GET set for another big week in technology, as Microsoft launches the latest version of its operating system, Windows 10. Versions of Windows power around 92% of the world's desktop and laptop computers. When it launched the most recent version back in 2012, it sold an impressive 100m copies in nine months alone.

What can we expect from Windows 10? Importantly, the start menu in the bottom left hand corner of the screen has returned - unlike those strange tiles that populated Windows 8 you can have your desktop back. Microsoft has also reinvented its Internet browser and Edge is faster, sleeker and more security conscious than anything I've previously experienced from the company. Also, you now have your own personal assistant called Cortana - if you've ever tried Siri on an iPhone you'll know what to expect. You can set reminders, book alarms or even get the weather just by asking out loud. It sounds crazy, but works incredibly well.

Aside from all the new features and the modern design, Windows 10 is an important throw of the dice for Microsoft, perhaps unfairly labelled by some a spent force. Despite being one of the world's biggest technology companies at the forefront of developing modern computing, many feel the giant now trails behind the likes of Apple, Google and companies like Facebook and Twitter.

The fanfare around a the release of s Windows update, which used to attract hours of TV coverage and people queuing outside their local computer shop on release to handover up to £180 has long evaporated. Most of us are largely unaware that we will be able to give our computers a fresh lick of paint and an improved set of features by downloading the Windows 10 update that Microsoft are giving many users for free,

So why are Microsoft giving their previous expensive software away for nothing? It's a case of simple market economics. Even since the release of Windows 8 in 2012 we've seen more people to tablets, smartphones and computers from Apple. The PC market is in a period of unprecedented decline to the extent that sales of the traditional desktop computer have all but dried up.

The release of a new Windows operating system has often sparked a renewed focus on the PC market - so the hope is that my offering it for free will encourage many people to adopt early, embracing the new tools and features Microsoft hope will entice both consumers back to the PC and developers to make more software, rather than focusing on the far more enticing world of apps for smartphones and tablets.

The more eagle-eyed among you may wonder how on earth you missed Windows 9. The startling reality is that Microsoft simply decided to leap straight over nine to show the "quantum leap" in their software. For those not adept in marketing waffle, Windows 8 was such a flop that they wanted to quickly distance themselves from it.

With Windows 10 widely available as a free upgrade for anybody with a powerful enough computer purchased since Windows 7 went on sale in 2009 - it's highly likely that thousands of copies of Microsoft's latest release will be pressed into action across the county on computers, tablets and even compatible Microsoft and Nokia smartphones. Of course I'll be staying up late to download it!