The Windows 10 Operating System is the most used OS as of today. In this comprehensive guide, we'll get you started with Windows 10 by unraveling its essentials and providing you with the knowledge to navigate your computer with confidence. Whether you're a novice user or upgrading from an older Windows version, understanding the basics of Windows 10 is crucial for a seamless computing experience.

Introduction to Windows 10

Windows 10 is an Operating System, released by Microsoft on July 29, 2015. It is an Operating System that marked a significant milestone in the evolution of the Windows operating system. Designed to be versatile and user-friendly, Windows 10 combined the best features of Windows 7 and Windows 8, creating a unified platform suitable for both traditional desktops and modern touchscreen devices.

List of Previous Windows Versions: A Brief History

Before getting started with your Windows 10 device, let's take a quick look at its predecessors:

• Windows 1.0 (1985): The first-ever version, introducing the graphical user interface (GUI).
• Windows 95 (1995): Revolutionary with the Start menu and taskbar.
• Windows XP (2001): Stable and widely adopted version of Windows Operating System.
• Windows 7 (2009): Known for its stability and user-friendly interface.
• Windows 8 (2012): This is the version of Windows OS that introduced the tile-based Start screen.
• Windows 8.1 (2013): Brought back the Start button and made improvements on the lapses of Windows 8.
• Windows 11 (October 5^th, 2021): though not an older version of Windows OS, it is the latest as of the date of this post. It is the successor of Windows 10 OS and it introduces new features such as a redesigned interface, new productivity and social features, and updates to security and accessibility, along with improvements to performance.

Starting a Windows 10 Computer

To get started with your Windows 10 is as simple as turning on a TV set. All you have to do is click on the power button of your laptop or desktop computer and the system starts booting. After completely booting your Windows 10 computer, you're greeted by the lock screen— This is a visually appealing background with time, date, and other information appearing on the background. This serves as the initial barrier before accessing your system.

Clicking on the mouse or any key on the keyboard or swipe up (for touch-based devices) will reveal the logon screen. The Logon Screen is where you will be given access to the computer system, provided there are any security features put in place. It is in this logon screen that you'll see various logon options based on your preference.

Windows 10 offers multiple login methods to cater to your security and convenience preferences. Login Options that are available in Windows 10 include:

1. Password: The traditional method involves entering a secure password.
2. PIN: A numeric PIN code for quick and secure logon.
3. Picture Password: Customize your logon by drawing gestures on a chosen image.
4. Finger print: this is only available if your laptop has a fingerprint sensor hardware.
5. Depending on setup, other login options can be customized such as face lock, iris access etc.

Choose the method that aligns with your security needs and ease of use.

Windows 10 Desktop Overview

Once you log in using any of the above (if applicable), the very first screen you’d see is called the “Desktop”. This can also be referred to as your “Home Screen”. The Windows 10 desktop is where you'll spend the majority of your computing time. And it is made up of these key elements:

• Icons: Representing files, folders, and applications.
• Taskbar: Located at the bottom, it provides quick access to frequently used apps.
• Background: this is the image behind the icons and the taskbar

Taskbar Overview: Navigating Your Computer

The taskbar in Windows 10 serves as your dynamic hub for efficient navigation and quick access to essential features. From launching applications to managing open windows and utilizing time-saving shortcuts, the taskbar enhances your desktop experience, making it a central element in mastering the Windows 10 environment. The taskbar is made up of:

1. Start Menu: Your Gateway to Everything

The Start menu is your command centre, offering access to apps, settings, and power options. It is your number one access to any feature of your computer. You can use it to Pin your favourite apps for easy reach and also use it to explore the Live Tiles for dynamic updates.

• Task View and Virtual Desktops: Multitasking Made Easy

Task View allows you to see all your open windows at a glance. It also helps you explore virtual desktops for efficient multitasking—ideal for separating work and personal activities. The task view can also help you see the history of your activities over the past 30 days.

• Pinned Apps and Opened Apps

This is the part of the taskbar where you can access all of the apps you’ve pinned to it for easy access whether they are opened or not. Also, you can access easily some of the apps that are currently running/opened at any time.

• News Feed

This is the party of your taskbar where you’d find the latest news from Microsoft based on your set preference of topics. You have to be connected to the internet to get the best of this feature.

• Notification Pane:

This is where you’d see various notifications and statuses of connected hardware or software running in the background. It is made up of the network icon, volume icon, battery icon (for laptops and battery-operated devices), the antivirus status (if any), the date and time and several other icons depending on the software and hardware connected. You can always view the other icons in this par by clicking on the arrow up (^) icon in this section of the taskbar.

• Action Centre

This is a part of the taskbar that opens up a flyout when clicked, consider it just a similar option to swiping down from the top of your Android or iOS mobile phone. It gives you access to notifications and quick actions you can carry out.

• Go to Desktop

This is more like a hidden feature, as very few people know about it. This is the last tiny line at the extreme right of the taskbar. Once clicked, it takes you back to your desktop, minimizing any opened app.

Personalizing Your Windows 10 Computer

Personalizing your Windows 10 computer means setting and customizing the look and appearance of your system Interfaces such as preferred colours, themes, background pictures, lock screen pictures, taskbar settings and many others. There are a couple of ways you can access your personalization settings on your computer. To access your personalization settings, you can

1. Right-click any empty part of the desktop and click on personalize
2. Click the Start Button, type “Settings” in the search box and then click on Settings to access the settings app on your system. From the settings app, click on “personalization”.
3. Use the keyboard shortcut- Win + I to open up the settings app and then click on personalization.

Using any of the steps above, you can customize your Windows 10 experience such as changing wallpapers, colours, fonts, themes, start menu and even the taskbar settings.

Conclusion: Mastering Windows 10

Congratulations! You just got started with Windows 10 by gaining insights into its history, login options, desktop features, and personalization possibilities. The more you explore, the more you'll appreciate the versatility and efficiency that Windows 10 brings to your computing experience.

Stay tuned to Techducate Me for more tech tips and tutorials to get you started in any area of IT. Technology is a tool meant to simplify our lives, and with the right knowledge, you can harness its power to the fullest. As you continue to use Windows 10, explore advanced features and functionalities to make your computing experience even more seamless. Happy computing!