The Windows 10 Review: The Old & New Face of Windows
by Brett Howse on August 25, 2015 8:00 AM EST- Posted in
- Operating Systems
- Microsoft
- Windows 10
More Desktop Changes
One of the goals of Windows 10 is to entice Windows 7 users to migrate to the new operating system. The additions we’ve seen already to the traditional mouse and keyboard interface have already been substantial, and should make most Windows 7 users comfortable. But they are not the only changes to the desktop. There is a little bit for everyone, both casual users and enthusiasts alike, so lets check out some more of the new features of Windows 10’s desktop.
Windows 8 changed up Windows Explorer, and brought in the ribbon menu. Office 2007 was the first Microsoft program to move from the file menu to the ribbon menu, and while it was controversial at the time, it is now very familiar. Moving Windows Explorer to a ribbon menu made it both easier to use with touch, as well as exposing settings and features that may have been tucked away in a submenu before. Windows 10 evolves this. Opening up Windows Explorer now greets you with a list of files you have recently accessed in the main pane. The thinking is that when you go to Explorer, you are likely looking for something you’ve used before. I won’t dispute the logic, but I prefer to see the computer view myself. Luckily it’s an easy option to change by clicking File->Change folder and search options. What I do like though is the Quick Access feature in Windows Explorer, which gives you – you guessed it – quick access to folders that are used a lot. The system will automatically add folders you go to frequently which is kind of great for discoverability, and you can add or remove any folder here. I have found it very useful, and since it is also built into the file picker for saving files, it makes it easy to get where I want to go when saving files.
Another nice feature to come to Windows Explorer is the Share contract. Windows 8 introduced contracts, which allow apps to communicate with one another over dedicated protocols, and adding it to Windows Explorer is a great way to expand them from the tablet style apps to the desktop. Share was likely the most useful contract, and I was always disappointed that the Windows 8 Charms did not offer any functionality on the desktop, so this is a great addition.
There are also small changes which improve Windows 10 over Windows 8. Things like having drop shadows back. Windows 8 went for a very flat UI, and it was clean looking but the lack of depth was not very useful with multiple windows open. Adding drop shadows back give the subtle definition around windows to make them stand out a bit more.
One of my favorite features that has come to Windows 10 is the ability to scroll an inactive window. Prior to Windows 10, and assuming you were not running a third party utility which enabled this, in order to scroll a window you had to first select it. Now, you can just move your mouse over any open window and use the scroll wheel to move whatever window you are over. You can do this on windows that are buried three or four deep – as long as you can see some of it you can scroll it. It is great when you are referencing a PDF or site, and writing at the same time, since you can continue to type while scrolling around in your reference document. For those that think this is insane, yes, you can turn it off.
Windows 8 seemed to signal that Microsoft was looking to a future past the desktop. There were some nice changes brought to the Windows 8 desktop but they were overshadowed by the changes brought in by the touch-first UI. With Windows 10, Microsoft is not only trying to bring back the focus on the desktop, they have added a lot of great features as well which should certainly entice users of both Windows 7 and 8.1 to want to switch.
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Brett Howse - Tuesday, August 25, 2015 - link
So, I did try cursive. I found out two things. The ability for it to recognize words correctly is even more astounding, and my cursive is even worse than my handwriting. It did seem to handle the small amount of cursive I could remember how to write, but I think on this one YMMV. Best to try it out in a store if you can.chrome_slinky - Wednesday, August 26, 2015 - link
For most of us, handwriting IS cursive, and printing is printing.keg504 - Tuesday, August 25, 2015 - link
I understand in context that when you say screen diameter you mean the diagonal length of the screen, but your use makes me wonder if we'll ever see a round Windows 10 deviceBrett Howse - Tuesday, August 25, 2015 - link
For those commenting on the privacy concerns with Windows 10, I have updated the privacy page (page 18). Microsoft has a FAQ which goes over every single setting in Windows 10, what it is used for, and how to disable it.Oxford Guy - Tuesday, August 25, 2015 - link
And how Microsoft will ignore some of these settings and still send data to itself?Brett Howse - Wednesday, August 26, 2015 - link
Yes actually.As you use Windows, we collect performance and usage information that helps us identify and troubleshoot problems as well as improve our products and services. We recommend that you select Full for this setting.
•Basic information is data that is vital to the operation of Windows. This data helps keep Windows and apps running properly by letting Microsoft know the capabilities of your device, what is installed, and whether Windows is operating correctly. This option also turns on basic error reporting back to Microsoft. If you select this option, we’ll be able to provide updates to Windows (through Windows Update, including malicious software protection by the Malicious Software Removal Tool), but some apps and features may not work correctly or at all.
Enhanced data includes all Basic data plus data about how you use Windows, such as how frequently or how long you use certain features or apps and which apps you use most often. This option also lets us collect enhanced diagnostic information, such as the memory state of your device when a system or app crash occurs, as well as measure reliability of devices, the operating system, and apps. If you select this option, we’ll be able to provide you with an enhanced and personalized Windows experience.
•Full data includes all Basic and Enhanced data, and also turns on advanced diagnostic features that collect additional data from your device, such as system files or memory snapshots, which may unintentionally include parts of a document you were working on when a problem occurred. This information helps us further troubleshoot and fix problems. If an error report contains personal data, we won’t use that information to identify, contact, or target advertising to you. This is the recommended option for the best Windows experience and the most effective troubleshooting.
nwoghost - Tuesday, August 25, 2015 - link
Great review. I've been waiting for this...now I feel I can upgrade with full consent haha.xebico - Tuesday, August 25, 2015 - link
Nice overview of what Windows 10 begins to the table, but I'll still buy you a beer to refresh your memory about the difference between "that" and "which." ;)MarekZe - Tuesday, August 25, 2015 - link
All parents: Windows 10 totally dropped Parental Control.There is no way to setup restrictions for apps or times that kids are allowed to use the computer without creating "Microsoft Account" (btw- how it is COPPA compliant? ) - so with local account no way to use parental control.
So you have to create Microsoft account - that means you need to provide email address for your kid, and needlesly pass PII info to Microsoft, add family members to "Family" and do rudimentary setup in web application.
Even if you do that you can't set up time schedule for computer usage - something that worked very well in Windows 7.
Big step backwards in usability and features.
Deelron - Tuesday, August 25, 2015 - link
It's "ok" since you can get a weekly email of their activity by default...https://boingboing.net/2015/08/10/windows-10.html