Windows 10 brings with it powerful new options for deployment and servicing. In System Center, we are committed to providing enterprise customers with best-in-class management for Windows 10 with System Center Configuration Manager, specifically by helping you successfully deploy, manage, and service Windows 10 in the way that suits you best.
As I trust you already know by now, Windows 10 comes in two basic flavors: (1) a Current Branch (also known as Windows-as-a-Service) and (2) the Long-Term Servicing Branch with a more traditional support model. The Current Branch also has the option of Current Branch for Business, which is the same build as the Current Branch, just deferred to a later date to give you time to further validate in your environment. If this is all news to you, stop reading and click here for more information and guidance. Then come on back when you are ready.
The new System Center Configuration Manager
As we announced at Microsoft Ignite with our first technical preview, we will release a new version of Configuration Manager by the end of this calendar year. This new version will bring full support for the deployment, upgrade, and management of Windows 10.
The new System Center Configuration Manager, as it will simply be called, is designed to support the much faster pace of updates for Windows 10 and Microsoft Intune. This new version will also simplify the Configuration Manager upgrade experience itself, and allow us to listen and more quickly respond to your feedback.
We have taken your feedback on making Configuration Manager easier to update, and one of the core capabilities of this upcoming release is a brand new approach for updating the features and functionality of Configuration Manager. Moving faster with System Center Configuration Manager will allow you to take advantage of the very latest feature innovations in Windows 10, as well as other operating systems such as Apple iOS and Android when using Configuration Manager integrated with Microsoft Intune for mobile device management (MDM) and mobile application management (MAM) capabilities.
The new System Center Configuration Manager will also be a straightforward in-place upgrade of sites and clients, similar to a service pack.
System Center Configuration Manager will support Windows 10 in any flavor: Current Branch, Current Branch for Business, and Long-Term Servicing Branch. This is because we will be able to deliver incremental updates to support the capabilities of future versions of the Windows 10 Current Branch.
The fact that we are not including a calendar year in the name is a reflection of the fact that the new System Center Configuration Manager will be updated frequently. In documentation, in product, and for evaluation and volume licensing download sites we will denote each particular version with a version number, for example “v1512”, for a version shipping in December 2015.
We plan to support each version/update for 12 months before we require that customers upgrade to the latest one to continue support. Finally we do intend to ship a version aligned with the rest of System Center and Windows Server when they ship in 2016.
Windows 10 support with System Center 2012 Configuration Manager
Back in May, the release of System Center 2012 R2 Configuration Manager SP1 and System Center 2012 Configuration Manager SP2 delivered full compatibility with existing features for Windows 10 deployment, upgrade and management. Also note that we released Cumulative Update 1 in August to further enhance support for Windows 10. (For simplicity, I’ll just refer to these products collectively as “ConfigMgr 2012” for the rest of this post.)
The ConfigMgr 2012 Supported Configuration article on TechNet only lists support for Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2015. Knowing that customers are eager to deploy Windows 10 Current Branch now prior to the release of the new System Center Configuration Manager later this calendar year, we are extending ConfigMgr 2012 support for Windows 10 to also include the first two builds of the Windows 10 Current Branch. This translates to the initial build of Windows 10 released this summer, and the second build of Windows 10 expected to release this fall.
We will not extend support for further versions of Windows 10 Current Branch with ConfigMgr 2012 because we need the new System Center Configuration Manager updating model to keep pace with Windows as a Service and Microsoft Intune.
In Summary: Planning and Guidance
Product Version
Release Timing
Windows Servicing Support
System Center Configuration Manager
By end of 2015 for initial release
Windows 10 Current Branch, Current Branch for Business, and Long Term Servicing Branch
System Center 2012 Configuration Manager SP2 CU1
AND System Center 2012 R2 Configuration Manager SP1 CU1
May 2015, with cumulative updates as needed
Windows 10 LTSB 2015,
Windows 10 CB/CBB through February 2016*
*ConfigMgr 2012 supports Windows 10 version 1507 (build 10.0.10240) and 1511 (build 10.0.10586) for the lifecycle of these builds. Any new Windows 10 CB/CBB builds released in the future will not be supported With ConfigMgr 2012 and will require System Center Configuration Manager current branch for supported management.
If you want to deploy Windows 10 in your environment today, you should have already upgraded ConfigMgr 2012 to the latest service pack and cumulative update as many of our customers already have.
If you are deploying Windows 10 Current Branch, then you also need a plan to upgrade to System Center Configuration Manager. Once your environment is upgraded to System Center Configuration Manager, then you will be ready to start managing future builds of Windows 10 Current Branch as they are released.
If you don’t think you’ll be able to upgrade your environment to System Center Configuration Manager in the next several months, then you’ll need to deploy Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2015 with ConfigMgr 2012 to remain in a supported configuration going forward. Subsequent releases of the Windows 10 Current Branch in 2016 and beyond will not be supported with ConfigMgr 2012.
On Wednesday, Microsoft shared its aspiration to empower a new wave of creativity with the Windows 10 Creators Update, the introduction of Surface Studio and Surface Dial, a new Surface Book and more.
“With Windows 10, our goal is to have the effect of the Gutenberg press on this next generation of computing, enabling 3D creativity, mixed reality, and eSports and game broadcasting for everyone,” says Terry Myerson, executive vice president, Windows and Devices Group.
“At our core, we believe each of us are creators,” Myerson writes on the Windows Blog. “However you choose to create, we are building Windows for each of you. We want to help you make your mark on the world and for Windows to be the place you love to create and play.”
Are you an educator? If so, use this guide to learn how to use the Windows 10 operating system in your classroom. Discover how to personalize devices running Windows 10 for use in the classroom and use the built-in apps to make learning more productive and effective. The advanced user features in Windows 10 help you run and manage apps in your classroom to achieve your learning objectives more easily than other operating systems and even previous versions of Windows.
Review the lab environment
There is an online lab environment that you can use to perform the exercises in this lab. This lab environment contains all the virtual machines, users, and files that you need to complete these exercises. You can use this lab environment without charge and it is available online at all times.
Perform the following steps to access the lab environment online:
In Microsoft Edge or Microsoft Internet Explorer, browse to TechNet Virtual Lab: Teacher Try-It-Out.
Note: If you are already signed in using your Microsoft account on Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer, then you can go to step
On the TechNet Virtual Labs page, click Sign In.
On the Sign in page, enter your Microsoft account and corresponding password, and then click Sign in.
On the TechNet Virtual Labs page, click Launch Lab. TechNet Virtual Labs builds the lab environment and displays the lab environment once completed as shown in Figure 1.
The Content tab (as shown in Figure 1) contains the step-by-step instructions for completing the lab exercises.
The Machines tab (as shown in Figure 2) contains the list of virtual machines that you will use in the lab exercises.
The Support tab (as shown in Figure 3) in the lab environment lists information about the lab environment and provides access to frequently asked questions about the lab interface.
Sign in to, and personalize, Windows 10
So, you just received your new Windows 10 device. What's the first thing you'll do? Sign in. In this section, you learn how to configure your Windows 10 sign-in experience and customize it for yourself or your students.
Configure sign-in
You can sign in to Windows 10 by using a traditional password, a PIN, a picture password, or the facial-recognition capabilities in Windows Hello.
Use a PIN to sign in to Windows 10 instead of your password (similar to the PIN or password you use on your mobile device). Or, use Windows Hello, which allows a Windows 10 device to recognize you through digital imaging, such as Kinect for Windows or the Intel RealSense sensor. (Note that because no such device exists in this virtual environment, the Windows Hello feature will be disabled, even if you define a PIN.)
Windows Hello integrates with Microsoft Passport to allow other software to leverage the Windows Hello sign-in page. For example, a public website could use Microsoft Passport to authenticate a user who signed in through Windows Hello.
Finally, you can set up a picture password instead of a traditional password. With this feature, you define gestures on a picture that you can use to uniquely identify yourself.
Perform the following steps on the WIN10 virtual machine (VM) signed in as Lori Penor with a password of Passw0rd:
Click Start (as shown in Figure 4), and then click Settings.
In SETTINGS, click Accounts.
In ACCOUNTS, click Sign-in options.
Review the options, specifically, the Passwordoption, which allows you to change your password.
Under PIN, click Add.
In First, verify your account password, in Password, type Passw0rd, and then click OK.
In the Set up a PIN dialog box, in New PIN and Confirm PIN, type 1234, and then click OK.
Under Picture password, click Add.
In Create a picture password, in Password, type Passw0rd, and then click OK.
In Welcome to picture password, click Choose picture.
In the Open dialog box, go to Pictures, click PicturePassword, and then click Open.
In How's this look, click Use this picture.
In Set up your gestures, select the three gestures that you will use as your picture password. The simplest gesture is to use three mouse clicks (or touches) on the tips of three of the flower petals (as illustrated in Figure 5). Figure 5. Location of gestures on a picture password
In Confirm your gestures, repeat the three gestures that you just selected (as shown in Figure 5).
In Congratulations, click Finish.
Close Settings.
On the Start menu, click Lori Penor, and then click Sign out (as shown in Figure 6). Figure 6. Location of the Lori Penor account on the Start menu
Sign in as Lori Penor by using the gestures you created.
Note: If you are unable to sign in with the picture password, you can still sign in by using Lori Penor with a password of Passw0rd.
Personalize the lock screen and account pictures
In Windows 10, you can personalize the lock screen to show app status and provide essential information, even when the device is locked. This information is similar to the notifications you see on a Windows Phone device's lock screen. You can also add a picture to your account, which helps identify you as the owner of the device.
Perform the following steps to personalize the lock screen and account pictures:
On the Start menu, click Settings.
In SETTINGS, double-click Personalization, and then click Lock screen.
Under Choose an app to show detailed status, click the plus sign (+), and then click Calendar (as shown in Figure 7). Figure 7. Lock screen settings
Under Choose apps to show quick status, click the second plus sign (+), and then click Mail.
Under Choose apps to show quick status, click the third plus sign (+), and then click Alarms and Clock.
In Settings, click back (as shown in Figure 8), and then click Accounts. Figure 8. Back button in Settings
In Accounts, click Your account.
In Your account, under Your picture, click Browse.
In the Open dialog box, go to Pictures, click LoriPenorPicture, and then click Choose picture. The picture for Lori Penor is displayed.
Close Settings.
Explore Microsoft Edge
One of the important new Windows 10 features is Microsoft Edge, a web browser that provides an enhanced user experience over other web browsers, allowing you to take notes by using your finger, stylus, or mouse and keyboard on web pages. You can save your notes, and then look at them anytime. You can also share your notes with other users.
Microsoft Edge builds on the reading features found in Internet Explorer by providing Reading view, which allows you to view web pages in an easy-to-read format. Microsoft Edge also allows you to create a reading list, where you can identify web content that you want to read in the future. In addition, Microsoft Edge is the default PDF reader in Windows 10.
Note: You can determine the name of a Microsoft Edge icon by hovering the mouse pointer over the icon or right-clicking the icon (as shown in Figure 9).
Figure 9. In Microsoft Edge, hover over or right-click an icon to see its name.
Figure 10 identifies the icons on the menu bar in Microsoft Edge. Use Figure 10 as you perform these tasks to help identify the icons.
Figure 10. Microsoft Edge menu bar icon names
Explore note taking in Microsoft Edge
In Microsoft Edge, you can make notes on any web page displayed in the browser by using your finger or a stylus on touch devices or a mouse and keyboard on non-touch devices. You can then share these notes with other teachers or students.
Perform the following steps to explore note taking in Microsoft Edge:
On the taskbar, click Microsoft Edge.
In Microsoft Edge, on the menu bar, click Hub, click Favorites, and then click Microsoft Edge - The Browser for Doing (as shown in Figure 11). Figure 11. Microsoft Edge Hub and Favorites.
On the menu bar, click Make a Web Note.The Make a Web Note menu opens, as shown in Figure 12. Figure 12. The Make a Web Note menu in Microsoft Edge
On the Make a Web Note menu, click Pen.
On the web page, click and drag the pen to draw a circle around the Introducing Microsoft Edge heading, as shown in Figure 13.
On the Make a Web Note menu, click Highlighter.
On the web page, click and drag the highlighter to highlight The brand new browser for doing text, as shown in Figure 13.
On the Make a Web Note menu, click Add a typed note.
On the web page, click next to the Introducing Microsoft Edge heading to create an empty note (as shown in Figure 13).
In the note, type Need to increase the font for this heading, as shown in Figure 13. Figure 13. Web page with notes
On the web page, click next to the coffee cup in the picture.
In the note, click Delete (the trash can icon).
On the Make a Web Note menu, click Eraser.
On the web page, click the highlighting to remove it from The brand new browser for doing.
From the Make a Web Note menu, click Save Web Note.
In Name, type Notes on Microsoft Edge home page, and then click Add.
From the Make a Web Note menu, click Share.
Review the information in the Share panel, and then click elsewhere to close the Sharepanel.
From the Make a Web Note menu, click Exit.
In Microsoft Edge, open a new tab.
On the menu, click Favorites, and then click Notes on Microsoft Edge home page. The webpage with your web notes opens. You can see all the notes and highlighting you made earlier in this section.
Close the tab.
Leave Microsoft Edge open for the next section.
Explore reading features in Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge has many features for reading web content. Often, web pages are cluttered with advertisements and nonessential information. Reading view in Microsoft Edge eliminates the advertisements and any nonessential information from the content so that you can read it in a concise manner. Reading view retains the pertinent graphics and pictures associated with the content.
Microsoft Edge also has a reading list, which is similar to the familiar Favorites found in both Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer. The reading list is specifically designed to help you and students keep track of web content that you want to read at a later date. The process of adding items to your reading list is similar to adding a Favorite website.
Perform the following steps to explore Microsoft Edge reading features:
In Microsoft Edge, open a new tab and browse to http://www.msn.com/news.
Review the content on the page, and then choose a news article.
In the news article you're reviewing, on the menu, click Add to favorites or reading list.
In the drop-down panel, click Reading list, and then click Add. You can use the Microsoft Edge reading list to keep track of content that you want to read.
On the menu, click Reading View.
Leave Microsoft Edge open for the next section.
Explore Microsoft Edge PDF print and read functionality
You can print web content to PDF in Microsoft Edge (or in any other Windows 10 app). You can also read PDF files in Microsoft Edge. In this section, you browse to web content, print the page to PDF, and then view the PDF in Microsoft Edge.
Perform the following steps to explore Microsoft Edge PDF print and read functionality:
In Microsoft Edge, on the menu bar, click Hub. Click Favorites, and then click Windows 10 Specifications.
On the menu bar, click More actions, and then click Print (as shown in Figure 14). Figure 14. Print menu option on the More actions menu
In the Print dialog box, in Printer, select Microsoft Print to PDF, and then click Print. Windows 10 displays a notification about the .pdf file being stored in the Documents folder.
Close Microsoft Edge.
In File Explorer, go to Documents, and then double-click Windows 10 Specifications - Microsoft.pdf.
Review the .pdf file in Microsoft Edge.
Minimize Microsoft Edge.
Explore the Mail and Calendar apps
Another improvement in Windows 10 are the redesigned Mail and Calendar apps. Both apps have been reimagined to provide a better user experience for both touch and mouse users. Also, both apps more closely model the familiar Microsoft Outlook user experience.
Explore the Mail app
Microsoft has made several user experience improvements in the Windows 10 Mail app. One of the design goals for the Mail app is to have a great user experience for both mouse and touch users, and the app now more closely resembles Outlook.
Perform the following steps on the WIN10 VM to explore the Windows 10 Mail app:
On the Start menu, click Mail.
In the Mail app, click Add account.
In the Choose an account dialog box, select the type of account for your personal email account.
Add your email account based on your personal information.
When you have added your email account, on the Accounts page, click Open inbox.
In the Inbox, select various email messages and view them in the reading pane. The menu interface at the top of the app provides a touch- and click-friendly experience for accessing email.
Click Settings (the gear icon) in the lower left portion of the Mail app.
In Settings, click Accounts, and then click back.
In Settings, click Options.
Under Notifications, select the Show a notification banner check box.
Under Notifications, select the Play a sound check box, and then click away from the Settings panel to close the panel.
Minimize the Mail app.
Explore the Calendar app
As with the Mail app, Microsoft redesigned the Calendar app for easy click or touch. Like Mail, the Calendar app now more closely models the calendar user experience in Microsoft Office.
Perform the following steps on the WIN10 VM to explore the Calendar app:
On the Start menu, click Calendar.
On the Accounts page, click Open calendar.
On the menu, click Day.
On the menu, click Work week.
On the menu, click Week.
On the calendar displayed in the left panel, click a day 2 weeks in the future.
Click New event.
In the new event, in Event name, type Project Update Meeting.
In Location, type 12th Floor Conference Room.
In Start, select 11:00 AM.
On the menu Save & Close.
The event is saved and displayed in the calendar. As with the Mail app, you can see that the Calendar app is optimized for mouse and touch, providing a user experience that mirrors Outlook.
Access apps, data, and information
You can access your apps, data, and information by using the Windows 10 Start menu, Cortana, and the taskbar. In this section, you learn how to access your apps, data, and information more quickly and easily than in previous versions of Windows.
Start apps by using the Start menu
The new Start menu in Windows 10 is an elegant blend of the Windows 7 Start menu and the Windows 8.1. Start screen. Perform the following steps to start apps from the Start menu:
Click Start, and then click All apps.
In the list of apps, scroll down to Microsoft Office 2013. Expand Microsoft Office 2013, and then click Word 2013.
Close Microsoft Word 2013.
On the Start menu, click All apps.
Click above the list of apps (which brings up an alphanumeric matrix).
In the alphanumeric matrix, click M. Expand Microsoft Office 2013, and then click Excel 2013.
Close Microsoft Excel 2013.
Note: Starting apps by using the Start menu in Windows 10 is similar to the user experience in Windows 7 for keyboard and mouse users.
Press Windows logo key+A to open the Windows 10 Action Center.
In the Action Center, click Tablet mode.
Click Start. The Start menu now takes up the entire screen, just like in Windows 8.1. In tablet mode, Windows 10 converts to a touch-friendly user interface (UI). Although you made this change manually, Windows 10 can automatically detect whether the device is in tablet mode, a feature called Continuum.
In the upper left corner of the Start menu, click the menu icon (three horizontal lines). The same UI you saw previously for keyboard and mouse interaction appears.
Press Windows logo key+A to open the Windows 10 Action Center.
In the Action Center, click Tablet mode. The Start menu reverts to the keyboard-and-mouse-friendly UI. Again, you made this change manually, but in a convertible device (such as the Surface Pro 3) this change would happen automatically if you added or removed the keyboard.
Click anywhere on the screen to close the Start menu.
Find apps, data, and information by using Cortana
Cortana allows you to search your local device and the Internet for apps, data, and information. You can access Cortana by using your keyboard or by voice command. Perform the following steps to find apps, data, and information by using Cortana:
On the taskbar, in Search the web and Windows, type Word. Cortana returns a list of results. At the top of that list is the locally installed copy of Word 2013.
On the taskbar, in Search the web and Windows, type LoriPenor. Cortana returns a list of results. At the top of that list is the LoriPenorPicture.png file that you selected earlier for the user profile.
On the taskbar, in Search the web and Windows, type Windows 10. Cortana returns a list of results, including local files that have Windows 10 in the name, web searches that relate to Windows 10, and apps in the Windows Store that relate to Windows 10.
On the taskbar, in Search the web and Windows, type What is the cube root of 55. Cortana returns the correct answer (3.80295246).
On the taskbar, in Search the web and Windows, type Distance between Los Angeles and New York.
Click the first item in the list of results. Cortana opens Microsoft Edge. The first result in Bing is by Bing Maps, showing the driving distance between Los Angeles and New York (2,778 miles).
Close Microsoft Edge.
You can perform these same tasks by using voice commands on devices equipped with a microphone.
Manage apps on the Start menu and taskbar
Managing apps on the Start menu and taskbar is again a blending of the Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 user experiences. You can pin apps to the Start menu (just as you could with the Windows 8.1 Start screen), and you can pin apps to the taskbar (just as you could in Windows 7). Perform the following steps on the WIN10 VM to manage apps on the Start menu and taskbar:
On the desktop, right-click Recycle Bin, and then click Pin to Start.
Click the Start menu. The Recycle Bin appears as a tile on the Start menu.
On the Start menu, right-click Recycle Bin, click Resize, and then click Small. Windows 10 displays the Recycle Bin tile as a small tile.
On the Start menu, right-click People, and then click Pin to Taskbar. The People app appears as an icon on the taskbar.
Run and manage apps
Running and managing apps in Windows 10 is more intuitive than in previous Windows operating systems. Desktop and Windows 10 Universal apps are treated as equals in Windows 10. Windows 10 introduces Snap Assist, which helps you snap multiple apps on your desktop for optimal viewing. Finally, Windows 10 supports virtual desktops, which allows you to have multiple logical groupings of apps so that they are easier to manage and use than on a single desktop.
Manage running apps
Perform the following steps on the WIN10 VM to manage running apps:
On the taskbar, restore the Mail app that you minimized earlier.
In the upper right corner of the app, view the Minimize, Restore, and Close buttons. Then, click Restore. (You may remember that Windows 8.1 apps only started in full-screen mode and took up the entire desktop. In Windows 10, these apps behave more like a traditional desktop app and are similar to the user experience in Windows 7 desktop apps.)
In the upper left corner, on the title bar, right-click Mail. The standard Windows system menu appears, with the Restore, Move, Size, Minimize, Maximize, and Close options.
Minimize the Mail app.
View multiple apps
You can view multiple apps in an optimal visual arrangement by using the Windows 10 Snap Assist feature. Perform the following steps on the WIN10 VM to view multiple apps:
Restore the Mail app.
Click the Mail app title bar, and then drag the title bar to the left side of the desktop. When the mouse pointer hits the edge, a visual queue lets you know when to release. The Mail app is snapped to the left side of the desktop.
In the list of apps on the right side of the display, click the Calendar app. The Calendar app is snapped to the right side of the display.
Click the Calendar app title bar, and drag it to the top of the desktop. The Calendar app is maximized.
Minimize all apps.
Manage virtual desktops
Virtual desktops in Windows 10 provide you with another layer of productivity when you're running multiple apps. You can use Windows 10 virtual desktops to give the appearance of running your apps on multiple systems. For example, you could have one virtual desktop dedicated to working on grades while using another virtual desktop to present information to your students.
Perform the following steps on the WIN10 VM to manage multiple virtual desktops:
On the taskbar, click Task view. In Task view, you can see the list of apps running in your current desktop. You can click any of the apps to bring that app into focus.
In the lower right portion of Task view, click New desktop. Desktop 2 is added to the list of desktops.
In Task view, click Desktop 2.
On the taskbar, click Word 2013.
On the taskbar, click Task view.
In the lower right portion of Task view, click New desktop. Desktop 3 is added to the list of desktops.
On the Start menu, click Store.
On the taskbar, click Task view.
In Task view, click Desktop 1. The original desktop appears.
Press Windows logo key+Control+Right Arrow to move to Desktop 2.
Press Windows logo key+Control+Right Arrow to move to Desktop 3.
Press Windows logo key+Control+Left Arrow to move back to Desktop 2.
On the taskbar, click Task view.
Close Desktop 2. Any apps running in a desktop that you delete are automatically moved to another desktop. For example, notice that the apps running in Desktop 2 moves to another desktop.
Open the new Desktop 2.
You can use the Windows shortcut keys, your mouse, or touch to move quickly and easily between virtual desktops. Use virtual desktops to keep track of your different tasks and apps so that you can be more efficient and effective.
4 Reasons Windows 10 is the Right Classroom Technology for Your School
What's the point of implementing classroom technology? Is it to make the curriculum more fun and exciting, maybe it's to make teaching less tedious? While these two examples might be a true bi-product I don't think these were the main factors taken into consideration when a school board or CIO creates their technology strategy.
From my time writing about the K-12 IT environment I've realized that deploying classroom technology is about three main points:
Offering teachers, administrators and students tools to increase efficiency, transparency and organization
Creating a more interactive and more personalized learning environment
Preparing students to be responsible digital citizens ready for a technology driven society
From software to hardware there are new ed tech tools becoming available almost everyday and it's critical that school IT leaders keep up with what's available and potentially valuable for their schools.
Recently Microsoft released its next big operating system in Windows 10 and it’s a huge overhaul from Windows 8. The start button is back for starters, which is a clear indication that Microsoft is finally taking user feedback into consideration.
The biggest thing to note however is how some of the new Windows 10 features are perfectly suited for education, empowering both teachers and students to become better organized, more interactive and just flat out more productive.
To give you a better idea how Windows 10 can help position your school to take on new developments in digital learning, we’ve listed 4 reasons why Windows 10 is the right classroom technology for your school.
1. Better presentations with note sharing
The new Windows OS comes with a brand spanking new browser called Edge, which is faster and less resource-heavy.
Educators can also take advantage of the new Web Note feature that will allow them to scribble notes directly on the web page using a stylus or fingers. The pages can be shared easily with the class for more efficient presentations.
“Obviously this works best on a touchscreen Windows device like a Surface, but it works with a mouse too, and will be perfect for interactive whiteboards,” writes educator Jonathan Wylie.
Edge manages your reading list as well, so when using the app on a small tablet it becomes your eBook reader.
2. Augmented Reality in classrooms
Augmented Reality has been around for a while but not quite in classrooms. With Windows 10, students can have completely immersive experience through Hololens (Holograms).
There are enormous learning possibilities with AR. For one , students can model designs before construction. They can also take trips to virtually anywhere in the world and it would be like they’re right there.
AR combines the physical with the digital world and this in itself makes Windows 10 an invaluable tool that can inspire your students and teachers.
3. Every student’s new research assistant
Cortana is Microsoft's new personal digital assistant and with Windows 10 she has now come to desktops and notebooks. Students can call her up for different program features including helping with research projects and assignments.
Cortana will also make sure that students keep up with their daily tasks.
“Beyond reminding you of appointments, due dates, and traffic concerns Cortana really supports the execution of required academic tasks in the day. This is essential for students who need support in their executive functioning,” writes Martha Jez, the director of professional development programs at Fair Chance Learning.
Cortana is in the early stages of development, which means we will see more personalized learning opportunities for students in the future. Reports did mention that WindowsPhone integration is already available and Android and IOS compatibility will come soon.
4. Facial recognition for logins
When conducting online classes, it always takes a while to log everybody in and it can be very time consuming. Windows 10 takes care of that with Windows Hello.
Hello uses a 3D camera to authenticate users through facial recognition, shaving off a huge chunk of logging time.
However, you need RealSense 3D cameras installed for this special feature and at the moment the cameras are only available in a few configurations, including the HP Sprout.
In any case, you can opt to use a fingerprint scanner for log-ins without using a password.
This may be a “nice to have” feature right now but with how new technologies are popping up here and there, it wouldn’t surprise me if manually keying in passwords will be obsolete in the near future.
This project is part of Microsoft’s Hack the Home initiative, which provides makers with free, open-source components for effortless interfacing with devices and services that makers use most to hack their homes.
The new Windows.Devices namespace from the Universal Windows Platform (UWP) APIs in Windows 10, enable developers to leverage the power of Windows while interacting with the real world via sensors and actuators.
This project uses the I2C bus and general purpose input/output (GPIO) ports available on the Raspberry Pi 2, to create an internet connected weather station using the SparkFun weather shield.
The instructions provided will give a developer first-hand experience setting up the required hardware along with writing and debugging the newly available Windows 10, UWP Windows.Devices API's. This lab will also demonstrate how to aggregate your data in cloud using the Azure Event Hub, via the easy-to-use ConnectTheDots API.
Hardware
Pinout Diagram (Raspberry Pi 2 --> Sparkfun weather shield):
GND-------(black)------GND
5V----------(red)---------VIN
3V3-------(brown)------5V (shield hack; not a typo)
GPIO2-----(yellow)----SDA
GPIO3----(orange)----SCL
GPIO5-----(green)-----D8
GPIO6-----(blue)-------D7
Software
Identify your computer name:
The weather station is actually two applications! What?!?! That's right. The first is a long running (indefinitely, actually) background task that reads the sensors and acts as a weather station server. The second, a UI that makes a request to port 50001 of the server and displays the data. The UI application is universal and can be deployed on any Windows device from the Raspberry Pi 2 all the way to a desktop PC - and anywhere in between!
You need to find the following line in the `Mainpage.xaml.cs` file from the `build2015-weather-station` project, and replace the computer name, "minwinpc", in the URL with the name of your IoT device.
//TODO: On the following line, replace "minwinpc" with the computer name of your IoT device (i.e. "http://:50001").
private Uri weatherUri = new Uri("http://minwinpc:50001");
Enable the "Task List" display
Double-click on any item in the list and jump straight into the source!
Each //TODO: is preceded by comments and HINTS to help you with the missing sections.
Install the weather station application:
Clone the linked repository (using the --recursive flag)
select the "lab" branch (default), if you want to learn the new UWP Windows.Devices API's and complete the code yourself
select the "master" branch if you want the completed code
Open "WeatherStationWeatherStation.sln" in Visual Studio 2015
Navigate to "WeatherShield.cs" in the "Solution Explorer" pane
If you chose the lab branch, Navigate to “View >> Other Windows >> Task List”, to view the remaining work (depicted above).
You will notice there is quite a bit of detail in the comment to help you complete the task. However, if you still need that extra nudge, there will be a “HINT” provided to remind you to look to nearby code for help (illustrated above).
Once the //TODO:'s have been completed, click the “Debug” menu item, and select “WeatherStation Properties…”
Under the “Debug” tab, in the “Start options” section
Select “Remote Device” as “Target device:”
Enter the IP address of your Windows IoT Core device in the “Remote machine:” field
Deploy to the Windows IoT Core device
Interface with and/or debug the application:
Set a breakpoint in "WeatherStationTask.cs", in the "PopulateWeatherData" function,/li>
Step through the individual I2C transactions as they occur
OR
Ping the IP address of your Windows IoT Core device on port 50001 in an internet browser window (i.e. http://xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx:50001)
Integrating with ConnectTheDots:
Select the "lab_ConnectTheDots" branch, if you want to learn how to use ConnectTheDots and complete the code yourself
Open "WeatherStationWeatherStation.sln" in Visual Studio 2015
Navigate to "WeatherStationTask.cs" in the "Solution Explorer" pane
Use the "Task List" to jump to each “//TODO:” and write the necessary code
The AppSettings, ConnectTheDotsSensor, and ConnectTheDotsHelper files are all part of the code created to help you use the ConnectTheDots interface to the Azure Event Hub.
AppSettings: Saves the settings for connecting to the Event Hub
This information can be found under your ServiceBus in Azure.
Go to your "*-ns" servicebus instance -> Event Hubs -> ehdevices -> Connection Information -> Look for the SAS "D1"
Copy the connection string which should look like this (It contains information for your AppSettings)
Once you have it deployed, it should start sending data to the event hub and the data should be viewable on http://iotbuildlab.azurewebsites.net/ or your own website.
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Windows 10 Tip: Use Cortana above your lock screen
Today, we’re going to show you how your personal digital assistant, Cortana*, can help you with all kinds of tasks across your device – even above your lock screen, thanks to the Windows 10 Anniversary Update.
Cortana allows you to perform tasks including set timers, track flights or even check the traffic, just using your voice. And now, with the Windows 10 Anniversary Update, you can talk to Cortana on your PC’s lock screen.
Here’s how to use Cortana above your lock screen:
Start by saying “Hey Cortana,” and ask her what the weather will be like this week, to remind you to do something or to play your favorite songs – without unlocking your device!
Check out Cortana’s Tips and Tricks menu in your taskbar to see what tasks Cortana can help you with, and have a great week!
National Video Games Day Comes to Life with the HoloLens
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By Kelly Cronin
In a wave of new technology updates, we have taken notice to a completely unique experience - mixed reality. In a mixture of augmented and virtual reality, the Microsoft HoloLens brings holograms to life with complete interaction between our fingertips and 3D holographic objects. One can only imagine the incredible uses for such a tool, but of course we all mostly just want to play with it. National Video Games Day, on September 12th, is inspiring us to see how the HoloLens is transforming the video game world. Check out some articles, photos, and videos below to see just how awesome the HoloLens truly is.
Pokémon Go bringing attention to Microsoft’s HoloLens
The hype over Pokémon Go isn't solely because Team Mystic is the best, it's also because the augmented reality game is changing how we see video games interact with our real lives. Augmented reality is an incredible experience that moves gamers from sitting behind a screen all day to moving around inside, outside, and everywhere in between. The HoloLens is an augmented reality headset - putting the game inside your living room. Imagine catching a Pikachu without your phone in your hand. Epic.
Students demonstrate their HoloLens apps after a quarter of VR and AR design
At the University of Washington, a computer science classroom is equipping their students with HoloLens headsets to let them develop their own apps. One app developed is called HoloScanner, which redesigns the process of scanning a room and turns it into a game that can then be used for other apps. Other apps include augmented reality cooking, a painting app, and more.
Check out the HoloScanner app video and more here>>
Managed Solution hosts HoloLens event, featuring custom made app
We are just as excited about the HoloLens as you are, so we're sharing the experience. Vice President of Marketing and Engagement, Jackie Weiner, developed a custom-made app for our HoloLens that has objects, games, and videos to interact with. At our invite-only events, we host a friendly competition among CEO's and other C-Level executives.
Photos from the event are below, and you can check out the full press release here.
Want to get an invite to one of the coolest experiences around? Check out our events page to find an event near you.
“The app is awesome! The HoloLens is just fantastic. I was really impressed by the investment that was made into creating this app. The app just blew my mind, and it just shows you how much the HoloLens platform can offer developers."
- Ian Koskela, CIO CD Savoia
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System Center Configuration Manager: Support for Windows 10 and Microsoft Intune
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