Last summer, Windows released the last of its numbered operating systems: Windows 10. It boasts a number of upgrades, fixes, and new features to take the user experience to the next level.
The upgrade to Windows 10 is free for Windows users until July 29th, 2016. With support and updates for Windows 8 ending in January 2018 and the end of support for Windows 7 in 2015, it’s the obvious choice to upgrade to Windows 10. But don’t feel like you’re being forced to update! It appears Windows got it right with their new features that improve the technical specifications and the user experience for this operating system.
User Benefits to the Windows 10 Upgrade
Windows 10 offers a variety of enhancements to the user experience. Some are changes that users have been asking for, while others are welcome improvements we didn’t even know we wanted.
1. Virtual desktops
Virtual desktops are a great way to organize apps and documents. Group certain documents and apps together to easily scroll through the different projects you’re working on at one time using Windows-Ctrl and the left and right arrow keys. This is especially useful for something like screen sharing – you can show your clients the relevant documents on one virtual desktop while keeping all other documents (that you don’t necessarily want to close) tucked away on another.
2. Cortana
The voice assistant from the Windows Phone is now on your desktop! She can be voice commanded to search for apps and documents, find specific information on webpages, create calendar events, and much more. She can also be synced across your Windows devices, so creating an appointment with Cortana on your Windows desktop will sync with your calendar on your Windows Phone.
3. The Start Menu
You asked for it and Windows delivered: the Start Menu has returned to Windows 10, albeit with some changes. Instead of the Windows 8 start screen, the live tiles have moved to this start menu on the desktop. You can customize the items available – live tiles, apps, program access, and much more. This allows for more simple file management.
Windows 10 Technology
Also helping to improve the user experience are the variety of technical features and upgrades available with Windows 10. While it will take time for more apps and extensions to be developed, the Windows 10 technology is something everyone should be paying attention to.
1. Better protection
Windows 10 is better protected against viruses, malware, and cryptoware. It comes preinstalled with anti-virus software like Windows 8, but you can also install your own program if you want to beef up protection. It gives you real-time protection with automatic scanning and can communicate threats to Microsoft immediately.
Log in protection has also been increased with the option of using your face or iris to log in. The camera must sense infrared light, so you can’t just use a photograph. Once you’re logged in with this feature, third party apps can use it as well to log you in without a password.
2. Edge
Although not completely abandoning Internet Explorer, Windows has introduced a sleek new browser – Edge. It’s been built from the ground up while removing a lot of code that bogged down IE. It also comes with some new features, like leaving notes when you email webpages – perfect for making a markup of a website and sending comments to others. Those looking for a browsing experience with no frills have found that with Edge.
3. Memory
The new Windows 10 technology has freed up some memory space to improve your user experience. Microsoft claims to have saved 1.5 GB for Windows 10 32-bit and a whopping 2.6GB for Windows 10 64-bit.
Further to this, the Refresh and Reset functions give Windows 10 a better system restore function. It is easier to do a clean install of Windows 10 while keeping your old files and programs safe. No need to worry as much about redundancy, copies, and mirrors.
Outsource IT and the Windows 10 Upgrade
While there will be further updates and will take some getting used to, the new features and technology have made upgrading an obvious choice. Even though it’s still a new system, Outsource IT provides professional and managed IT services to help maintain your system. If you need assistance upgrading your systems, Outsource IT can help ensure that your data and programs are backed up, upgraded, and kept safe throughout the process.
The Windows 10 new features and technology are here to stay. Let Outsource IT help you upgrade and maintain this new operating system ahead of the curve!
