Windows 10 is just around the corner, with a launch scheduled for July 29 and targeting any computing device due to its multiplatform nature, from a smartphone to an ATM, through a laptop or reaching a workstation. Microsoft aims to install Windows 10 on 1 billion PCs in the next 2-3 years.
The generic version for PCs and tablets will be the first to hit the market. A very complete launch that will cover 190 countries, with availability in 111 languages, in 32 and 64-bit versions and basically -for what concerns us in this article- in two editions: Home and Pro. Windows 10 will be available from 29 July pre-installed on new computers manufactured by OEMs, in the referred retail versions, served in volume licenses for companies and as an upgrade for computers with Windows 7 and Windows 8.1.
It is this type of update that we are going to refer to in this article. This is the largest software deployment ever, delivering packets of at least 2 bytes, and it will have to support a large amount of different installed hardware and software, because it will have to maintain applications, files, and user settings.
After testing from the first previous version to the latest builds, we have already been seeing the news on which the system is based. News that is not only limited to the code but also to the way of conceiving the software (as a service), its massive reach to all types of devices and also its distribution model. We will see it in the reasons that lead us to recommend the update to Windows 10 and that we specify in the following:
Free
This is the first time that Microsoft will offer to upgrade to a higher version of Windows for free. Specifically for customers with a valid license for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 as long as they carry it out during the first year of launching the system. Just as important as the above is the promise of “free updates for the life of the device.” That is, whoever updates to Windows 10 will have the next versions of the system for free as long as the hardware allows it. There are other free systems on the market, but Windows being free is reason enough to migrate.
Development model (continuous update)
With Windows 10 the era of Service Packs ends. Complementing the previous section, the development of Windows will be continuous, which will allow the system to be kept more up to date and not only in the security section but also in solving bugs, new features and technologies. The objective is clear and interesting. If Microsoft has an improvement to offer or the industry approves standards such as USB 4.0, DDR5 or 5G, why do you have to wait for a Service Pack for three years (as up to now) for the launch of a new version of the system to be supported. This can lead us to another detail, it will no longer be necessary to qualify the name of Microsoft systems. The system could be called just Windows with the difference of the build number or the installed updates.
Microsoft edge
Microsoft Edge is the definitive name of the new web browser that the software giant will launch in Windows 10 and that we know as “Project Spartan”. Edge will coexist in the short term with Internet Explorer for reasons of business compatibility but there is no doubt that the star will be Edge with which Microsoft brings the browser up to date in terms of performance, thanks to the new rendering engine and an interface that is committed to minimalism at its best following the trend of this type of applications. Previous benchmarks put it right up there with Chrome and Firefox in performance. In addition to performance, Microsoft Edge will be the most web standards-compliant browser in Microsoft’s history. In principle, it will be exclusive to Windows 10 and for this reason we include it as one of the clear reasons for updating to the system.
DirectX 12
Microsoft will launch in Windows 10 a new set of multimedia libraries, DirectX 12, dedicated to the development of video game programming. There may be other environments that are more capable but not more relevant because of the presence of Windows in the world’s computer pool and because of the support of the entire industry. Like Edge, it will also be exclusive to Windows 10. For a PC gamer, that’s a clear reason alone to advise upgrading to Windows 10.
Continuation
It is another of the great novelties of the system. A feature that will modify the user interface depending on whether we are working on a smartphone or tablet or on a device such as a desktop PC under an interface “capable of adapting to any device”. Although it will need a certain level of hardware to work, it would allow you to turn a smartphone into a desktop PC by connecting it to a monitor and adding peripherals such as a keyboard.
Cortana
Microsoft’s digital voice assistant will also have an important place in Windows 10. It will be multitasking because it will be able to execute several commands at the same time. We may ask you to open an application, ask to show us the gallery of photos taken at a certain time, search for files in local storage or those stored in the cloud, open a presentation, send an email and a long etc. In addition to any Windows 10 device (mobile phones, tablets or PCs), Cortana will also reach iOS and Android, but not Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 as announced so far.
Interface improvements
The Modern UI user interface (originally known as Metro) was the center of multiple criticisms of Windows 8. An interface more designed for the use of touch screens that was not liked -in general- by lovers of the classic Windows desktop. Microsoft began to turn the situation around with Windows 8.1 in a task that will finish in Windows 10. It will return the start menu as a hybrid between the classic Windows 7 by adding a frame for Live Tiles and making it customizable; will include a brand new Action Center with notifications; it will eliminate the annoying Cham Bar; will unite the configuration and control panel screens; it will improve the integration between Modern UI and the desktop; It will offer novelties such as virtual desktops and, in general, it will try to recover users who prefer a more classic Windows desktop.
Single system for multiple devices
Windows 10 is created on the basis of a multi-platform and multi-device concept, encompassing the development of Windows desktop, Windows RT, Windows Phone and even the Xbox One dashboard. This will allow a similar and consistent user experience from any Windows device. The strategy will facilitate common app development under the concept of “universal apps,” built to work by adapting to the screen and hardware on any Windows 10 device.
Security
Windows 10 will have improvements in the security and management section, starting with the implementation of two-step authentication that would offer greater protection to protect user accounts. It will also store user credentials in a secure “container” that won’t be exposed even if hackers access the kernel code, and will feature a new Windows Hello and Passport authentication system that uses infrared sensors, fingerprint readers, and cameras to gain access. jointly a full identification, more secure and without cracks or easily exploitable holes. In a nod to enterprise deployment, you’ll have options to separate work and personal data, greater control over virtual private networks, and options to prevent employees from installing apps that aren’t digitally signed.
Minimum hardware requirements
Microsoft announced the minimum hardware requirements for a computer to run Windows 10 and as expected, they are quite low, similar to Windows 8 and Windows 7. The idea with this optimization work is clear: allow massive upgrades to Windows 10 without the need to invest in new hardware as has happened in other releases of Windows. In principle, anything that works in Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 will work in Windows 10 with similar performance.
