Table of Contents
Microsoft Windows Operating System Versions and their History
Origin of Microsoft
Windows Operating System
Windows Operating Systems: History
Windows Server
In conclusion
Microsoft Windows Operating System Versions and their History
The operating system is a software component of a computer that manages the other applications and hardware resources. The operating system’s primary tasks are to allocate memory for data input, keep track of files and directories on disks, and act as a middleman between programs and peripheral devices. The operating system’s size increases as it gains more power and responsibility (Ritchie and others, 57). The operating system works like a traffic cop, ensuring tasks and programs run independently and that time limits are set to allow them to be completed simultaneously. Users interact with computers through graphical interfaces and commands that eliminate the need for a human-computer interaction. The computer system’s command line processor accepts and executes commands (Gookin,57). Operating systems with graphical interfaces are commonly found in computers. These include operating systems for multi-users, multiprocessing, multitasking and multithreading.
Origins of MicrosoftMicrosoft Company is founded by Paul Allen, a childhood friend. Microsoft has its headquarters in Redmond Washington. It deals with the manufacturing and licensing of computer-related products. Paul Allen & Bill Gates share a long-standing history of spending time in computer rooms rather than classes. The two men were involved in a small corporation called Traf-O-Data, which sold computer programs used to count city traffic. Windows Operating SystemWindows operating systems are a grouping of operating systems that is mostly found on personal computers. This operating system accounts for more that 90% of personal computer operating systems.
Windows Operating Systems: History
Microsoft disk operating system
Microsoft designed this operating systems exclusively for IBM’s products. MS-DOS worked with IBM computers primarily because it used commands prompts. MS-DOS was made more complex with new features.
Microsoft’s first two versions of Windows were 1.0 and 2.0.
This operating system was launched in 1985. Its title comes from the computing devices that were used to replace the operating system. It was a major improvement over its predecessor, which required users to type commands. Microsoft launched Windows 2 two year later, designed for an Intel 286 processor. This version included additional features like graphic support, desktop icon, and keyboard short cuts.
Microsoft Windows 3.0 to 3.1
Microsoft launched Windows 3.0, its operating system in 1900. Microsoft Windows 1.0-2 was replaced by Windows 3.0. It had better graphics, better icons and better performance than its predecessor. It included games, a file manager, a print manager, and programm managers. Microsoft Windows 3.1 appeared two years after the release of Windows 3.1.
Microsoft Windows 95
Microsoft Windows 95 released in 1995 was an important advancement of the Microsoft Windows Operating System. It was more powerful and had advanced features than the previous versions. The new version also included a completely different user interface, a feature that was not available in the earlier versions (Ritchie and al., 36). The internal structure of the new version was vastly improved over previous versions. A significant improvement was that Windows 95 now had a 32-bit application. This meant the operating system ran much faster than any previous version. Windows 95 can run applications from earlier versions. Windows 95 has another feature that is worth mentioning. It can detect, install and configure hardware.
Microsoft Windows 98
Microsoft Windows 98, released in June 1998. This version is capable of supporting new technologies such as USB, ACPI, DVDs, and many others. The desktop application was able to integrate Internet Explorer and the operating systems. This was a spectacular feature.
Microsoft Windows Millenium Edition
This version is designed to eliminate the DOS boot options. Windows O.S 98 features were upgraded and some Windows 2000 features are included.
Microsoft Windows NT versions 3.1 through 3.4
This version is 32-bit and supports multitasking, allowing multiple tasks to be run at once. The Windows NT Server was designed to be used exclusively for networks, and the Windows NT Workstation.
Microsoft Windows 2000
Version 2000 was released in Febraury 2000. Microsoft released four versions. The professional is for desktops for businesses, the server for web servers and office servers. The advanced version of the server is for the business applications. Lastly, the server in the datacenter handles the computer networks.
The interface was improved and the look of it changed (Ritchie, et. al., 77). Microsoft Windows XP was released in October 2001. It was a much more stable version of the operating system than previous versions. Microsoft Company’s wireless standard is used in this product, which is one of its best-sellers.
Microsoft Windows Vista
The Windows XP version was superior in terms of performance, reliability, security, and management (Gookin 46). Released in November 2006, it was able to detect hardware issues before they occurred and provide protection from threats. The system booted faster and consumed less power. Centralization of configuration and minimal system update costs were just two of the many reasons why it was so reliable.
Microsoft Windows 7
Microsoft Windows XP was released in October 2009. This version of Microsoft Windows is packed with advanced features such as internet explorer 8, support for multi-touch, faster startup times, virtual hard disk storage, and enhanced security. The operating system version was very user-friendly as it did not require commands to be used.
Microsoft Windows 8
This operating system is completely different from all previous versions. It can be loaded and started in just a few seconds. The Metro interface is made up of live tiles which are linked to computer features and applications (Gookin 78). The version supports both ARM-based processors and x86-based PC processors.
Microsoft also designed and developed mobile operating systems, such as the ones listed below.
Windows serversThe operating system version that was first introduced in March of 2003 is designed to be used with other operating systems more powerful than Windows Server. These operating systems are designed for the network and databases.
This version, which was released in early 2007, allows for multiple computer connections. It also allows file sharing across connected devices. Windows media connection allows users to share media with compatible devices.
Windows XP was released in November 2006. The PDA is a small device that has been designed for. The Windows 95-like graphic interface makes it a great choice for anyone who has experience with Windows 95.
The operating systems was released on April 2000. The operating system was also developed for mobile devices based on Microsoft.
The version released in 2011 was the original Microsoft Windows Mobile. Windows Mobile 7 for example, was designed to replace the older operating system. The interface is called Metro. It features a mobile web-browser with multiple tabs, which is designed exclusively for mobile devices.
Windows operating system has been upgraded many times in recent years. Windows should be updated for a variety of reasons.
This is a common practice. It’s well-known that Microsoft users will receive a free one-year upgrade. It does not have to be immediately, but it can take up to a year.
Windows 8 has been designed to work on touch devices instead of traditional computers. This can cause significant damage for those who already have Windows 7 installed. In this case, upgrading to Windows 10 will fix any errors made by Windows 8 on the computer.
Microsoft’s culture is to push people towards the latest operating system, by discontinuing support for older versions of its operating systems. The lack of options can create a serious security issue. There is currently no urgency to upgrade security as the updates have been around for several years.
It’s one of the many shortcomings of modern operating systems. They can’t handle peripheral devices older than a certain age. Microsoft does make sure devices work with new operating systems, but not all of them do.
Windows media center is a favorite of many people who use it to play videos and other media. These services have become outdated as other media services like Apple music, etc., have arrived. Even so, there will always be users who prefer the older versions.
It is not certain that all bugs will have been found and fixed, regardless of how thoroughly the operating system was tested. You should wait until the operating system has been tested for a while before upgrading it.
ConclusionAn Operating System is software which allows the communication of hardware and computer software. It is impossible to run computer programs without such an operating system. As computers progressed and developed, so did operating systems. Newer versions of the software have replaced the older ones.
When selecting an OS, there are two things to consider. How secure is it? How secure is the operating system configured? Windows management is more reliable because it’s easier to access the basic functions. Linux management can be difficult, and an organization may not have the skills or tools necessary to manage a Linux workstation. It also has limited rights for users, which is an important security warning.
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