As I understand it, on Windows S you can run only Microsoft Store applications. For $50 more, you can get Windows Pro, which lets you run anything you want. If I want a cloud OS, I'd stick with Google Chrome OS.
According to this article, apparently S can still run desktop apps if they are specially packaged for the Windows Store: https://www.theverge.com/2017/5/2/1...s-10-s-os-operating-system-announced-features
I take it you can't dual boot Windows S with the desktop version of Windows? That is not available as a separate download for existing PCs.
If I understand correctly Windows S is a desktop version of Windows, just extremely limited in what is allowed, unlike the Windows RT they had for a while which was not an x86 OS. I wouldn't think you would want to dual boot it, I would just upgrade it to the Pro version.
Another flop like Windows RT. People buying it will pay the difference and upgrade to Pro. Who wants to be locked down to Windows Store? No one.
For pity's sake who wanted a Windows Store to begin with? Oh that's right, it was their answer to the mobile device industry in a can,
If you can't run the full Windows Store apps - why bother with Windows 10 S? Pay the $50 difference, get Pro and run any 32 bit desktop software and any Windows Store app you want. That's what people will do and on my version of Windows 10, I don't even miss the Windows Store.
Windows Store is : - necessary? No - useful? yes - do i personally need it? yes , i have a winphone and i like the sync between my PC & phone via the apps
Windows Store apps are great for smartphones, tablets and touch-enabled PCs. Worthless for the traditional desktop.
the only advantage is that they run at Appcontainer Integrity level, which is safer. And some apps are not bad, basic , but not bad
Traditional desktop programs are "mature" and Windows users are used to them. It will take time for Windows Store Apps to reach a level where they can replace their desktop counterparts. They may not be as useful now but in the long run, it is a move towards a more secure ecosystem.
Microsoft wants to move Windows to a centralized repository-type system like Linux distros have. All software could be downloaded and installed from one location. It has promise but isn't yet ready for prime time.
Microsoft cannot make their own apps equal when packaged as a store app then what chance do third party developers have? the windows 10 store skype app is still not as good as the non store version for one example. The other thing to note is that due to the store apps being sandboxed this will limit the functionaly and surely this will stop some apps from being able to be put in to the store? for example a partition editor, system imaging application or antivirus. Having applications updated in one place is definitely a good thing and will remove the need for developers to write and maintain their own updater.
Sandboxed apps run in their own space and in theory this should isolate them from adverse affects of malware. The problem with universal windows apps is they aren't as good as traditional win32 desktop apps. Until that happens, don't look for developers to move to the UWP platform in the numbers it needs to become viable.
