I was a freshman in college when modern video games and faster dialup modems were revolutionizing the personal computer landscape. That year, Microsoft Windows 95 launched. While the new OS was riddled with performance issues and hardware compatibility nightmares, millions of people worldwide updated (or upgraded) their computers. I was one of those nerds who lined up outside of a local CompUSA for the midnight opening and sale of Windows 95. By the time I left the store, very few copies remained.

On July 29, Microsoft will launch the latest version of its operating system. Windows 10 has a lot of things going for it. Marking twenty years since Windows 95, the version number gives it a symbolic importance, but more importantly, it seems that Microsoft has learned from its past mistakes, promising to showcase the best from Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 and to add exciting new features to create a solid operating system.

If you haven’t tried the preview versions of Windows 10 or had a chance to read about the new and improved features, here’s a brief list for you:

• For many, Windows 10 will be a free update.
• The user interface will feature the return of the Start menu button, and it will add Windows Metro (Windows 8 and 8.1) functionality.
• Windows Metro apps will run in full screen or windowed mode.
• Microsoft Edge will replace Internet Explorer. The new browser will feature several security upgrades and greater speed. Word has it that the good folks at Mozilla are working hard on a new update to keep up with Microsoft’s new browser.
• Xbox integration and DirectX 12. This is key for gamers: Windows will now have direct integration with Xbox, allowing some Xbox Live games to stream directly into a PC for full playability.
• Cortana, a SIRI-like virtual assistant, will be integrated into the operating system and into Microsoft Edge.
• User custom settings will synchronize seamlessly with tablets and phones running the latest version of Windows.
• Face and fingerprint recognition as an alternative to typing passwords.

In addition to these, there are many more features under the hood that deal with stability, compatibility, and security. Patch Tuesday will end, and Microsoft will push updates on demand 24/7. This is one issue that has created some controversy: the logic behind the mandatory updates is based in Microsoft’s approach to security breaches and a desire to place Windows at the forefront of user security and to give users some peace of mind.

In closing, whether you are an avid Microsoft Windows fan like me or you are simply curious about the upcoming version, Windows 10 is taking the best from Windows 7 and 8.1 and adding new features that should attract desktop, mobile, and tablet users alike. Many things have changed since Windows 95 was launched, but for me the excitement and eagerness to install the latest Windows OS has not. This time, however, I will not have to wait for a midnight opening outside a mega computer store in order to get my upgrade.

Erick Cordero Giorgana lives in Alaska and is a Management & Political Consultant. He worked briefly as an Information Technology Manager for a public relations firm before switching careers and working for the nonprofit sector and then for the state government. He is an amateur photographer and a long-time volunteer at ActiveWin.com and other blogs.