Windows 10 is Here!

Windows 10 has arrived, and brought with it a number of changes. Microsoft added many new features to their newest OS, but they removed a few "old favorites" too. Here are some of the biggest new features of Windows 10, as well as the things we will miss the most. One of the most welcome changes in Windows 10 is the return of the Start menu. Microsoft has designed a new start menu bringing back the familiarity and ease of use of Windows 7 with the information and customization allowed by the live tiles of Windows 8. Cortana, the digital Windows Phone Assistant will be making an appearance on your computer, allowing you to easily and quickly search your PC, set reminders, check the weather, and much more. Cortana even learns more about you over time, becoming more intuitive and providing more useful information based on your needs and preferences. Ever feel like you spend half of your time switching between different windows and apps trying to find the information you want? Windows 10 is introducing the ability to have multiple virtual desktops, so you can easily organize what information you see and when. This is especially useful if you are working on different projects at the same time and want to keep the information grouped together so nothing gets mixed up. Microsoft is introducing a new browser called Edge that is designed to help move you from browsing to doing. With the ability to take notes on webpages, read articles without distractions, and save your articles and notes for review later; Microsoft Edge is bringing some great new tools to help you be more productive. One thing to mention is that even though Windows 10 includes Microsoft Edge, Internet Explorer is still going to be around to support older applications and programs. Those are a few of our favorite new features, but what is going away? One of the biggest changes in Windows 10 is the removal of Windows Media Center. Got a DVD movie you want to watch on your PC? You will need to either use a 3rd party media player or purchase Microsoft's DVD player app from the Windows Store. Some older programs and equipment may not be compatible with the new OS. Before deciding to upgrade to Windows 10 it is recommended to make sure that all of your software programs and business applications will be compatible with the new OS. We have already seen users that have upgraded to Windows 10 that need assistance in reloading Windows 7 or 8 because their software did not function as expected, or because there were not drivers for some of their equipment. You don't want to run into a situation where you cannot work until you reload your PC. There are many more changes and considerations that may weigh in on your decision regarding if and when to upgrade. Contact us if you would like assistance in evaluating your setup and determining the best plan of action for your business.