Microsoft Unveils Windows 10 S

Microsoft has unveiled a new variant of Windows 10 known as Windows 10 S. It has some key benefits for price and security, but with some major drawbacks.

The new variant of the system will be built in to several machines, ranging from more basic $189 laptops to a $999 Microsoft Surface, which combines an ordinary laptop with a touch screen.

The name doesn't stand for something specific, but rather Microsoft has thrown around terms such as security, simplicity, speed and streamlined. Devices running at the system will be billed as loading and running more quickly than many rivals and all files will be encrypted through Microsoft's BitLocker.

App Store Only Option For Downloads

It's clear that Microsoft is trying to ape the success of Google's Chromebook range, which also promise a cheap way to carry out more basic computing tasks such as word processing and web browsing. In particular, Microsoft seems to be trying to win back business in the education sector where low prices and security are particularly important to buyers.

The big difference with Windows 10 S is that it will only run apps downloaded from the Windows Store. While that has a wide range of available apps, many more Windows programs won't work. Some of the most notable absences include iTunes and Adobe software such as Photoshop. (Source: theguardian.com)

No Chrome or Firefox

It also means that for now at least most browsers such as Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox won't be available, leaving users with the default Edge option. To date rival app developers haven't had any real reason to make a version for the Windows Store. Microsoft does say it won't stop them from doing so if they choose.

Microsoft has previously released a version of Windows 8 that only ran Windows Store apps, namely Windows RT. In that case it was a technical issue because the computers running Windows RT had processors more associated with smartphones. With Windows 10 S there's no technical barrier and it's simply that Microsoft believes only running vetted software will mean computers run faster and more stable.

Buyers who get a Windows 10 S machine and decide they can't live with the software restrictions will be able to carry out an irreversible upgrade to the standard Windows 10 for $49, though the fee will be waived on the Surface device. (Source: theregister.co.uk)

What's Your Opinion?

Would you be interested in a Windows 10 S machine? What proportion of your Windows software came from the Windows Store rather than other sources? Does the system make sense for schools were the Store might stop students installing inappropriate or insecure apps?