The wait is almost over. Windows 10 arrives July 29. It promises to combine the strengths of Windows 8 with that of Windows 7. There is a returning favorite along with some interesting new features.
First and foremost, the start button returns to Windows 10. That familiar piece of real estate that has occupied the lower left portion of the desktop for decades is back with a vengeance.
File explorer, settings, documents and the good ol’ power button are among the items to return to the left side of the start menu. The right side of the start menu is now home for the infamous Windows 8 Metro tiles, better known as apps.
Windows 10 is designed to work with your existing hardware and software, assuming you currently run Windows 7 or 8. It has also been tested to start up from an off position as well as sleep mode in a much faster timeframe than its predecessors.
In addition, many apps were redesigned, thanks to the feedback of millions of previewers.
Gone with the old days of the embattled Internet Explorer and in with the new, innovative Microsoft Edge. Edge is a brand new browser designed to be more interactive.
For those unfamiliar with the term “browser,” think of your browser like your car. It is the vehicle that gets you around the Internet.
The current most popular browsers are Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Apple Safari.
Edge will allow the user to write or type directly on a web page and share it with others.
It will also feature Microsoft’s virtual assistant, Cortana, much like Apple’s Siri. Simply speak to Cortana about what it is you are searching for and the results will show instantly, no typing required. Cortana will also keep you on time by reminding you of those important events in your calendar.
Windows 10 was also designed to be more productive. All the apps and settings follow the users to each Windows 10 device. The desktop now allows you to snap up to four apps or programs on one task view.
If that wasn’t enough, Windows 10 introduces virtual desktops. Much like the concept of tabs in the browser, the virtual desktops allow users to open new desktops without losing content on the existing desktop.
This feature allows users to group similar tasks or functions to different workspaces or desktops.
Brace yourselves. Things are about to get more familiar and more interactive.
Kevin Sekula is owner of Lowcountry Computer Guy in Bluffton.
