New Start Menu
Back in Windows 8, Microsoft removed the Start Menu from Windows and replaced it with a Start Screen that was supposed to mimic the interface of a smartphone or tablet. That is what I believe caused so much confusion and dislike about Windows 8 and 8.1. In Windows 10, Microsoft added back a Start Menu, but it’s not the same as from Windows 7 and earlier. They basically combined the traditional Start Menu with the Start Screen, which I think they did a pretty good job of doing.
When you click the Windows logo in the bottom-left screen of Windows 10, the Start Menu appears. You’ll see similar options as from Windows 7 and earlier, such as Power (to shut down and restart), Settings (the new Control Panel), and All Apps (a listing of all the programs and apps). There are also shortcuts to recently opened apps and programs on the top-left. Plus you’ll see what they call Live Titles on the right side of the Start Menu. These serve as shortcuts to apps and most display details or stats about the app of some sort on the title. For instance, the Weather title will show you a mini forecast on its title and clicking it opens the Weather app for more details and the Photos app will show you thumbnail images of your photos and clicking it open the Photos app.
If you prefer the old style Start Menu like from Windows 7 and earlier, you can install a third-party tool like Classic Shell (www.classicshell.net).
Microsoft Edge
Microsoft introduced a new web browser in Windows 10, called Microsoft Edge. It has an e icon similar to that of the old Internet Explorer. But after opening it, you’ll see a slightly different interface. First off, you’ll see a new homepage with news and weather that you can customize, or replace with a website if desired. You’ll also find new features, such as Web Note that allows you to doddle or make notes on a webpage and then share or save it.
Microsoft also includes the long-lived Internet Explorer in Windows 10 if you prefer browsing with it instead of Microsoft Edge. In the search box near the bottom-left corner that says Ask me anything, just type “Internet Explorer” and press “Enter.”
Meet Cortana
Cortana is the name of Microsoft’s searching and personal assistant feature. Similar to Siri on Apple devices and Google Now on Android devices, you can ask Cortana something (by typing or talking) and it will respond with text and/or voice results. For instance, ask it, “How’s the weather in Dayton?,” and it will bring up the forecast for you and also give you a summary verbally. You can also tell it commands, such as, “Play my music.” For a chuckle, you can even ask it for a joke or ask funny questions and see what responses you get.
Get professional help upgrading
If you haven’t already done the free upgrade to Windows 10, I certainly suggest having a professional do it for you. Though Microsoft applies it’s easy to do and your files and programs are kept intact, you can certainly run into problems and possibly lose all your data if you don’t properly back it up before the upgrade.
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