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Windows Operating System
Windows is a graphical operating system whose development was done by Microsoft. Windows operating system offers users distinctive features such as :
- Users can view or store their files.
- Users are allowed to run the software.
- Users can play games as well as watch videos.
- Windows Operating System can be connected to the Internet.
The major motive of launching the Windows Operating System was to provide home computing along with professional uses.
The very first version of the Windows operating system was introduced by Microsoft as 1.0. It was released for home computing and professional services in 1985. Later, Microsoft launched different versions of the Windows operating system.
Historical background of the Windows operating system
Microsoft has been releasing different versions of Windows operating systems since 1985. The first version of the Windows operating system was introduced by the founder of Microsoft named ‘Bill Gates’.
Till now, the Windows Operating System has released numerous different updated versions. Let us get to know about them :
1.Windows 1.0
Microsoft introduced the very first version of Windows on 20 November 1985. This version provided an option to produce a graphical user interface in 16-bit.
2.Windows 2.0
The second version, Windows 2.0 was launched on 9 December 1989. It included many new features like the availability of a control panel, a new way of maximising and minimising Windows, and the introduction of Microsoft Word as well as Excel.
3.Windows 286
Windows 286 was released in June 1998 with a price of $100.00.
4.Windows 3.0
Windows 3.0 was released on 22 May 1990. Windows 3.0 supported multi-tasking as well as provided 256 colors which made the interface more vibrant.
5.Windows 3.1
Windows 3.1 was launched in April 1992. It required only 1MB of ram to run and offered the users to control MS-DOS programs with the help of a mouse.
6.Windows 95
Windows 95 was released on 24 August 1995. Windows 95 established a start button and start menu features for the first time. More features were provided by Windows 95 such as a 32-bit environment and taskbar.
7.Windows 95 Service Pack
Windows 95 Service Pack was launched on 24 February 1996.
8.Windows NT 4.0
Windows NT 4.0 was released on 29 July 1996.
9.Windows CE
There were four versions of Windows CE namely first version 0, second version 0, next version 1, and third version 3.0 that was released in November 1996, November 1997, July 1998, and 1999 respectively.
10.Windows 98
Windows 98 was introduced in June 1998. It offered features such as Internet Explorer 4, Windows Address Book, Microsoft Chat as well as NetShow Player.
11.Windows 2000
On 17 February 2000, Windows 2000 was launched.
12.Windows ME
Windows ME was released in September 2000.
13.Windows XP
Windows XP is known as the best edition of the Windows operating system. It was launched on 25 October 2001. Windows XP provided some great consumer-friendly features such as the replacement of the start button and taskbar with the green start button, blue taskbar, and a Vista wallpaper.
14.Windows Vista
Window Vista was introduced in January 2007. It came up with more features like a better look, transparent elements, security as well as search. Windows Vista was the first-ever operating system to be distributed on DVD.
15.Windows 7
Windows 7 was released on 22 October 2009 with faster speed, more stability, and ease to use as compared to the older versions.
16.Windows Server 2012
Windows Server 2012 was launched on 4 September 2012.
17.Windows 8
Windows 8 was introduced by Microsoft on 26 October 2012. Some new features were added in this version like a fast operating system, support for USB 3.0 devices along with Web Store.
18.Windows 8.1
Windows 8.1 was designed on 17 October 2003.
19.Windows 10
Windows 10 was established on 29 July 2015 with some amazing new features like tablet mode. This version was designed for every device like Phones and Windows tablets.
Features provided by the Windows Operating System
Microsoft includes a wide range of features, tools, and applications.
Following are the best features mentioned given by the Windows Operating System :
- Provides an efficient speed
- Allows disk access as well as file systems
- Program execution is done in a smooth way
- Protected and supervisor mode is always there
- Memory Management is supported to allow multiprogramming
- Provides regular updates to ease the usage
Editions of Windows
Microsoft has launched numerous editions of Windows beginning with Windows XP. Here are the two most common editions provided by Windows Operating System :
1.Windows Home
Windows Home is the basic edition of Windows. It consists of all the fundamental features that are required by any Operating System such as web browsing, playing video games, watching videos as well as using office software. This edition doesn’t cost much and mostly comes pre-installed on any computer.
2.Windows Professional
The other name of Windows Professional is Window Pro or Win Pro. Windows Professional is a polished edition of Windows. Windows Professional proves useful for power users and small to medium-sized businesses. It provides some great features such as security from rootkits, creation of a remote desktop, protecting data through Bitlocker feature, and Group policy management.
Conclusion
Windows is a graphical operating system developed by Microsoft. Since 1985, Microsoft has been producing distinctive versions of the Windows operating system providing updates and new features in every next version.
Windows has two editions named Windows Home consisting of basic features like watching videos, playing games, web browsing, and more.
The other Windows edition is Windows Professional with some great features like security from rootkits, Group Policy Management, and the Bitlocker feature.
Major features of the Windows operating system are efficient speed, enhanced interface, program execution, supervisor mode as well as memory management.
