In the concluding article of this series, we will consider the final points that were raised in part one. So far, we have focused on integral issues such as supportability and security: Microsoft is ending support for Windows 7 in January 2020 so there is no better time to upgrade to Windows 10. The lack of security updates will leave your Windows 7 PC vulnerable to attack. In contrast, Windows 10 has impressive security features to protect you. We also recognised that Windows 10’s performance and efficiency is far superior to that of Windows 7. Here are the final five key reasons to update.
User-friendly Design
Windows 7 followed it predecessors, Windows XP and Windows 98, in its interface; it was familiar, simple and accessible. However, the way we use computers has changed, and Windows has evolved to reflect that. Windows 10 is optimised for not only PC use, but tablet as well. Its interface is touch-friendly but can be used comfortably with touch or cursor. Microsoft heard our cries of despair when the start button disappeared in Windows 8 and mercifully, they have brought it back, meaning Windows 10 still follows a familiar format. They have also added some features to make the user experience more pleasant. For example, clipboard history allows you to paste multiple items you have recently copied so you don’t have to constantly switch between applications copying and pasting. Timeline on task view allows you to view applications you’ve been using recently and pick up where you left off. Pressing the Windows key – Shift – S allows you to select an area for screen capture. You can also choose to have a light or dark default app mode. These are small things that really make a difference to the overall user experience.
Cortana
Virtual assistants, such as Siri, Alexa and Google Now, have become a convenience that we are all beginning to take for granted. Windows 10 comes with its own assistant, Cortana. Cortana provides hands-free communication with your PC. She is integrated with core areas such as Edge, so will search the internet, as well as your files to find you an answer. Cortana can also be used to set specific reminders and her notebook keeps track of your interests, so information that is relevant to you will pop up, for example, local weather and traffic conditions. The ability to interact with your technology hands-free is a useful addition.
Windows Management Tools
Microsoft have introduced features with the aim of maximising productivity and optimising screen space. You can now snap together four apps on one screen, resize windows and connect multiple monitors for a holistic overview of your work. Additionally, the introduction of a virtual desktop allows you to switch between tasks and projects whilst keeping the others open. To help keep you organised, Windows Action Centre is a new feature that groups all your notifications in one task bar. This includes email notifications, reminders and app messages.
Cross-device Familiarity
Windows 10 syncs across your devices. This includes Edge browser, so your history is available on both your mobile browser and PC. Your timeline on task view is synced across devices so you can open an app that you were using a few days ago on a different device. Additionally, clipboard history is available across devices, so if, for example, you copied a phrase on your windows 10 phone, you can paste it on your PC. Cortana is shared over both platforms, so she will remember your preferences and can send you reminders. Office 365 is integrated with Windows 10 so you can continue your work from anywhere, and of course, Onedrive provides you with the cloud space to save your work. Finally, the Continue on PC app allows you to send a webpage or document from your PC to your phone so you can work on the go.
Windows Autopilot
Finally, Windows Autopilot, which is available in the Enterprise and Professional editions of Windows 10, allows your business to run seamlessly. You can set up configurations that can be downloaded from the cloud onto your business’s Windows 10 PCs. This means that when a new employee starts, they can take a new computer, connect to the office network and the PC will automatically configure to required settings.
If your business is ready to upgrade to Windows 10, call us on +44 203 034 2244 or +1 323 984 8908. Alternately, you can contact us online. We will be happy to help you overcome IT challenges. We have engineering bases in the United Kingdom, Europe and Southern California and our group of highly experienced engineers are available 24/7 to assist and ensure that your IT infrastructure is running seamlessly.
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