Microsoft will release Continuum feature for Remote Desktop Universal app on Windows 10 smartphones

When Microsoft announced Windows 10 for smartphones, Continuum was one of the most talked about features among technology enthusiasts. Microsoft has released three Windows 10-powered smartphones till now. However, only Microsoft’s own apps supported the Continuum feature. Slowly, third-party developers started utilising the feature into their apps.

Now, Microsoft is adding Continuum support for its Remote Desktop app for Windows 10 smartphones. This news came from a moderator at Microsoft Community forums where he said, “We’ve heard a lot of buzz around being able to connect to a remote desktop from Continuum for phone. We are excited to share that the Remote Desktop Universal Windows Platform (UWP) app will be released very soon in Technical Preview.”

If you’re not aware, Continuum is a feature that lets you convert smartphone apps into full-fledged desktop apps. Continuum is activated when you connect a compatible smartphone to a monitor through an adaptor via a microUSB port. When this adaptor is used, Windows 10 Universal apps can expand from mobile layout to desktop-compatible layout. Moreover, keyboard and mice can be used in Continuum mode.

Continuum could be a feature that could resurrect Windows 10 back into the smartphone race, but it needs to be implemented by more and more developers in their apps. If that happens, you don’t need to carry a laptop everywhere as your smartphone can behave like a PC, at least for some important tasks on the go. What do you think about this feature?

Evolution of Windows: The Complete History of Windows Operating System

“Its fine to celebrate success, but it is more important to the heed lessons of failure”, a quote by Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft is very much enough to describe the history of Windows Operating System.

Wait a minute…

Before we start, do you know…

• What is an Operating System?
• Who is Microsoft?
• What is Windows and why?
• Birth of Microsoft?

Because if you know these names then only you can be fascinated about the history of Windows.

So,

Let’s start,

Table of Contents

•  What is an Operating System?
• Who is Microsoft?
• What is Windows Operating System?
• Why Windows?
• Birth of Microsoft:
• 1. Windows 1.0
• 2. Windows 2.0
• 3. Windows 3.0 (Getting the Graphics)
• 4. Windows 95 (Don’t forget the Internet)
• 5. Windows 98 (Windows evolves for Work and Play)
• 6. Windows ME
• 7. Windows XP (Stable, Usable and Fast)
• 8. Windows Vista (Smart on Security)


• 9. Windows 7 (Introduction to Touch Screen)
• 10. Windows 8.0 (The Generation of Apps and Tiles)
• 11. Windows 8.1
• 12. Windows 10
• Editions and Versions of  Windows Operating System
• Evolution of Windows Operating System At a Glance
• Here is an Infographic summary for History of Windows Operating System
• What’s the bottom line?- History of Windows Operating System.

 What is an Operating System?

Operating System is the main program that runs on a computer. Every computer must have an Operating system in order to run other programs on the computer. It’s a system software that  manages computer hardware and  software resources  and provides common services for computer programs.

Who is Microsoft?

Microsoft is an American based company whose Headquarters is located at Redmond, Washington, USA. Microsoft manufactures, licenses products and provides services related to computing. Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded Microsoft.

See Also: 10 Interesting facts About Microsoft.

What is Windows Operating System?

Microsoft Windows or simply ‘Windows’ is a meta-family of graphical operating systems marketed, developed, and sold by Microsoft. It has several families of operating systems which we are going to see in this post.

Why Windows?

Think…

You are working at your office and suddenly your boss tells you to make dozens of copies of a document. If there was nothing called Windows, what you could have done is rely on a carbon paper or use a mimeograph to make a copy of the document. Bill Gates and Paul Allen, two young computer enthusiasts  seen the path to future computing  and went on to form Microsoft with a vision- a computer on every desk and in every home and the rest is what we call history.

Birth of Microsoft:

Paul Allen and Bill Gates were childhood friends. Once, Paul Allen read an article about Altair 8800 microcomputer in some electronics magazine. He showed the article to Bill gates, Bill then contacted MITS, the company who developed Altair. the intention was that the duo was ready to develop the BASIC programming language for Altair. Within few weeks, Bill and Allen were ready to demonstrate  their programs to MITS. Upon approval, MITS was ready to distribute and market the product under the name Altair BASIC.

This deal inspired Gates and Allen to form their own software company and Microsoft was founded on 4th April 1975 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States.

Windows now have been dominating the world of computers from the last 25 years. It is nearly impossible to imagine the world without it. But this mega success was not an easy cup of cake for the Microsoft founders Bill Gates and Paul Allen. Bounces along the whole way are what helped Windows transform from an unsure Operating System to the undisputed king in computers today.

If you are familiar with Windows  but not with the journey of how it has taken shape to change the world of technology what we see it today, then here we present the history of Windows Operating Systems journey.

1. Windows 1.0

Working on MS-DOS was a little bit tough for the users because it dealt with playing with various commands. Taking this into consideration, Microsoft announced its first edition of Windows on 1983. Microsoft released the first version (Windows 1.0) on 2nd November 1985. Now, instead of seeing the boring black screen, the user can just move a mouse to point and manage clicks through the screen. Drop-down menus, icons and dialog boxes made the programs easier to learn and use. You’re now able to modify among many programs while not having to quit and restart all.

You might be wondering about the features...

MS‑DOS file management, Paint, Notepad, Calculator, and a Calendar, these features were a part of the introductory Operating System. A game called “Reversi” was also a included in the first edition.

Trivia: MS‑DOS stands for Microsoft Disk Operating System.

2. Windows 2.0

On December 9, 1987, Microsoft released the second version of Windows, the Windows 2.0. With the improved speed, reliability and usability, computers now started becoming a part of daily life for some workers. Desktop icons and use of keyboard shortcuts helped to speed up the work.

Trivia: Control Panel makes its first appearance in Windows 2.0.

3. Windows 3.0 (Getting the Graphics)

It gets better…

After launching 2 booming versions of Windows, Microsoft made an announcement concerning its third Operating System Windows 3.0 on 22th May 1990. This new Windows Operating System was quite handsomely popular because of its sensible performance, advanced graphics with 16 colors, and improved icons.  The 3.0 edition offered full support for the Intel 386 processor. In Windows 3.0, the improved SDK helped software developers focus more on writing programs and less on writing device drivers. Program Manager, File Manager, Print Manager were some of the features that got place in this edition.

Trivia: Heart, Solitaire and Minesweeper made their appearance from Windows 3.0.

4. Windows 95 (Don’t forget the Internet)

One of the most publicized launch that Microsoft has ever taken on is Windows 95. Released onAugust 24, 1995, this was the first Operating System to have a Start button and a Start Menu.This era of Windows made the foundation for emails, fax/modems and multimedia games. This edition of Windows was compatible with its previous versions. This means that it allowed upgrading previous editions of Windows and MS-DOS. The upgrade was available for both floppy disk and CD-ROM with 12 different language supports.

This time…

Windows 95 had built-in support for Internet, dial-up networking, and new Plug and Play capabilities that made it easy to install hardware and software.

5. Windows 98 (Windows evolves for Work and Play)

On June 25, 1998, Windows 98 was launched. It was the first version of Windows that was designed by keeping in mind the consumers. By this time, PCs became common at work and home, and Internet cafes. With the system that “Works Better, Plays Better”, the user was able to find information with much ease.

What’s the best part…

The major improvements that came up with this system are:  functionality to open and close programs more quickly, and support for reading DVD discs and universal serial bus (USB) devices.

Trivia: Windows 98 is the last version based on MS‑DOS.

6. Windows ME

ME here stands for Millennium Edition. This edition of Windows was rushed into the market onSeptember 2000. It had features like Internet Explorer 5.5, Windows Media Player 7, and the new Windows Movie Maker software, which provided basic video editing and was designed to be easy to use. Compared with alternative releases of Windows, Windows ME had a shelf-life of simply over a year.

Windows ME was often criticized for being buggy, slow and unstable. Windows ME, along with Windows 2000, were soon replaced by the NT-based Windows XP.

7. Windows XP (Stable, Usable and Fast)

With the marathon journey of 6 years, Windows XP is one of the best-selling Operating System and is still used at some parts of the globe. On October 25, 2001, Microsoft released Windows XP with a rejuvenated look and feel that focused on usability and a centered Help and support center. Awareness about the computer viruses and hackers increases, but due to online delivery of security updates, there was calmness to a certain extent. This version emphasized on help and support.

Windows XP, here’s why….

In addition, Navigation simplicity of the Start menu, taskbar, and Control Panel are more intuitive in this edition of Windows.

Windows XP was available in 25 different languages and had several editions like Windows XP 64-bit Edition (2001), Windows XP Media Center Edition (2002) , Windows XP Tablet PC Edition (2002).

8. Windows Vista (Smart on Security)

Windows Vista was released in 2006. This version was centered around security norms. User Account Control helps prevent potentially harmful software from making changes to your computer. In Windows Vista Ultimate, BitLocker Drive Encryption provides better data protection and was made available in 35 different languages. The redesigned start button made his first appearance on Windows Vista. Many features like the taskbar, borders around Windows get a brand new look. Search gets new emphasis and helps people find files on their PCs faster.

9. Windows 7 (Introduction to Touch Screen)

“Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning”, Bill Gates, the founder of the giant company quoted himself. As the technology was changing with a rapid pace, people tend to think of more easy ways of communication standards, Microsoft perfectly made a bull’s eye by introducing the touchscreen era with Windows 7 which was made available on 22 October 2009.After a span of three years, Windows 7 was released with some major improvements to its predecessor Windows Vista. This new edition of Windows was praised by critics, who considered the Operating System to be a major improvement.

Want to know the best part…

Increased performance, redesigned look and feel, touch and handwriting recognition, support for virtual hard disks, Direct Access, and kernel improvements.

Windows 7 adds support for systems using multiple heterogeneous graphics cards from different vendors. Windows 7 is available in following editions:

• Windows 7 Home Premium
• Windows 7 Professional
• Windows 7 Ultimate

Trivia: Windows 7 is evaluated by 8 million beta testers worldwide before it’s released.

10. Windows 8.0 (The Generation of Apps and Tiles)

On October 2012, Microsoft launched the Windows 8 edition, the most colorful and good-looking Operating System. Microsoft came up with a totally new interface that smartly worked on both the touch and on mouse and keyboard. The start menu was revised in this edition with apps and tiles that connect to people, files and websites.

Instead of keyboard and mouse, this time more focus was given on touch screen. These are the following editions of Windows 8:

• Windows 8
• Windows 8 Pro
• Windows 8 Enterprise

11. Windows 8.1

Here’s why…

The vision of Windows 8 to provide powerful apps and cloud connectivity let the upgrade to Windows 8.1. Changes in user interface and desktop, online services and functionality, security and hardware compatibility etc are improvements to name a few. In addition, some very interesting apps were also shipped in Windows8.1, some of them are, Bing Smart Search so you can find what you’re looking for across the PC or the web, Bing Food & Drink, Bing Health & Fitness, and great utility apps like Reading List, Calculator, and Alarms.

Windows 8.1 Operating System the following editions:

• Windows RT 8.1
• Windows 8.1 Edition
• Windows 8.1 Pro Edition
• Windows 8.1 Enterprise Edition

12. Windows 10

The recent addition to the windows family is Windows 10. It was introduced to the world on 29 July 2015. A number of new features like Cortana, the Microsoft Edge, The Start menu, Windowed Windows Store apps, Virtual desktops/Task View, Action Center, Revamped core apps, The Xbox app, Continuum, Unified settings etc made their existence in this latest edition. Microsoft Edge is the new Web browser of Windows 10 which is specially designed to be a lightweight web browser. Till date, Microsoft has released numerous versions of Windows 10. If you are a genuine Windows 10 holder then you can upgrade Windows 10 for free.

Windows 10- Why You Should Download Or Skip It.

Microsoft has launched recently Windows 10 and many might have got notifications to upgrade their operating system.

Let us tell that Windows 10 faster and is robust in terms of performance and it is loaded with some interesting features as well but there are some minus points why one should skip the advancement.

Well if you are still not convinced and confused whether to install it or not then you can read below some reasons listed by us why this is a MUST for your PC.

Start menu- Amalgamation of windows 7 and 8 is better option.

Instead of going with full screen tiled start menu, this version has brought back the windows 7 pop up menu and has also added squares as well. This blend of desktop centric windows 7 and tablet friendly 8 will be loved by all. One can customise it, resize windows; have multiple desktops and suitable task view to switch between them.

Microsoft brings Virtual Assistant to Desktop.

People love the Google Now or Apple’s Siri and now Microsoft is grabbing headlines as they have brought virtual assistant Cortana to PC now. You can now control your PC by giving voice commands. How to operate? Just click on the search section of Taskbar and Cortana appears.

Boosted Security levels- Much needed thing, a great strike by Microsoft.

This latest OS has upgraded its security levels as well. One can use this new facial recognition feature called Microsoft Hello.  Computer’s digital camera comes in to play to complete the authentication process. Device Guard is another feature provides malware protection and Microsoft Passport is secure way of sign-in to sites and app.

Microsoft Edge- This new browser surely has edge over the others.

This is a new built in browser of Windows 10. Edge is anytime better than Internet Explorer but still not great enough to uninstall other browsers. If you are already loyal to Chrome and Firefox and happy with it then there are no issues as W10 allows these OS to work smoothly. But the promise super power user features will make Edge even more compelling later.

Action Centre revamped and is better

We know that how just like Mac OS has notification centre, the Microsoft guys had come up with action centre. Here one can get notices of emails, news, updates from apps, reminders etc. What’s added factor is one can look back if they have missed any.

The last point is that- Its free one can download and use it right away.

Windows 7 and 8.1 users can download it seamlessly. Want To Upgrade Your PC to Windows 10 then Click Here.

 There are no major minus points but some important points one must consider

Vista and XP users are ignored.

The bad news is Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 user can only upgrade. The free offer is not available for Vista and XP. And instead of buying the OS one can go for buying a  new PC which has pre-installed Windows 10 ad there are changes that the old software may not be compatible with latest OS.

Bug problems

Of course Windows 10 makers are not silly people but still many gadget gurus said that it may contain few bugs and glitches that they need to work on. It’s recommended that one can wait for few weeks for the final robust version of the same.

Not for old Software and Hardware

One has to check that whether old versions of software and hardware can work on the new OS or not.

Bottom line

Windows 10 is mostly welcomed by all as its neat user friendly with good speed and it has many great features. Also it’s free of cost for current users and one can go back to previous version if they are not satisfied with this new OS making it a preferred choice for many.

Did we miss any point? If yes do mention them in the comments section below!

Plus we too would like your views on Windows 10 as well!

What Do You Need To Be A Bill Gates?

If you’re reading this, then I’m sure you’ve heard of Bill Gates and the phenomena that he is.

One of the pioneers of tech-era and still ruling the world of richest men, he needs no introduction!

Obviously, he is the role model for so many youngsters who want to live a success-story like his. However, just looking at his riches wouldn’t be the right benchmark to understand his success. It goes deeper than that and one needs to imbibe certain traits of his to be really a Bill Gates!

Let me share with you some basics that you either need to have or you got to acquire, learn or adapt to even come closer to the success that Bill Gates is.

1) Idea

When Bill Gates started his career, the world was evolving at a very slow pace, technological advancements were not happening on a daily basis and even he didn’t visualise the enormous success when he started. All he had was an idea of something that might work and fulfil the needs of people. Nowadays, the world is changing really fast and solutions for yet to be found problems are coming out on a daily basis. With this background, you got to observe life around you closely, see what is it that people really need and are not getting from anywhere and how you can help them get it at an affordable cost! The idea, the vision has to come from you and then it all falls in place if you’re able to communicate that idea to the right kind of people.

2) Eagerness To Work

Just having an idea is not enough, but the urge to work for it with minimal resources is what is going to make you stand out. Don’t wait for the proper office, high-end computer, a secretary and the likes! Get your hands dirty, beg or borrow your requirements, work with anyone and everyone who can help you achieve your goals and start walking instead of waiting for things to happen.

3) Luxuries Of Life

This might sound like the really hard part, but to achieve something as big as something that Bill Gates achieved, you’ll have to let go of all the comforts and luxuries of life. Your workplace might become your home or vice versa. You might get sleep on the floor or on the couch. You might eat once a day or once in two days. You might have a social circle or might not! What remains and should remain though are your goals and targets!

4) Love For Uncertainty

It’s a world of cut-throat competition and what works today may fail tomorrow. Even with Microsoft, Bill Gates’ company, it is now struggling to stay relevant in the changed technological environment. That doesn’t mean that they have given up. Instead they are finding new ways to sustain and grow and find new avenues of doing business finding new needs of their customers to fulfil! In short, you got to love the uncertainties that come with any business. Only then can you grow and rise higher.

5) One Step Ahead

For the longest possible time Bill Gates, as an individual, has remained a step ahead of competition and even his own followers with his ability to look into the future and bring out products that catered to a future generation. One has to keep evolving and learning and ensuring that knowledge base is constantly updated to have that edge over others. Even with setbacks, the eagerness to bounce back and keep your head up should be the driving force.

6) Vision

While conducting a day to day business and going through the routine of daily work, you have to still look at the larger vision of where you are and where you got to go. While being involved in the nitty-gritties of work, you still need to be able to take a step back and have a bird’s eye view of how things are running and where do they need to go from here. You should be able to look at the future with your analytical skills and conduct your business for future while retaining the present!

7) Love For Failure

Success and failure are part of anything and everything in life. There is no success story, which didn’t have its own share of massive failures. Same goes for Bill Gates, but did he sit disappointed after every failure? No, he worked double hard to bounce back in a big way! You got to do the same!

Try following these tips and reach the pinnacles of success you only dreamt of till now!