Windows 8 is not the best Windows version that Microsoft has released, but it seems that the developer is going to fix all the mistakes it found on the last year’s Windows version. The Windows 10 technical preview has been out there for quite a while and from the reports that we’ve seen on the internet, the upcoming Windows 10 will be pretty successful for desktops, laptops and even tablets.
The Windows 10 OS is expected to be released on July 29, 2015. Here are some things that you should know about it.
When can you upgrade to Windows 10 and how much it will cost?
If you are already running Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 on your desktop PC, then you should know that you will be able to upgrade to Windows 10 for free. However, keep in mind that this “offer” lasts one year and if you don’t upgrade by then, you will need to buy Windows 10 Home edition for 119 dollars or Windows 10 Pro edition for 199 dollars.
Microsoft is also suggesting the Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users reserve their free copy of Windows 10. If they reserve their free copy of Windows 10, users will be automatically notified when Windows 10 is ready to be installed in their computers.
I own a desktop PC, a tablet and a Windows Phone. How all these three types of devices will work together?
Microsoft’s goal is to make Windows 10 a sole operating system, working on all types of devices. The upcoming Windows 10 will know when you’re using a keyboard/mouse or using a touchscreen and will react accordingly.
So, when the operating system detects that you are using a keyboard/mouse, you will be “treated” with the standard Windows experience. However, if you are using a tablet or laptop, you will notice full screened applications and a Start menu that can be accessed by tapping on it.
Applications and how will they work
It seems that after buying an application from the Windows store, you will be able to run it on all your devices without any problems. These types of universal applications will adopt whatever form is appropriate to your device (pc, tablet or smartphone).
Full-screen “modern” applications and what will happen to them
The “touch-friendly” full screen applications that came with Windows 8, were also known as the Modern or Metro design. However, on Windows 10, these full screen applications will be something optional.
For example, if you are using a convertible 2in1 device, such as the Surface Pro 3, thanks to Continuum, when the keyboard is plugged into the device, you will see the standard desktop with the “old school” Start Menu that Windows 10 comes with.
But wait, I kind of enjoyed Modern applications! What happens now?
Well don’t worry, because Modern applications will take advantage of Windows 10’s Continuum, automatically. When your in tablet mode with your Surface Pro 3, you will notice that they will behave like they’ve always did!
Start menu
If you’ve hated Windows 8’s Start Screen, then you’re in luck, as the new Start menu is brought back to life. However, if you’ve enjoyed the Windows 8 approach, the new start menu will also come with “Live Tiles” which can be customized the way you want.
Continuum means that you will be able to get the best from both “worlds”.
Windows 10 and Internet Explorer
Internet Explorer will remain a part of Windows because of some compatibility reasons. However, Windows 10 will come with a new browser called Microsoft Edge. The new browser will also support extensions, reading mode and many more.
You will also notice the new Microsoft’s Virtual Assistant Cortana will drop suggestions from time to time right into your address bar as you search for something.
Will Windows 10 run on my PC?
If your PC is not that old and you’re already running Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 on it, then don’t worry, because you will be able to install Windows 10 on it without any problems. The minimum requirements for Windows 10 are:
– CPU of 1GHz or more
– 1GB of RAM or more
– 16GB of free space.
There will be two versions of Windows 10: Windows Home and Windows Pro. If you update from Windows 7 or Windows 8, it will depend on the OS version you update from. For example, if you have Windows 7 Pro or Windows 8 Pro, you will update to Windows 10 Pro. if you are updating from Windows 7 Home Edition or Windows 8, you will upgrade to Windows 10 Home edition.
Remember that after July 29, you will be able to get Windows 10 from 190 markets all over the world.
