Winter 2016 Volume 17, Issue 1

A Peek at Windows 10

by Jeff Blake

Windows 10 was released to the public July 29, 2015.  If you are a Windows 8 user, you will notice that the Start menu is back.  The Windows 10 Start menu mixes in a bit of the Windows 8 live tiles, but leaves the more traditional Start menu that is familiar to users.

Windows 10 Desktop with Tiles

Cortana, new to Windows 10, is Microsoft’s digital personal assistant that was first introduced on Windows phones.  Cortana can help you find all sorts of online information by using text or voice commands and can apply these search results to your hard drive, OneDrive and network files.

Notifications are a new feature for users coming from Windows 7. Pop-ups will remind you of all sorts of useful information, including notifications from apps like: Twitter; Facebook; email; or notifications about Windows security. Notifications come from the Action Center, which is located by the clock. As notifications slide into view, they are archived into the Action Center.  The Action Center also provides Quick Action buttons for common functions like: activating Bluetooth; connecting to the wireless; and an option for taking notes with Microsoft OneNote.

We are currently testing Windows 10 for future deployment in the Faculty of Social Science.  Home users with Windows 7 or Windows 8 may have noticed an option to upgrade your computer to Windows 10 for free.  According to Microsoft, this option will be available until the end of July 2016. Prior to proceeding with the upgrade, be sure to investigate the hardware and software compatibility. If you have Windows 10 installed, please take the steps outlined in the following article to keep your personal data private.  www.techrepublic.com/article/windows-10-violates-your-privacy-by-default-heres-how-you-can-protect-yourself/.