Parallel Desktops and Universal Apps

It is possible to create several virtual desktops on one PC in many Linux distributions and for devices with Android operating systems. Microsoft now also provides this technology in Windows 10 (Figure 2). Users can create their own desktops, configure them in any way, and switch applications between desktops by clicking the Task view button in the task bar and then selecting Move to from the context menu in a window using the right-click and moving the elements to a new desktop or an existing one.

Figure 2: Users can set up multiple desktops in Windows 10.

The notification center in Windows 10 (aka the Action Center) now combines all notification options in a single interface. All notifications from the operating system and applications appear centrally in the notification center in a scrollable list, where the respective program from which the notification came appears as an intermediate head. The user can delete either all notifications or individual entries.

With the universal apps in Windows 10, Microsoft is making an attempt to condense the various application stores for the Windows Phone and Windows Desktop platforms and to provide a universal app platform for these operating systems. The long-term vision of Microsoft is to provide a universal app for all device platforms like Smart TV and embedded computers, in addition to the Windows Phone and Windows Desktop.

Windows 10 for the Enterprise

Microsoft has integrated a few new features into the system for the use of Windows 10 in companies [2]. Microsoft now officially provides support for Windows 10 for up to 10 years; enterprise administrators can centrally control or prevent the planned deployment of updates and function extensions through regular updates.

The next generation credentials (NGC) service aims to allow Windows 10 users to use two-factor authentication on PCs, tablets, or smartphones. Together with a PIN/SMS or biometric identification, such as a fingerprint, users should be able to log on with any mobile services that support this technology, such as the Microsoft authenticator app for protecting a Microsoft account. In Windows 10, administrators can define guidelines for automatic encryption of confidential information such as data, Windows apps, email, and content from intranet sites.

Windows 7 and 8/8.1 can be immediately updated to Windows 10 without having to reinstall. This improvement in particular makes it easier to deploy Windows 10. It should also now be possible to switch a Windows Pro edition to an Enterprise edition with a special form of provisioning, which wasn't possible in previous versions of Windows.

New Start Menu

The most controversial discussions about Windows 8 (and Windows 10) regarded the Start menu. Many Windows 7 users also wanted to be able to use the classic Start menu in Windows 8; however, other users were satisfied with the new idea of the Start menu. To meet the wishes and requirements of both factions, Microsoft has radically revised the Start menu in Windows 10 and provides users with numerous adaptation methods (Figure 3).

Figure 3: The redesigned Start menu in Windows 10 can be adapted virtually at will to the user's preferences.

The Start menu and the home screen in Windows 10 use a transparent design, if desired. This means that users can see the desktop in the background at all times, whether the Start menu or the complete home screen is open.

The Start menu is automatically enabled on desktop computers and laptops. You can enlarge it at any time using a button in the top right section of the screen, thus turning it back into the home screen. If you are using Windows 10 on a tablet with a keyboard attached, the switch occurs automatically when the keyboard is removed. Microsoft calls this feature "Continuum."

Windows 10 essentially behaves the same as Windows 7 if a keyboard or mouse is connected to the device. However, on touch-only devices, such as tablets and smartphones, the tiled interface is still displayed. The Windows 10 operating mode changes on hybrid devices on request. If a keyboard is removed or folded over for tablets with a keyboard dock, the operating system recognizes that the user now only wants to use the touchscreen function. The Windows 10 interface adjusts accordingly. If you are using a mouse and keyboard and then remove the keyboard or fold it down, Windows asks whether you just want to use the touchscreen mode.