The Windows 10 Operating System was a much anticipated update by Microsoft. Many people were skeptical as Windows 8 was not very popular. It’s always hard to make a change when you are used to it. Windows 10 definitely has some nice features that make it worth checking out. One positive is that it works on all different types of devices and size devices. You can use it on a smartphone, desktop, laptop or tablet. Windows also starts up much faster now with the Windows 10 than it did in its previous versions. Below I have listed some tips and features of the Windows 10 system to help you get started and have the best experience
possible.
- You can customize the start menu
The start menu is a familiar part of Windows and has been in existence for a long time. In Windows 10 it has a modern twist and looks more touch friendly. You can choose how much you want on the start menu. If you click and hold the curser by the start box you can drag it to the size you want. You can make it wider or thinner, whatever works your way. You can pin any applications and programs you want to the start menu bar. It has a little tile for each one. You can even create tiles for all your apps. If you tap all apps (it is located on the bottom after you click your window icon) then you will see all your apps as little tiles. You can also add any applications or programs to your bar by right clicking and it will pin them there. If you want to really play with the look and customize it just right for you then you can go to Settings, then click on Personalization, then click on start. Here you can turn on and off features and choose which folders appear on the start menu.
- Using Cortana and setting it up
Cortana is a voice response digital assistant. It is similar to Siri and Google now, but let’s you control more of what it knows about you. You can set up the details of what you want Cortana to know by clicking on the Cortana button for the first time with your Microsoft account. From there you will be able to set it up in a way that works well for you. Depending on how much you allow Cortana to access will depend on the number of requests she can accommodate. The more Cortana knows the more it can do for you. You can let Cortana know relevant things about you like location and your spouse. You can set up Cortana to remind you of events or to do something at a particular time and place. You can give commands with your voice to have Cortana complete tasks, write messages for you etc. You can use Cortana to search your device, the web or your one drive to find what you’re looking for. Cortana can keep track of your flights and track your packages. Cortana can offer you personalized information based on what you tell her such as ideas, news events, traffic, weather and even jokes. You can let Cortana access your contacts and the Maps application to help you do all of this. You can enable Cortana to wake up when you say “Hey Cortana!” So it can listen to your request.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. There is so much that Windows 10 can do for you. Keep an eye out for more posts with information on how to get the most out of the new operating system.