Some of the features and functions Microsoft
has added to its new all-encompassing operating system
Did you hear there's
a new version of the Windows in town? If your Windows 8-toting friends ask you
exactly what you can do with the new Windows 10 that they can't do on their own
machines, here's what to tell them.
Analyse the storage space on your PC
In the pre-Windows 10 days, you
needed a third-party application if you wanted to take a proper look at the
layout of files and drives on your system. With Windows 10, there's a tool
built-in: Type `storage' in the task bar search box.
Next, choose the storage setting
and you can see exact ly wh at types of files (like mu sic, apps or video) are
taking up your hard drive space.
Use a fingerprint instead of a password
T his is pa r t of t he Windows
Hello biometric platform and whether or not you can make use of it depends on
the make and model of computer you're using Windows 10 on. Apart from fin
gerprint sensing, it supports face recognition and even iris scanning. So if
computer manufacturers are prepared to build this kind of kit into their
systems then Microsoft's new OS will be able to support it.
Switch to a dedicated tablet mode
Windows 8 tried to squash a
tablet mode and a desktop mode into one ungainly whole, but everything is far
more civilised in the new Windows 10 interface. Open up the Action Center to
switch manually to tablet mode or get out of it again. In fact you may prefer
using the stripped-down tablet mode even when you have a mouse and a keyboard
attached.
Stream Xbox One games
Streaming games from one place to
another isn't a completely original idea, but the link Microsoft has built
between the Xbox One and Windows 10 machines could be the best use of the
technology yet. If the kids want to use the big screen in the living room you
can stream your Xbox One gaming up to your laptop or desktop upstairs (if your
home network can cope).
Share WiFi passwords with your friends
The new WiFi Sense feature (in
network settings) has attracted its fair share of controversy but it's an easy
way of letting people use your home WiFi while they're visiting (and for you to
use theirs in return). Your contacts never actually see the password but if
they're linked to you and also on a Windows 10 bit of kit they can just start
browsing as soon as they get through the door.
Run modern apps on the desktop
We've already mentioned some of
the ways in which Microsoft is refining the tablet vs desktop experience in
Windows 10. Another improvement in this new OS is the ability to run mod ern
(aka Metro) apps in windowed mode as well as full-screen mode.
The apps themselves have been
improved too, so they're worth a second look if you didn't like the Windows 8
versions.
Get chatty with Cortana
Cortana arrives on the desktop.
As on Windows Phone, you can ask
question s about the weather or famous pop stars, get direc tions home, set
reminders and more. Besides you c a n a
l so get her to turn Wi ndows s et t i n g s such as WiFi and Bluetooth on or
off. Click the Cortana button on the `start' menu to get started. Set up
Windows to work with iOS and Android
Microsoft has decide to embrace
iOS and Android and now makes most of
it s apps available for the competing mobile platforms (Cortana apps are
apparently imminent) . Run t he Phone Companion app from the Start menu and you
can launch a step-by-step guide to get t i n g your iPhone 6 or LG G4 working
smoothly with all the data and apps you've .
Source | Economic Times | 26 August 2015
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