Windows 10: Why You Should Be Excited

Windows 10: A Promising Operating System

Initial experiences with Windows 10 are proving highly positive. Having utilized it as the primary operating system on a Surface Pro 3 since April (build 10041), anticipation for the final release is growing.

Microsoft has successfully integrated successful elements from Windows 8.1, features desired from Windows 7, and notable functionalities from Windows Phone into this new OS.

Key Improvements and Observations

The seamless integration of these features is particularly noteworthy, contributing to a remarkably stable and functional system.

A dual-boot configuration with Windows 8.1 is currently in place on the Surface, with Windows 10 being the preferred choice. A consistent pattern is emerging across other PCs running Windows 8.1.

Upon returning to Windows 8.1, certain features of Windows 10 are immediately missed. The Start Menu, largely unused for over a year, is now surprisingly desired.

Full-screen takeover by Modern/Metro apps is a frustrating experience in contrast to the more flexible Windows 10 interface.

The Value of New Features

While voice commands are not a primary concern, the informational capabilities of Cortana are proving to be both useful and convenient.

The desire for these features when absent indicates their genuine value and signifies a successful operating system update.

This consistent longing for Windows 10’s improvements when using Windows 8.1 is a strong indicator of its overall quality.

Achieving Strong Performance with Modest Hardware

During the 1990s and the early 2000s, the Windows operating system experienced a significant increase in its system requirements. Each upgrade – to versions 95, 98, 2000, XP, or Vista – necessitated a careful evaluation of existing hardware.

Often, this evaluation revealed the need for hardware enhancements to effectively support the new software. This situation was so prevalent that replacing an entire computer became a more common solution than simply upgrading the operating system.

Fortunately, this trend concluded with the release of Vista.

A Shift Towards Efficiency

Windows 7 demonstrates a reduced resource footprint compared to its predecessor, Vista. It is capable of functioning effectively even on netbook computers. Windows 8 further optimizes performance, and Windows 10 represents the most resource-efficient iteration yet.

This progression is particularly noteworthy considering the increasing complexity and feature set of each successive operating system.

The benefit of this optimization is a simplified upgrade process. Older laptops can be revitalized with Windows 10, and are likely to perform adequately.

Broad Compatibility and Free Upgrades

A six-year-old Dell desktop computer owned by a relative will likely operate Windows 10 without difficulty. Even a custom-built machine assembled from spare components can be confidently upgraded to Windows 10.

Not only is Windows 10 compatible with the majority of contemporary computers, but users currently running Windows 7 or 8 are eligible for a free upgrade.

Upgrading to Windows 10 is now a practical and cost-effective solution for extending the lifespan of existing hardware.

A Revitalized Start Menu: Combining Tradition and Innovation

The redesigned Start Menu successfully merges the user-friendly aspects and established conventions that users appreciate with the dynamic, real-time information delivery of the Start Screen’s Live Tiles.

While Live Tiles are particularly effective on touch-enabled devices, their utility diminishes when navigating with a traditional keyboard and mouse setup. It’s acknowledged that while a segment of users, however small, valued the Start Screen, its implementation on non-touch systems presented certain limitations.

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For those unfamiliar, a Live Tile functions as an application icon that also dynamically displays information sourced directly from that application. A weather application serves as an ideal illustration of this functionality.

Initially appearing as a standard icon, a Live Tile can be updated to reveal at-a-glance details such as the current temperature, forecasted high and low temperatures, precipitation data, and critical weather alerts.

This allows users to access essential information without the need to launch the application itself.

The Best of Both Worlds

The new Start Menu represents a harmonious blend of established design principles and innovative features. Users accustomed to a conventional list of installed applications will find it readily familiar.

Simultaneously, enthusiasts of the Start Screen can continue to benefit from the dynamic functionality of Live Tiles.

Crucially, the updated Start Menu delivers an improved user experience compared to both the previous Start Screen and the Windows 7 Start Menu.

Enhanced Functionality: Provides quick access to information via Live Tiles.
User Choice: Caters to both traditional and modern preferences.
Improved Design: Offers a refined and more efficient interface.

Cortana

Cortana represents a relatively unfamiliar addition to the functionalities within Windows. Beyond recognition stemming from the Halo franchise, it is generally understood as Microsoft’s response to Siri, Apple’s intelligent assistant available on iOS.

Those familiar with Windows Phone, a group numbering approximately 37 individuals, have experienced Cortana for a longer duration. While the voice command capabilities are present, their utilization is infrequent.

However, Cortana is consistently employed on mobile devices.

Key Features and Benefits

Cortana delivers rapid access to a wealth of information with a single interaction. Investing time in personalizing Cortana with your preferences yields significant benefits.

For sports enthusiasts, Cortana proactively provides details regarding upcoming matches, live scores, and game outcomes. If you follow current events, she curates top news headlines aligned with your chosen interests.

Real-time weather updates are also readily available through Cortana.

Streamlined Information Access

Rather than individually launching News, Sports, and Weather applications, information can be accessed by simply clicking on Cortana and scrolling through the presented content.

Selecting an item of interest will directly open the corresponding application or initiate a web search. Furthermore, Cortana facilitates quick note-taking and the setting of reminders.

These features, while not essential, enhance user convenience and accessibility with a simple touch.

Additional Capabilities

Quick Information: Access news, sports, and weather without opening separate apps.
Reminders & Notes: Easily create reminders and jot down quick notes.
Personalization: Tailor Cortana to your interests for relevant updates.

Significant Enhancement for Modern/Metro Applications

A number of truly excellent applications are available for Windows 8.1. In fact, there are some remarkably well-designed ones. Among those I utilize most frequently are NBC Sports Live Extra and Fox Sports Go. Both provide access to sporting events unavailable through traditional television broadcasts. Furthermore, these applications represent improvements over the offerings found on their respective providers’ websites.

Windows 8.1 necessitates the use of these apps in full screen mode. While this isn’t problematic when working at a desk with multiple monitors, it presents a considerable challenge on a single-screen system. The app not only operates in full screen, but also exclusively controls the display. Attempting to open another application on the same screen results in the app being minimized, effectively closing it. Windows 10 resolves this limitation.

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With Windows 10, it is now possible to run Metro/Modern apps in a windowed mode – a feature previously unexpected in an operating system named “Windows”. This allows me, for example, to listen to a sporting event via Fox Sports Go while simultaneously continuing my work on the computer. The application no longer requires exclusive control of the screen.

This capability extends to numerous other applications as well. I had previously downloaded several system monitoring apps for Windows 8.1, but discontinued their use due to the full-screen requirement. These apps, and others like them, can now experience a resurgence in utility, as they will no longer demand complete screen dominance.

Related: Windows 10 Includes a Linux-Style Package Manager Named "OneGet"

This is merely the beginning of the improvements. The Edge browser (previously known as Project Spartan) hasn’t even been discussed, nor have Microsoft Hello, Universal Apps, Convergence, cloud syncing of settings, or the enhanced security architecture. And these benefits are exclusive to PCs!

Windows 10 is poised to be a significant advancement. Currently in developer preview, it naturally contains some bugs, but demonstrates substantial potential. Microsoft is actively seeking feedback from users participating in the preview program. The team in Redmond, WA, appears receptive to this input, representing a positive shift. The anticipated outcome is a robust, user-friendly, and innovative new version of Windows. It is a development I am genuinely anticipating.