Windows 10

Windows 10 is an operating system developed and released by Microsoft. Windows 10 was launched on July 29^th, 2015 and it is the first version of Windows to continuously release feature updates. Incidentally, Windows 10 also allows the user to receive these updates at a slower pace or receive only critical updates. 

What is Windows 10?

Windows 10 is an operating system that’s part of the Windows NT operating system family. This version of Windows introduces universal apps as an extension to the metro-style apps. Using almost identical code, the universal apps can be designed to work on Microsoft's product families. These include PCs, tablets, smartphones, Xbox One, embedded systems, Mixed reality and the Surface Hub. Microsoft revised the Windows user environment so that it could be optimised for both mouse and touchscreen based on available input devices. The Windows 10 user environment includes an updated start menu that merges the elements of Windows 7 and Windows 8 together. Windows 10 has also gained a new feature called virtual desktop system, which is a window and desktop management feature. Windows 10 comes with other changes such as the Microsoft Edge web browser, Direct 12 and WDDM 2.0, support for logging in using fingerprint and facial recognition, and new security features.

Windows 10: Versions

Windows 10 comes in different versions. Every edition has its own distinctive features, making each one suitable for a different target group and software needs. Below are all the editions:

For home users

• Windows 10 Home
• Windows 10 Mobile

Windows 10 Home: Windows Home is the standard version of Windows 10. The operating system is suitable for home use and all Windows 10 features are made available in this version. Such as the new start menu or the virtual desktop system. Windows 10 Home helps users be more productive with innovations such as Microsoft Edge web browser, Windows Hello (facial recognition, fingerprint and iris login) and the introduction of universal Windows apps, such as Photos, Mail, Maps, Calendar, Music and Video. Windows 10 Home allows its users to access their photos and contact numbers and their most recent versions of their files on which device they were using it last.

Windows 10 Mobile: Windows 10 Mobile is designed for smaller and mobile touch devices to deliver the best user experience. This version has the same features as Windows 10 Home, but stands out for its security and management capabilities for users working from their personal devices. With Windows 10 Mobile and Continuum mode, new-generation smartphones enable users to utilize their phones as PCs when connected to a larger screen. Unfortunately for Microsoft, Windows 10 Mobile did not achieve the popularity and/or market share they had envisioned. A lack of interest from consumers resulted in the discontinuation of Windows 10 Mobile development.

For business

• Windows 10 Pro
• Windows 10 Enterprise
• Windows 10 Education

Windows 10 Pro: Windows 10 Pro entails the same features as Windows 10 Home, but offers additional features that meet the needs of small businesses. Windows 10 Pro helps companies run processes as efficiently and effectively as possible. For example, the operating system allows to manage devices and apps, protect company data, support remote working and take advantage of the cloud. Moreover, Windows 10 Pro is compatible with Microsoft 365 which allows its owners to be able to work wherever there’s an internet connection. Additionally, Windows 10 ranks high regarding its security compared to previous generations of Windows operating systems.

Windows 10 Enterprise: Windows 10 Enterprise is based on the Windows 10 Pro edition. The Windows 10 Enterprise version entails multiple advanced features to cater to the needs of medium and large businesses. Windows 10 Enterprise protects organisations against the growing number of modern security threats on sensitive business information. Furthermore, Windows 10 Enterprise supports a wide range of operating system deployment options for Volume Licensing customers and offers several security features such as Windows Defender, Bitlocker-encryption, Advanced Threat protection, and Windows Hello to protect company data from malware and/or hackers. Windows 10 Enterprise is suitable to use for SQL Servers as well.

Windows 10 Education: Windows 10 Education is based on Windows 10 Enterprise and is designed to meet the needs of schools or institutions. This includes staff, administrators, teachers and students. Windows 10 Education is available through academic Volume Licensing. Schools and students have the option to upgrade to Windows 10 Education using Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro licenses. Windows 10 Education is equipped with applications created for teaching exclusively. Online tests and apps created for learning make Windows 10 Education an appealing end-to-end learning and teaching experience.

Windows 10: Customisation

Windows 10 includes various features not yet provided in Windows 8. Below are the improved and new features included in the Windows 10 operating system.

Start

As previously mentioned, Windows 10 is reintroducing a start menu. The start menu was previously announced during a Microsoft Build 2014 conference. At the time, it was codenamed ''MiniStart''. The start menu consists of a list of apps on the left side, which was also previously seen in Windows 8, combined with app tiles on the right. Users can fully customise the menu in size and width. This also applies to the app tiles.

Continuum

Continuum is a mode where Windows can recognize whether a keyboard is paired with a tablet, for example. This allows Windows to switch to touch mode when a keyboard is disconnected, but the user can also force it. In Continuum mode, Windows can therefore change the interface to touch mode. This makes it more accessible when the user is not using a keyboard. For example, the interface changes its position and size, making it easier to use.

Desktop

The desktop has received a number of changes. For instance, it is now possible to add virtual desktops. This can all be controlled via the Task View, which also acts as an overview of all open programmes. Furthermore, Aero Snap has been improved; it is now possible to snap four apps per screen. If a window on the left side of the screen is snapped and the width is adjusted, the app snapped next will only occupy the remaining width. This creates a more personalised display of the screen.

Other small features have also been added to Explorer. Namely, a button has been added to mark files as favourites and these can be shared from within Explorer. Furthermore, the home page of Explorer has also been updated and it displays the most used or most recent folders and files.

Microsoft Edge & Cortana

Windows 10 is the first version to replace Internet Explorer with the new web browser Microsoft Edge after 20 years. This new web browser is built from the ground up and offers support for Microsoft's apps. For instance, in Microsoft Edge it is possible to draw on web pages, download extensions and Microsoft has Cortana integration. Cortana, however, is discontinued, but it allowed users to execute commands by voice. Cortana kept track of what users searched for and what their interests were. Thus, Cortana is personalised to the user and this leads to better interaction.

Furthermore, Windows 10 has also made other tweaks. However, these are minor tweaks that users will hardly have to deal with. These tweaks are briefly mentioned below.

• Windows 10 no longer necessarily works with a product key.
• Addition of Windows Insider apps.
• Windows Ink, which adapts the Windows interface specifically for use with a pen.

 Windows 10: Transition and installation

Windows 8.1, 8 and 7 users can upgrade to Windows 10 without losing files, settings and programmes. Windows 7 users can download a separate update from Windows Update. Windows 8.1 and 8 users, on the other hand, must download the full package or can choose to use an installation DVD. Below is a Windows 10 transition table.

Windows 10: System Requirements

The system requirements of Windows 10 are similar to those of Windows 8.1. Below is a summary table of the minimum system requirements.