This article by CNET's Rick Broida explains how to set up a virtual machine using VirtualBox. One is called VirtualBox and is made by Oracle the other is VMware Player made by VMware.
There are two free virtual machine programs that you can download and install to create your VM environment. A virtual machine program lets you install and run Windows 10 in its own environment within Windows 7 or 8.1. And this article from Microsoft specifically explains how to dual-boot Windows 10 with another version of Windows.ģ) As as for that third option, you can set up a free virtual machine program in Windows 7 or 8.1.
This CNET how-to article explains how to set up a dual-boot environment for Windows 7 and 8, but the process would be the same for Windows 10 and Windows 7 or 8.1. When you turn on your PC, a boot menu appears, allowing you decide whether you want to launch Windows 10 or Windows 7 or 8.1. A dual-boot setup allows you to run more than one operating system on the same PC by storing them in separate partitions. So, how would you install the Windows 10 Enterprise trial edition and still maintain your existing Windows 7 or 8.1 environment if you're so inclined? Here, you have three options.ġ) If you have a spare or test PC that's lying around not doing anything, you can install the Enterprise edition cleanly on that PC and use that to check out Windows 10.Ģ) If you have a PC with enough disk space, you can create a dual-boot setup. The Windows 10 Enterprise edition is geared for large businesses, but it still offers the same features you'll find in the Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro editions as long as you pick the right option when you download the software. During that time, you can still maintain your current Windows 7 or 8.1 environment for your everyday tasks.
The upgrade naturally wipes out your existing installation of Windows 7 or 8.1, though you can roll back if for whatever reason you don't want to stick with Windows 10.Īnother option, though, is to install the free 90-day trial of Windows 10 Enterprise edition to check out the new OS.īut if the Windows 10 upgrade itself is free, why would you need to bother with a free evaluation edition? Well, installing the trial version gives you three months to check out Windows 10. The upgrade is free for one year, so if you haven't yet installed it, you have plenty of time to decide whether or not to dive in. On Wednesday, Microsoft officially started pushing out Windows 10 as a free upgrade to Windows 7 and 8.1 users who reserved a copy. Microsoft has rolled out a free evaluation version of Windows 10 Enterprise edition so you can play with it for 90 days if you're still on the fence about upgrading. Download PowerPoint 2010 and see for yourself.You can test-drive the free Windows 10 Enterprise edition for 90 days, though it is missing many key Windows 10 apps. For new or occasional users it may be bewildering, while advanced multi-media fans may find it lacking. Pros: Improved interface, updated multimedia features, free cloud hosting.Ĭons: Extra features make for a more complicated program, while very advanced user.Ĭonclusion: A cleaned-up interface and lots of extra features. You can embed videos from YouTube, bookmark specific scenes, and trim videos without needing to open the video editing tool. Other innovations that stood out include the much-improved multimedia media functionality, with more and better effects, animations and transitions. Sharing has never been easier, with the option to upload your presentations onto Skydrive, Windows Live's free file hosting service. Backstage is where you access all of the save controls, the options for printing and sharing, and some features like exporting your presentation as a HD video file.
Instead of opening a menu, it now transports you to the "Backstage" view - a full screen of controls.
The File menu button was replaced by the Windows orb in 2007, but now it's back with a new twist. Those who found that ribbon less than intuitive may see 2010's updated ribbon as a return to form. The change from the menu bar to the ribbon in 2007 did not play especially well with many users. The File menu returns to PowerPoint 2010, although it now takes you to a separate screen. In particular, the "ribbon" interface has been given a new look that's closer to 2003's menu bar. Microsoft's PowerPoint 2010 free trial rings a number of changes on the 2007 version. Microsoft PowerPoint 2010 Editor's Review