Today is the day when the new version of the Microsoft operating system is officially presented to the press. Before going further and saying that you are not interested, you need to know that Windows 10 is a free update for those who already have Windows 8.1 and, incredible but true, even Windows 7 .
The offer, however, does not last forever and you can only put Windows 10 for free until 29 July 2016.
The update to Windows 10 also concerns Windows Phone smartphones, it is the same system as the computers and has the same name (no longer Windows Phone).
UPDATE 2017 : Windows 10 is still free for those who have Windows 7 or Windows 8.1
For those who are worried about having to do a new installation and, therefore, having to make a backup of the important files, reinstall all the programs from the beginning and reset the desired settings, there is another excellent news: you can download Windows 10 as free update or download .
Upgrading to Windows 10 from Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 will keep both data saved on disk and most applications on your computer.
Some may still not work, such as antivirus, while on other computers it may be necessary to update some drivers, but in general the programs will remain installed and functional.
READ ALSO: Windows 10 license costs and limits on new and old PCs
With such a simplified update path compared to the past and above all free, it is obvious that Microsoft's intention is to have a single operating system for all computers and mobile devices, without multiple different versions that have more or less functions and without limiting who has an older computer.
Among the other news announced, in addition to the new functions of Windows 10 already illustrated a few months ago, there is Cortana on PCs.
Cortana is a virtual assistant similar to Google Now for Android or Siri for iPhone, which should organize and manage activities on the computer in an interactive and personalized way, which is controlled and activated with the user's voice.
The new Start menu was also shown, which is a mix between that of Windows 7 and that of Windows 8.1 and the notification center, more immediate to view.
The new Windows 10 browser was also introduced , which should replace the old Internet Explorer.
The browser is called Edge, it is very clean and allows you to write with your finger or mouse on the web pages you visit, like using a marker to mark important points, to share certain screens.
The sites can then be read with a new book mode and the pages you want to read can be synchronized between PC and mobile phone.
Cortana will of course be integrated into Edge so that you can browse the web using your voice.
For those who want, I remember that, for a few months, it is possible to download and install Windows 10 preview on the PC, although, unfortunately, it has not yet been released in Italian.
This means that for us Italians, upgrading Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 on one's own PC (which is possible for those who have Windows in English by clicking on Prepare PC on this page) is currently not possible.
Microsoft also said that the final release of Windows 10 is expected in the summer.
