Microsoft Announces Windows 10 Operating System - Quick Facts

(RTTNews) - Microsoft Corp (MSFT), Tuesday unveiled its Windows 10 operating system, Windows 10, and gave a first look at an early technical preview for the PC available Oct. 1. The new operating system has advancements designed for business, including an updated user experience and enhanced security and management capabilities.

The software giant also introduced the Windows Insider Program, kicking off its largest-ever open collaborative development effort to change the way Windows is built.

"Windows 10 represents the first step of a whole new generation of Windows, unlocking new experiences to give customers new ways to work, play and connect," said Terry Myerson, executive vice president of the Operating Systems group at Microsoft.

"This will be our most comprehensive operating system and the best release Microsoft has ever done for our business customers, and we look forward to working together with our broader Windows community to bring Windows 10 to life in the months ahead."

According to Microsoft, Windows 10 adapts to the devices customers are using — from Xbox to PCs and phones to tablets and tiny gadgets — and what they're doing with a consistent, familiar and compatible experience, enabling greater productivity.

Windows 10 will run across the broadest range of devices ever from the Internet of Things to enterprise datacenters worldwide. Microsoft is also delivering a converged application platform for developers on all devices with a unified app store.

Windows 10 incorporates aspects that businesses need right into the core of the product — including enterprise-grade security, identity and information protection features. One area of advancement is in the work Microsoft has done with user identities to improve resistance to breach, theft or phishing.

Windows 10 will also help advance data loss prevention by using containers and data separation at the application and file level, enabling protection that follows the data as it goes from a tablet or PC to a USB drive, email or the cloud.

The early technical preview of Windows 10 demonstrates more flexibility, navigation and familiarity through the Windows experience. Features include

- Expanded Start menu. The familiar Start menu is back, providing quick one-click access to the functions and files that people use most, and it includes a new space to personalize with favorite apps, programs, people and websites.

- Snap enhancements. Working in multiple apps at once is easier and more intuitive with snap improvements. A new quadrant layout allows up to four apps to be snapped on the same screen. Windows will also show other apps and programs running for additional snapping.

- New Task view button on the task bar enables one view for all open apps and files, allowing for quick switching and one-touch access to any desktop created.

- Multiple desktops. Instead of too many apps and files overlapping on a single desktop, it's easy to create and switch between distinct desktops for different purposes and projects — whether for work or personal use.