with the new Windows. It features an all new Settings app grouping most of essential settings into the right place.
- Comes with free upgrade for the first year for Windows 7 and Windows 8 users.
