Windows 10

All about Windows 10

By Aj:
Follow me +TechTonic  or @technologie007


Windows 10 or “Threshold” (as its Codename) introducing a Universal Application Architecture based  on ‘Metro- Styled Apps’ able to run on  multiple products with same code on PC’s, tablets, smartphones ,etc.  The basic aim is to unify all its devices.

Windows 10 is available in 4 editions basically first 2 more popular and available easily:

1.)    Home Edition : aimed at home users and for general purpose computing

2.)    Pro Edition: aimed at small business and for Enthusiasts. The Pro version also adds additional networking and security features to itself (e.g.  Bit Locker)

3.)    Enterprise Edition: Added some additional security features only available through Volume Licensing.

4.)    Education Edition: For education related purpose, through volume licensing availability.

It’s important to note here that Windows 10 Home Edition is permanently set to install latest updates automatically, so users are unable to individually select an update.

1.)  Privacy and Data Collection many Critics has some objections here. As the Default “Express” Settings in Windows 10 is configured to Collect user data & send them to Microsoft and some Third parties. These may include Calendar entries, Contacts, Input Data such as while speech, typing and inking inputs.  Also the use of ’ Cortana’ collects a lot of user data such as , device location, calendar entries, contacts, mails,data from your messages, apps you use frequently,  and how often you interact with them. But these are all for Personalizing Their Functionality For The Users.

Its very much like The Google’s Policy of Collecting Users Data In Case Of Android OS, but there you have option to turn OFF some features as well but ‘Google Services Frame Work’( Google Loaction Service, Context Manager Service ,etc)  Is Running All The Time in Background.

OK, Be whatever are the Policies, To Get A more personalized view of features and functionality  I think this is ‘Inevitable’  For Smooth Functioning of OS.   Yes it Depends on  from User to User, in most cases (not all) users are unaware of such things and Don’t even bother to share their data.

2.)   Security : Coming to security Microsoft saying that in the world of cyber threats Windows 10 is the most secure windows ever. And Windows 10 has a multi factor authentication technology. Improved support for Biometric Authentication. It also allows  user to login with ‘face  or iris recognition’. Devices supporting fingerprint sensors can allow users to login with Fingerprint Recognition Login As well.

The Enterprise Edition of Windows 10 offers some additional security features.  Here the administrator can set up policies to automatically Encrypt Sensitive Data , also able to block apps from accessing  such encrypted data.

Windows 10 also offers  ’ Device Guard’ which blocks any software execution which is not signed digitally.

Features and Functionality of WINDOWS  10 :   Windows 10 till date has crossed a 50 million massive install across various parts of the world and it’s still going on.  Now let’s look at its Features:

Cortana: The much hyped personal assistant  has eventually replaced the Windows ‘ embedded Search Feature supporting both text and voice inputs. It has a integration with Bing , can set your reminders, a note book for your personal info. Can Search for Files, Play Music, open apps, games,  even sending e-mails all at the Ease of your command to “Cortana”. I think It’s a kind of virtual Robot for Yourself.

Microsoft Edge: Codenamed “Project Spartan” has replaced Internet Explorer in Windows 10 as Default Web Browser. It’s Exclusively available for Windows 10 only. It’s a standard web browser which is light weight and predicted to be better than any other browser there . But according to html5 standard of scores by html5test. Edge scores a 402 score out of total 555 points, which is far better than the previous scores of Internet Explorer( IE 11 336/555) but still behind Chrome with Top score of 526/555, On the 2^nd spot Opera with a score very close to Chrome of 525/555, and Firefox of 467/555. ( Note: These score depends on the version of browser users are using for more details visit https://html5test.com/results/desktop.html ). Don’t worry this score alone does not determine everything. Moreover Edge has Cortana integrated with itself and hosts a lot more features as well.

Start Menu: Missing  this, Since Windows 8 lost it but Now again Windows 10 has Included the Start Menu just like it was present in Windows 7 styled but added a live tile feature to it.

Gaming: DirectX 12 aims to provide console level efficiency and lower CPU usage . So it’s good news for gamers.  Also WDDM(Windows Display Driver Model)  2.0 integration.

Windows 10 includes new Xbox app similar to Xbox One. View your achievements and manage your profiles right from app itself. Even stream your Xbox One games to Your PC or Tablets.

Security and privacy are discussed earlier and rest other features are : Continuum( for smoother transitions and optimizing apps for touch based and desktop based devices.) , Task View, Settings app with more new features, Wi-Fi Sense, etc.  Many apps such as MSN health app, MSN Food & Drink, MSN Travel apps have been removed in this upgrade, also windows media center is discontinued. Microsoft new Music app Groove  Movies & TV offers great entertainment features. Windows store having a lot of apps to choose from.
   

At last it’s users own choice whether to upgrade to Windows 10 or not, but before upgrading make sure you are using genuine or licensed product key. What Feature one like or dislikes may be different in other person’s view so keeping in mind about these features you can either Go for Upgrade or Be Happy with your old Windows 7 or 8 or even some still with XP’s.  If you haven’t reserved your free upgrade then go for it.

Microsoft made Windows 10 available as a Free Upgrade to its Licensed Users of Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1. Microsoft made it clear that the Upgrade is FREE( See Q&A FAQ at http://www.microsoft.com/en-in/windows/Windows-10-faq )  and available to Download freely for 1year. For Getting this free upgrade users have to reserve their free upgrade through the Get Windows 10 App from Microsoft.  

The Get Windows 10 App was designed to make the process of upgrade a l’ll easy for users .It can automatically check whether your device is compatible for upgrading.

Note: For getting the Windows 10 upgrade your Windows Update must be enabled so that app can show up at the bottom tray an obviously your windows should be genuine or licensed one.