Just as they said they would Microsoft began its Windows 10 roll out as of today July 29th 2015. The official build number of the initial RTM release is 10240. Microsoft Windows 10 upgrades will be free for the next year for approved devices.
Windows 10 Highlights
Windows 10 brings a lot of new features to the desktop. Some of the most important new features include:
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New Start menu – One of the most welcome changes is the restoration of a fully functional Start menu. While it looks different from the Windows 7 Start menu it is a welcome change from Windows 8 / 8.1.
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New Edge browser – Microsoft added a new streamlined and faster browser named Edge with Windows 10. In case you were worried the older Internet Explorer browser is still present.
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All apps run in windows – Those old awkward full screen Metro apps have all been changed to run inside of resizable windows complete with close and minimize icons. In addition, those annoying appearing and disappearing Windows 8 / 8.1 Charms are gone as well.
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New Action Center –There’s a new Action Center that displays notifications.
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New Continuum mode – The old dual tablet/desktop mode in Windows 8 / 8.1 is also gone. The new Continuum feature allows your device to automatically switch between tablet and desktop mode.
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Virtual desktops – Windows 10 also enables you to create multiple virtual desktops.
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Cortana – Cortana provides a cool Star Trek-like voice activated search and notification capability.
Deployment Concerns
While Windows 10 fixes most of the problems with Windows 8 as IT Pros know only too well anytime you begin to deploy a new desktop OS for your users you need to expect a deluge of helpdesk calls for support, compatibility issues and just general questions. These types of concerns make it important for businesses to have control over the deployment process. Because of this many businesses have disabled the automatic Windows 10 upgrade and intend to control the deployment themselves.
Learn more about Windows 10 deployment at IT/Dev Connections 2015!
You’ll be able to learn more about deploying Windows 10 at this year’s IT/Dev Connections conference at the ARIA Resort in Las Vegas. In his session Upgrading to Windows 10 Johan Arwidmark takes you through end-to-end upgrade scenarios where he will present tips, limitations, troubleshooting, migration tools and more. In addition, Simon May’s session Enabling Your Active Directory to Embrace Windows 10 will dive into the big AD changes that Windows 10 brings. You can use the following discount code to get a nice $100 off your registration fee.
Discount code: ITDCOTEY15 ($100 off)
Register here: IT/Dev Connections 2015
