Windows 10 is the new major release of Microsoft’s Windows operating system and is the successor to Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1.  Windows 10 includes several new features and important changes, in addition to its platform unifying design. Microsoft believes the future of Windows is as a platform for all. The strength of Windows is in the thousands of companies that develop for it and use it in their products.  Windows 10 is no longer just an operating system for 32 and 64-bit PCs, as it will also run on the ARM platform for smaller tablets and smartphones.

Here are some of the exciting new features:

1. Start menu: Customize your Start menu!  Windows 10’s new Start menu combines the Windows 7-like application list and the live tiles interface from Windows 8’s Start screen. However, note that you can right-click on any tile and select “Resize” to alter the tile’s dimensions or if you despise live tiles you can select “Uninstall” to wipe them from your system.
2. Make Mail your own: Windows 10’s overhauled Mail and Calendar apps are amazing compared to Windows 8’s dull offerings. They’re faster, more full-featured, and have customization options.
3. Schedule your restarts: If you’ve got pending updates that require you to reboot your PC, Windows 10 will allow you to schedule a specific time for it to do so.  Finally!
4. Virtual desktops: Segregate your open apps into discrete areas; literally multiple, virtualized versions of your PC’s desktops.
5. Action Center: Provides you with a single location for all your app alerts, along with quick access to some of the settings you utilize most often.
6. Improved security: Microsoft is addressing security threats by strengthening identity protection and access control, information protection, and is threat resistance.
7. Microsoft Edge: Windows 10’s new Edge is a blazing fast engine and forward-thinking tricks like intelligent, automatic Cortana integration for supplementing the info you’re looking at.  Also very exciting are Reading View and Reading List.  Reading View (the small book icon, next to the bookmark star) strips away ads, sidebar images, and other clutter to present a clean, straightforward reading experience. You can also share to the Reading List app, which functions like Pocket or Instapaper, letting you add a story for later reading. Click the bookmark star and opt to save the article to your Reading List rather than as a bookmark.
8. Cortana integration: Cortana’s finally made the leap to the PC in Windows 10.  Microsoft’s voice-powered personal assistant can be configured to take over the Search box.
9. Xbox Live integration: Windows 10’s new Game DVR function is supposed to be used for recording video proof of your most magnificent gaming moments, but it will also let you create videos of any open app or desktop software.
10. Enhanced graphics: Windows 10 will include new versions of DirectX and WDDM to improve game performance.

Why:  With several new features, including security updates, and a platform-unifying design, it marks the beginning of Microsoft’s new “Windows as a service” mentality.  Instead of releasing a new numbered version of Windows every few years, the company will continuously release new features and updates.  Microsoft has committed to support Windows 10 for a decade after the July, 2015 launch.

Who:  Windows 10 is available as a free upgrade to qualified devices running Windows 7 (SP1) or Windows 8/8.1 during the first year.  Users running Windows XP or Windows Vista, must purchase a copy of Windows 10 from the Microsoft Store or other retailer and do a “clean install”.

When:  It already happened!  Microsoft made Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro generally available on July 29, 2015 through a staggered release schedule. Windows 10 Enterprise and Windows 10 Education editions were made available on August 1, 2015 through Microsoft’s Volume Licensing Center.  However, neither edition is included in the first-year-free program.

How:  Most Windows 7 (SP1) and Windows 8/8.1 users can get Windows 10 through the Get Windows 10 app.  Users can also download a Windows 10 ISO to be used on multiple PCs.  Here is step-by-step walkthrough.

OC Technology Solutions is excited to announce the addition of, Kyle Hannis, to the team as our new Account Executive!  He brings more than 10 years of business development experience having worked with Fortune 500, Top Workplaces, & Fastest Growing Companies.  Kyle graduated from California State University Fullerton with a degree in Marketing.  His background includes selling to business owners & CFO’s for small to mid size companies.  When Kyle is not working hard, he loves sports, BBQing, going to the beach and spending time with his dog.  Find out more about Kyle by visiting him here;  LinkedIn & Facebook.

Picking a weak password is like closing your car door and not locking it.  This mistake puts your financial and personal information at risk.  Password management is one of the most effective ways to keep track of even the most complex passwords.  Password manager software strengthens the effectiveness of your online passwords by remembering and encrypting them.  The use of a password manager is absolutely imperative in order to protect your sensitive information online.  After all, the No. 1 security mistake among internet users is a weak password.  Another common mistake is using the same password across different platforms and never updating it.

The best passwords are those that are long and unpredictable.  They also include numbers and symbols for increases security protection.  Having said that, it almost impossible to remember all of your various passwords and that is why a password manager is so important.  Password management software can also create effective passwords that are unique, complex and virtually hack-proof.   With the help of a good password manager, the only password you will need to remember is for the software itself.

DashLane is an industry and personal favorite.  However, here are some helpful tips on choosing the right password management software:

• Choose software that has strong encryption.
• Check for a lockout feature, which is helpful in case you forget your password.
• Should something go wrong, it is important that you understand how the vendor will help you and the measures that you will need to take.
• Check to see if the software offers identity theft protection and whether or not it takes other measures to protect against other malicious behavior.
• Be comfortable using the software. How easy is it for you to use?
• Compare the cost with the features and benefits.

Remember, whichever password management software you choose, you should avoid accessing it on public networks, because your data can still be captured at any time.  For further information, here is a link to an article rating The Best Password Managers for 2015.

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