Resources

Windows 10 will be here soon—it’s rolling out on July 29. As with any change in technology, many small business owners have questions about the new operating system (or OS). At RKL, we want to be able to help you navigate Windows 10 and learn how it can benefit your business strategy.

Windows 10 Features

With an experience that combines the best features of Windows 7 and Windows 8, you’ll find a familiar experience—enhanced by a number of features designed to make you more productive.

  • A new browser, Microsoft Edge, will replace Internet Explorer, allowing you to write notes on web pages, browse distraction-free, and even save things you want to read later.
  • Cortana—the world’s first truly personal digital assistant—will be supported across all your Windows devices, helping you do more while having to remember less.
  • Incredible apps offer the ability to back up your business’s data, keep track of your calendar, get from here to there, and more.
  • You can customize your screen, placing up to four apps at a time in your window so that you don’t need to flip through tabs.
  • Multiple virtual desktops gives you the freedom to group your apps and files in categories for enhanced productivity.

 

How Windows 10 Means Better Business

Windows 10 offers plenty of benefits for businesses. With a more user-friendly interface and a the return of the “start” menu, business owners will find Windows 10 offers a better experience than its predecessor.

  • A tailored experience for each device. Whereas Windows 8 sought to keep the same user interface (UI) for every device, Windows 10 is a “product family,” with an experience tailored to the nature of each advice.
  • The return of the Start Menu. One of the biggest complaints about Windows 8 was the disappearance of the Start Menu. It’s back, and it will allow you to arrange the tiles on your desktop as you see fit without needing to leave the desktop.
  • Data protection. When you use Windows 10, you can rest assured that your business’s sensitive data will be protected better than ever before. Users will only be able to open files based on tiered access, and protection follows the files wherever they’re transferred.
  • Enhanced BYOD. Many businesses allow employees to use their own devices at work. Now, you’ll be able to securely delete files from an employee’s device if and when necessary without also wiping their personal data.
  • Ease of administration and interface. Windows 10 aims to be a far less confusing venture than Windows 8 when it first came out. The update returns to a more familiar OS, offering ease of use to admins and technical staff while maintaining the business-friendly features of Windows 8 Enterprise.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is a Windows 10 upgrade free? Yes—for Windows 7 and 8 users. Microsoft hasn’t been exactly clear about whether users of older operating systems will have to pay to upgrade.
  • How do I upgrade? Upgrading if you’re eligible is easy—go to Microsoft’s website to review the steps.
  • How long do I have to upgrade? Your business will have one year from July 29th, 2015 to upgrade.
  • Did I miss the Windows 9 upgrade? There was never a Windows 9. Microsoft decided to jump straight from Windows 8 to Windows 10 as a way to show how revolutionary the update will truly be.
  • When will support from older versions end? If you’re using Windows 7, mainstream support ended in January, with extended support ending on January 14, 2020. If you’re on Windows 8, mainstream support extends to January 9, 2018, with extended support ending January 12, 2023.
  • What edition of Windows 10 will I have? It depends what edition you had before and what device you’re using! There are 7 versions:
    • Windows 10 Home (for PCs, Tablets, 2-in-1s, intended for home use)
    • Windows 10 Pro (Home with additional functionality for businesses)
    • Windows 10 Enterprise (includes additional features for IT organizations)
    • Windows 10 Education (for use in schools)
    • Windows 10 Mobile (for smartphones and tablets)
    • Windows 10 Mobile Enterprise (includes additional feature for IT organizations)
    • Windows 10 IoT Core (designed for small, low-cost, IoT-geared devices)
  • How can I learn more about Windows 10? For more information, feel free to visit Microsoft’s Windows 10 page to learn in depth about the features.

If you have any further questions about Windows 10, feel free to talk with your friendly tech professionals at RKL! We’re happy to help you out as the new operating system is released.