Posted on 07/21/2015 9:25:47 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
Windows 10 will be the last edition of Microsoft's operating system, so it's no wonder that the tech giant has gone all out to make it the best OS to date. Microsoft has already revealed features, such as a smarter Cortana and Xbox integration, that may appeal to existing Windows users and lure those on other operating systems. Here are 10 reasons why Windows 10 could effortlessly pull you away from your Mac or Chrome operating system when it debuts for PCs and tablets on July 29.
1. Cortana is back and better than ever
Forget Siri and all of the other personal assistant bots out there. Cortana is back from her greatly exaggerated death in Halo 4, and she's better than ever. A Microsoft blog post that outlined the features of Windows 10, Cortana was branded as the "world's first truly personal digital assistant." The tool can even learn your preferences to provide relevant content as you watch media or set reminders. If you once envisioned a world operated by intelligent robots, the future is now.
2. Microsoft edge may be the next best
If you're suspicious of Google stealing your information through Chrome or tired of Safari's inefficiencies, get ready for Microsoft Edge. The new browser, set to debut with Windows 10, is integrated with Cortana. This means you'll receive streamlined content based on your preferences and browsing habits. Edge may just outdo Google when it comes to guessing your next move on the Internet, which is a good thing - right?
On top of one-upping Google's search engine, Microsoft promises Edge has been built as a safer browser. A new Passport feature, for example, will add a layer of authentication to ensure you are actually you when visiting secure sites. Edge also incorporates a browser and Windows Shell SmartScreen, which will flag users of malicious software installs.
3. Its heaven for Xbox gamers
With Windows 10, Microsoft very obviously made an attempt to please gamers. For the first time, Xbox will officially be integrated with the operating system when it debuts, which means that everything from gameplay recording to streaming can be done in sync with any Windows 10 device. It's a neat feature that will help reduce the number of family feuds and fights with friends over who gets to use the big-screen TV.
4. OneDrive makes life so much easier
Microsoft has pushed OneDrive hard with its promotion of Windows 10, and for good reason. OneDrive has a lot of features worth acknowledging, aside from its basic storage capabilities. Windows users are able to begin a project on one device, then carry it over to another Windows, Android or iOS device, thanks to OneDrive's synchronization over the cloud.
Microsoft also gives 15GB of storage to Windows users for free, and unlimited storage to Office 365 subscribers. To be fair, Google also offers 15GB of free Drive space, but either way it's better than the measly 5GB that comes with Apple's iCloud.
5. Hello Microsoft security
Windows Hello is a new security feature that focuses on making sure you are you. It greets users and allows them to log into their device with their face, iris or finger.
It's the latest HAL 9000-like software from Microsoft that could get tech geeks squealing in delight. Not to mention it's also a pretty advanced security measure compared to old school passwords.
6. The Windows Store has gone better
The Windows Store didn't always have the latest and greatest apps, even if you were just looking for something basic to use for daily productivity or socialization. However, it's come a long way since the beginning with new additions such as Drawboard PDF and GoToMeeting. Now, Microsoft has promised that its apps will be ready to wow you come Windows 10.
There have been upgrades to the Mail, Calendar, Music and Photos apps, for starters. Additionally, Microsoft says app installation and uninstallation is easier than ever. There's also a wider range of payment methods available to users around the world.
7. The rise of 2-in-1 devices
It's no secret that 2-in-1 devices are on the rise. Shipment of these products is expected to rise from 235 million in 2015 to 269 million by 2019. With that in mind, Microsoft is preparing for it with the development of Continuum.
Continuum will allow 2-in-1 devices to smoothly transition from tablet-to-PC mode (and vice versa), allowing you to work in any circumstance.
8. Office apps are a cha--cha-changing
Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 10 users will have access to new universal Windows applications for Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Additionally, it's worth noting that the apps will all be available for purchase separately, meaning you don't need to invest in the whole Microsoft Office suite if you only want one program.
For Windows 10, these apps were designed with touch controls from the ground up. There are now touch-first controls in Excel on Windows 10 for editing without a mouse or keyboard. As more devices come with touchscreens, this may become a must-have feature for consumers.
9. Selective business updates make IT life easier
With Windows 10, Microsoft will roll out the Windows Update for Business. This update will come with distribution rings, where IT professionals can choose which devices receive updates. Additionally, IT will be able to decide when updates should - and should not - occur, according to specific time frames.
Peer-to-peer delivery will enable IT to roll out updates in line with the various bandwidths of company branches. Finally, the Enterprise Mobility Suite and System Center can be integrated seamlessly with the update as well. Overall, Microsoft aims to reduce management costs with the Windows Update for Business.
10. Windows 10 tackles cyber security concerns
Like Windows 8 and 8.1 before it, Windows 10 will come with Windows Defender, the company's free anti-malware protection. Microsoft has also stressed its commitment to provide ongoing security updates for the supported lifetime of its devices. It's a far cry of the built-in security that comes on Macs and Chrome OS, which is to say none really.
I’m going to upgrade for the start menu alone...
10.11a?
Or 11....
Because MS focuses security for its new OS first. One of the purposes of the new version is to lock down the OS from intruders.
Forced updates- AND who’s to say we won’t be forced into a ‘pay by the month’ system like adobe CS did AFTER everyone finally gets windows 10? How will we resist it if websites won’t work UNLESS the latest windows update is installed?
Hate the ‘new improved’ start menu- I didn’t want an ‘improved’ one- windows 7 start menu was perfect just like it was- there should be an option to retain windows 7 start menu EXACTLY like it was, or use the new one- STOP changing what isn’t broken and works perfectly well!
Don’t like the idea of apps ‘phoning home’ with no apparent way to disable the phone home part like we can in windows 7 programs
Forced updates- means a program that works now, might not work AFTER the update, but we won’t have a choice to pick and choose the updates we want now- meaning programs We’ve paid money for, may quit working- In windows 7 we could opt out of known combustibility problem causing updates- no longer though
Not that I agree with the premise, but for your list, Dayglored. . .
been trying Linux distros lately, and they are simply awful- nowhere near as polished as windows- always freezing up- etc- Ive wasted more time trying to get programs working in Linux than I care to- reminds me of early versions of windows- pre 98- only worse lol-
Sorry- but Linux IS very frustrating and I’ve had to waste many hours over the last few weeks just trying to get basic things done- tried installing their awful games, none worked because I have a logitec mouse and hp keyboard apparently- and documentation online is very scarce for Linux related problems- I ran into what hsoudl have been a simple problem to fix, and could not find the info to fix it-
With windows, I’ve only had to install it, everything works- I don’t have to go into command line codes to fix, etc- programs work- games work- everything is all pretty much automatic now- everything just works- (I’m sure there are still some programs or devices that don’t BUT you can at least find documentation on workarounds- documentation that doesn’t include terminology that only a geek would understand- I don’t want ot spend a few years learning geek-speak just to keep a geek OS like Linux working proper- some might be into that- but not me- I am too old to deal with it- perhaps if I grew up with Linux but not at this stage of the game
It only has to be better than Windulls 8.0 and 8.1.
“You cant be sure of that. There was no Windows 9.”
Because 7 8 9.
Has anyone kept count how many dates the tech giant went all out to make Windows the best operating system to date?
For me, A.D., After Dos, and after Xerox invented the Graphical User Interface, I used 3.1.
Please stop trying to act like an authority when you know nothing.
The new browser is called Edge. It was renamed months ago. If you don't know that, you should not comment on how Windows 10 works.
The start screen was too much wasted space for me. I do the majority of all my work on a dozen icons or so. On the Win8 Start Screen, I could put everything I need on there and still have 60-70% wasted space. I would rather have a simple tray with links to my most used items and a search if I need to get to anything else, which is effectively what Win10 is doing.
“What is after 10?”
Who knows? it’s Microsoft we’re talking about here, whose OS version numbering scheme has been
1
2
3
3.1
95
97
XP
ME
7
8
8.1
10
(And even that list may be incorrect; you get the idea.)
1. Cortana is back and better than ever Cortana was branded as the "world's first truly personal digital assistant." The tool can even learn your preferences to provide relevant content as you watch media or set reminders. If you once envisioned a world operated by intelligent robots, the future is now.
Thats a reason? Perhaps. However, it remains to be seen. It certainly was not the first.
2. Microsoft edge may be the next best If you're suspicious of Google stealing your information through Chrome or tired of Safari's inefficiencies, get ready for Microsoft Edge. The new browser, set to debut with Windows 10, is integrated with Cortana. This means you'll receive streamlined content based on your preferences and browsing habits. Edge may just outdo Google when it comes to guessing your next move on the Internet, which is a good thing - right?
Wrong! I really dont want a machine making decisions on where I want to go on the Internet. If it is more secure, great. . . but the author of this article seems to be arguing against versions of the opposition from the past.
3. Its heaven for Xbox gamers
So what!
4. OneDrive makes life so much easier
Late to the game and Apple can make a policy change to match. And, not a Windows 10 feature.
5. Hello Microsoft security Windows Hello is a new security feature that focuses on making sure you are you. It greets users and allows them to log into their device with their face, iris or finger.
Gimmicky and we will see how fast it gets cracked by photography.
6. The Windows Store has gone better
They could only go up on this. . . they must be upping their game on how much they have to pay developers. Still not a better selling point for Windows 10.
7. The rise of 2-in-1 devices It's no secret that 2-in-1 devices are on the rise. Shipment of these products is expected to rise from 235 million in 2015 to 269 million by 2019. With that in mind, Micosoft is preparing for it with the development of Continuum.
How is this a Windows 10 feature?
8. Office apps are a cha--cha-changing Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 10 users will have access to new universal Windows applications for Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Additionally, it's worth noting that the apps will all be available for purchase separately, meaning you don't need to invest in the whole Microsoft Office suite if you only want one program.
WHEE! You can buy only one app. . . thats a feature?
9. Selective business updates make IT life easier With Windows 10, Microsoft will roll out the Windows Update for Business. This update will come with distribution rings, where IT professionals can choose which devices receive updates. Additionally, IT will be able to decide when updates should - and should not - occur, according to specific time frames.
Peer-to-peer delivery will enable IT to roll out updates in line with the various bandwidths of company branches. Finally, the Enterprise Mobility Suite and System Center can be integrated seamlessly with the update as well. Overall, Microsoft aims to reduce management costs with the Windows Update for Business.
This sound like a great means of spreading malware. . . have they really thought this through?
10. Windows 10 tackles cyber security concerns Like Windows 8 and 8.1 before it, Windows 10 will come with Windows Defender, the company's free anti-malware protection. Microsoft has also stressed its commitment to provide ongoing security updates for the supported lifetime of its devices. It's a far cry of the built-in security that comes on Macs and Chrome OS, which is to say none really.
Weve heard this song-and-dance before. . . and that last sentence is false.
"Spartan" was the original code name. It was named "Edge" for the final release version.
Actually, MS has been the leader in voice recognition long before Apple had Siri. But Cortana has been proven to be much, much more sophisticated at this point in time.
Wrong! I really dont want a machine making decisions on where I want to go on the Internet.
Your machine already does this when you do a search. If it doesn't, then YOU are out of date.
Gimmicky and we will see how fast it gets cracked by photography.
The MS facial recognition has been proven valid for prevention of using photographs already. It is far more sophisticated than the poorly implemented fingerprint login used by Apple that pales in comparison to that used by Lenovo for over a decade.
How is this a Windows 10 feature?
If you did not see it, Continuum allows you to connect your mobile phone to a display, keyboard and mouse and use it as a PC. Since the mobile device runs Windows 10, it will switch from mobile to desktop mode and you can edit PowerPoint, Word, Excel, etc just using the processor in your phone. It is an impressive convergence. You should check it out. Search MS Continuum.
There's nothing in Windows 8 that prevented you from doing that.
Apple's now superceded iPhoto has been doing accurate facial recognition for years. . . and Apple's fingerprint recognition is state of the art and actually has not been breached except by using equipment that costs thousands of dollars. In fact, Apple's really doesn't use the finger print, but uses the subcutaneous ridges under the fingerprint. Lenovo's has been compromised. . . and the competition has been trying to copy Apple's system and cannot due to patents. Sorry, you are just wrong about that.
Most search engines have been doing that for years. . . but what is implied by this article is more than that and has nothing to do with searches. I don't particularly want any search histories kept on places I might have gone but did not, based on a computer algorithm's estimates on what I might want to see. . . when it may not be what I really would want to see. Sorry, I do not want anything pre-loaded in my browser caches before I make any decision about where I am going to go.
No, they’ve taken to skipping numbers, so 12 should be next.
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