Microsoft is set to launch Windows 10 on 29 July, with current Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users being able to upgrade to the latest version of the operating system (Windows 10) free of charge during the first year after its launch.

There is no Windows 9!

If you qualify for the free upgrade, you should have already been prompted to reserve your free copy of Windows 10 via the “Get Windows 10″ icon on the bottom right of your task bar.

In preparation for the launch, Microsoft has sent out emails to future Windows 10 users to explain how and when they can upgrade to the new system.

Those who think they should have received a notification should check whether they have auto-updates.

So what is Windows 10?

Well, in a nutshell, it is Microsoft’s answer to Google Android and Apple IOs. In simple terms, they want Windows 10 to work as well on tablets, PCs, laptops and smart phones. They want to snatch Google search users into the clutches of ‘bing’ search, and boost skype use.

They are targeting corporates and the younger generation. The update, unlike some previous updates, will not require uninstalling the existing Windows software and should take between 20 minutes and an hour to install. A lot of Microsoft stuff comes bundled with Windows 10, including the ‘bing’ search engine. Obviously you can switch, but Microsoft are hoping you will not.

After a year of free use and updates, Microsoft will begin monetizing updates and improvements. So remember, nothing is ever totally free…