Microsoft officially unveiled the consumer release of its new operating system Windows 10 on the on the July of 2015. This was a timely release as an upgrade to the previously existing windows 8.1 and its predecessor windows 8 which received a rather cold reception from users who labelled it confusing and not as user friendly as the previous operating systems from Microsoft. Windows 10 brought some exciting features that were absent in the previous operating systems probably to redeem the shattered image that windows 8 caused and lure back Microsoft’s customers.Microsoft claimed the release of the system was the start of a new way in which they delivered their operating systems; “windows as a service.” Dubbed a game changer, Windows 10 immediately attracted global attention and users were eager to try it out. Although it has significant changes form the previous systems, Windows 10 is similar in many ways to its predecessor. So what differentiates this operating system from the earlier releases? Is there any major difference in usability that would compel users to upgrade from say windows 7 or 8.1? To help you sieve through the huge amount of information about Windows 10, here is what is new in Windows 10 that you need to know about. It is Free. Yep. It doesn't cost you a dime to have this operating system on your PC, or tablet, but only if you had a genuine version of windows 7, or 8.1, previously, otherwise the set retailer prices apply. While releasing it, Microsoft announced that users only needed to upgrade to windows 10 from the previous windows versions. The system will however be free for only 1 year. Cortana application. Microsoft has an application that serves as a virtual assistant named Cortana that comes with windows 10. Now you can command your PC or tablet to do stuff for you. Send emails, ask for directions or check the weather in your town without touching your keypad to type search commands. Hardware requirements. The primary requirements for Windows 10 to run on your PC are: 1GHz processor, at least 1GB of RAM, and 16GB of hard drive space. Users whose machines are already running windows 7, 8 and 8.1 should be alright as the same requirements meet the standards required to run Windows 10. Microsoft Edge replaced windows explorer Internet explorer is not replaced per se, as Microsoft needs it around for compatibility reasons but a new version of a browser that can compete with modern browsers is up.There is a joke that people use internet explorer only to download other preferred browsers. Well, Microsoft is working hard to correct that with the new Edge. Support for virtual desktops. Thousands of users who never got virtual desktop help and support from Microsoft in previous operating systems can now sigh in relieve as Microsoft introduced this new feature to run in windows 10. Users however cannot individually customized each desktop, say change the wallpapers or shortcuts in desktop 2 or 3. This has been noted by many users and we can only hope Microsoft will work on it. New Hologram technology Microsoft jumped into the relatively new 3 dimensional imaging and hologram projection technology with the introduction of its own technology that allows this for its windows 10 applications. Microsoft Hololens goggles now allows users to actively interact. You can play Mine-craft using Hololens, and experience the 3D gaming thrill, or use the Holostudio software to develop some exciting 3D applications. Improved Gaming experience Gaming using Microsoft operating system is destined for a major overhaul with windows 10. DirectX 12 API which comes with windows 10 offers some gaming experience like never before available for windows users. More efficiency ensures a smoother and better performance for gamers. The game DVR mode in this new Windows even allows recording for the last 30 seconds of game play, a good incentive for social gamers to try out the new Windows. Most windows phones will be covered. The slogan is “One windows for all”, and Microsoft made sure that most windows phones would work well with windows 10 and in tandem with other windows devices. Universal Microsoft Office applications. Previously, free productivity applications like Google docs had the monopoly in this niche. Microsoft started a big onslaught to win some territory in this segment by introducing preinstalled office applications in windows tablets and phones. �New’ start Menu Many users disliked the start menu that was introduced with windows 8 and often complained about userbility problems.Microsoft was quick to correct that, giving users the familiar start menu used in windows 7. The new menu now has been upgraded to incorporate live tiles that are customizable. Windows 10 office Windows 10 is relatively new and as time goes, more upgrades are expected with ironed out bugs and more efficiency. Most people only care about the work-ability of windows systems, and Microsoft Office has been at the center of the operating system upgrades from microsoft. To help you understand better the working of these applications under the new platform, here are a few things you should know about windows 10 office. Office in windows 10 has been optimized for touch. While the basic features of the mobile and desktop office applications are similar, office for mobile maintains the essential features in all its applications. Word for example has reading view and PowerPoint has transitions.Office mobile apps can be downloaded from the Microsoft store.If you are using a device that has a screen which is 10.1-inch or smaller, you will note that OneNote, Mail, and Calendar applications come preinstalled with windows 10. Check for them by using the windows start menu on your device. Word, excel, and PowerPoint however can be sourced from the store. Use these applications to edit your documents with ease from your device.Office mobile support also helps new users to easily get accustomed to installing and running office applications on mobile devices. To check if the version of Office is compatible with the windows 10, consult with windows compatibility center. As they are designed to be used on the move with small portable devices, Office for Windows applications lack explicit features like naming documents and they automatically save as you continue working. Remember to rename your documents otherwise you will end up with documents named automatically in numerals like 13 14 15 and so on. Office desktop applications are more advanced than the mobile applications and can perform a larger number of tasks.You can pick office 2007,2013, or 2016 to run with windows 10. Previously, new operating systems launched by Microsoft did not attract many users looking to upgrade from their windows systems. Windows 10 was launched with the anticipation that a significant number of users would migrate to the platform. So far, majority of the users working with Windows 10 have reported positive reviews.With time, we expect more upgrades to the existing version of Windows 10 that should improve efficiency and make it a more user centered operating system.