Facts & whatnots: Is Windows 10 the New Windows 7?

Microsoft is launching Windows 10 today without the usual midnight sales parties and marketing campaigns. By contrast, the free-upgrade scheme reflects Microsoft’s new positioning of Windows as a service that the company will upgrade for customers over the lifetimes of their devices.

The Windows 10 media creation tool is less than 20MB, but you’ll need a blank USB flash drive or DVD with at least 4GB of free space for the Windows 10 installer.

With improvements to speed, security and added functionality, there really is no reason for most users not to upgrade. Here & Now’s Jeremy Hobson takes a look at what Windows 10 means for Microsoft with CNN’s Maggie Lake.

Windows 10 is reminiscent of the past but makes room for the future.

What does seem worth considering is the way that Windows 10 is being used by Microsoft to import its technologies. For example, playing a video or game on the Xbox and then moving to your PC will allow you pick up where you left off.

After you’ve downloaded and opened the tool, you’re presented with two options: “Upgrade this PC now” and “Create installation media for another PC”. Cortana learns your tastes and delivers web content you’ll like. While Internet Explorer will still be included, the Edge browser promises to speed up page rendering while adding in newer features like reading mode and page capture with annotation. Either way, you can still upgrade regardless of what option you choose.

Microsoft claims Windows 10 is the most advanced operating system it’s ever built – but critics say it’s merely an apology for the flaws of its unpopular predecessor.

Steve Cerocke, founder/president of IQ Systems Inc. of Reno, can be reached at 775-352-2301, ext.