Microsoft has released a preview edition of their next operation system. You can download a copy and try it out for yourself if you are so inclined from their Windows 10 site. I gave it a try to see for myself just how much change was made compared to the
previous version (Windows 8)
I will say before I continue, I must disclose I mostly use Linux and Apple’s OS X. I do however use Windows at work, but we don’t even have Windows 8 yet. If you didn’t know there is a bit of controversy around Windows 8 and their “tiles” interface and some of the other user interface (UI) decisions they made. I for one liked the change and quickly embraced it however many people do not like what Microsoft did and how they changed the UI away from a more traditional desktop environment. Windows 10 Completely addresses this issue by bringing back the Start Menu/Desktop.
So I downloaded the .iso file from the Microsoft site and installed in running in a virtual machine on my Linux system. After a full install and poking around, I feel that Windows 10 is a vast improvement over 7, and 8. (Microsoft just skipped 9.) Of course I get this way with any new operating system (OS) I install. If you are a Windows user you will be more then likely pleased with Windows 10. If you are one of the few that DID like the tile start screen, that option is still there, it is just not the default.
Here are a few screen shots of the install process…
Windows 10 Settings Menu
Windows 10 Start Menu
Windows 10 Internet Explorer
Of course, this is only a preview, and the final product is subject to change, but base on prior Windows preview experiences, there will be mostly only increased performance optimizations made. The preview copy will only work until April 2015, when Microsoft will host it's 2015 Build event (sold out) and most likely announce a final release date and prices of Windows 10.
I would say I like what I see so far and now have reason to install Windows again on one of my PC’s. Maybe on my next laptop....