Microsoft's back on track with Windows 10

San Francisco

MICROSOFT'S Windows 10 operating system should start hitting US computers on Wednesday, marking one of the biggest launches in the company's history. A few years after what could charitably be called a disastrous launch for Windows 8, Microsoft needs the new system to move forward while also making amends.

With Windows 8, Microsoft moved too fast into the future by introducing a lot of tablet-focused details and designs that alienated its core keyboard-and-mouse users. Windows 10 fixes many of those mistakes, but it still manages to incorporate enough new touches to plot a clear course to the more mobile, touchscreen-based future.