What is Windows Operating System and its Editions?

A Window Operating System is a component of a graphical user interface that presents program material for the user to view and interact with. A window is frequently a rectangular area that may alter and expand depending on the capabilities and restrictions imposed on it by the software that offers it. A modern operating system’s window is essential for enabling multitasking since it enables users to switch between active programs both visually and mechanically. As well as interact with the OS as a whole.

The Window Operating System concept was invented by Douglas Engelbart at the Stanford Research Institute. Multiple windows were present in their early iterations, but it was impossible to distinguish between them since they lacked borders, title bars, and other GUI elements that are now standard. The investigation was carried out at the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center (PARC), which was run by Alan Kay. Kay later came up with the term WIMP, which stands for “window, icon, menu, and pointer,” in the 1980s.

History of the Windows operating system:

Microsoft Corporation developed the PC operating system (OS) known as Microsoft Windows, sometimes referred to as Windows or Windows OS (PCs). The first graphical user interface (GUI) for IBM-compatible PCs as part of the Windows operating system, swiftly took control of the PC market. In the neighborhood of 90% of personal computers, Windows comes pre-installed.

Beginning in 1985, the Window Operating System has a long history. In 1985, Microsoft introduced the initial version of Windows, which was just a graphical user interface (GUI) for MS-DOS, the company’s pre-existing disc operating system. Thanks in part to licensed ideas used by Apple Inc. for its Macintosh System Software. DOS users could now navigate a virtual desktop visually by launching graphical “windows” that display. The contents of electronic folders and files with the click of a mouse. Previously, this required typing commands and directory paths at a text prompt.

Later versions included more capabilities and a more dynamic user interface, including native Windows File Manager, Program Manager, and Print Manager apps. Microsoft also developed specialized Windows solutions for businesses, including powerful Windows NT and networkable Windows for Workgroups. The consumer version of Windows 95, which was introduced in 1995, integrated Windows and DOS and included the Internet Explorer web browser as part of its built-in Internet functionality.

Windows XP in 2001

With the arrival of Windows XP in 2001, Microsoft bound together with its different Window Operating System items under a solitary rooftop, offering numerous adaptations for customers, organizations, media designers, and others. Windows XP ditched the long-used Windows 95 kernel (core software code) in favor of a more capable code base, a more user-friendly interface, and better program and memory management.

The history of the Windows operating system started in 1985. Late in 2006, Windows Vista, which had a difficult start and saw major market resistance, replaced the widely used XP standard. Vista quickly gained a reputation for being a large, slow, and resource-intensive OS. Microsoft released Windows 7, a Windows Operating System with a similar interface to Vista that claims for its significant performance gains and minimal system requirements, in reaction to Vista’s poor adoption rate.

In addition to a start screen with programs displayed as tiles on a grid and the option to sync settings. Windows 8 debuted in 2012 and gave users the ability to connect to another Windows 8 machine and use their preferred settings. In 2015, Microsoft released Windows 10, which includes the Edge web browser, which replaced Internet Explorer. And Cortana, a sophisticated personal assistant comparable to Apple’s Siri. Microsoft also said that Windows 10 would be the last iteration of the operating system, suggesting that users would continue to get regular updates but that no significant changes would make.

What are the features of windows?

Control panel:

 The Control Panel program that also comes with Windows enables users to configure and manage their computer’s resources. Users may change settings for things like audio, video, printers, mice, keyboards, networks, date and time, power saving options, user accounts, installed programs, and other things.

Cortana:

The voice-activated feature Cortana for Windows 10 was also introduced. It can respond to your questions, look up information on your computer, make online purchases, set reminders and appointments, and more. It functions similarly to other voice-activated systems like Google Assistant, Alexa, or Siri while also providing access to your computer’s search engine. To activate Cortana in Windows 10, press the Windows key and S.

File explorer:

The application that displays the files and directories on your computer is also known as Windows Explorer. Users can explore the data on the hard drive, SSD, and other attached removable discs like CDs and pen drives, and manage the material to suit their needs by deleting, renaming, searching, and transferring the data.

Internet browser:

The internet browser is necessary for a variety of tasks, including looking for information, reading pages, purchasing online, playing games, and watching movies. On Windows, a web browser also pre-installs. Windows 10 comes with the Edge web browser by default. Additionally, Internet Explorer served as Microsoft Windows’ default browser from Windows 95 through Windows 8.1.

Microsoft paint:

Microsoft Paint has come pre-installed on Microsoft Windows since November 1985. It is a simple software that enables the creation, viewing, and modification of photographs. It comes with tools for sketching, cropping, resizing, and storing pictures in several file formats.

Taskbar:

Windows comes with a taskbar that displays all open programs and gives users access to specific programs. Along with the date and time, it also contains a notification bar on the right side that shows data about the battery, network, volume, and other background programs.

Start menu:

Microsoft Windows has a start menu located on the taskbar’s left side. It displays the computer’s installed software and utilities. By pressing the Start key on the keyboard or the Start menu button, you may access it.

Task manager:

The task manager feature in Windows also shows details about the programs and applications that are currently running on the system. Additionally, you can view the amount of RAM, CPU, and disc I/O that each application is using.

Editions of Windows 10:

Windows 10 Home:

Windows 10 Home is the consumer-focused desktop version of Windows 10. It gives users of PCs, tablets, and 2-in-1s a comfortable and customized experience. With Windows 10 Home, people will be able to accomplish amazing things, both big and little. Cortana, the most personalized digital assistant in the world, is the new Microsoft Edge web browser. Continuum tablet mode for touch-enabled devices, Windows Hello face-recognition, iris, and fingerprint login. And a wide range of universal Windows apps like Photos, Maps, Mail, Calendar, and Mu are just a few of the many new features that will make users more productive and have more fun with it.

Windows 10 Pro:

The desktop edition of the operating system for laptops, tablets, and 2-in-1 devices is called Windows 10 Pro. It expands on both the well-known and novel features of Windows 10 Home. And offers a wide range of additional capabilities to meet the diverse demands of small businesses. Users of Windows 10 Pro may protect sensitive business data and manage their devices. And also apps more effectively and efficiently, enable remote and mobile productivity scenarios, and utilize cloud computing. Windows 10 Pro devices are a great option for prosumer customers and businesses who provide Choose Your Own Device (CYOD) programs.

Customers may utilize Windows 10 Pro to benefit from the new Windows Update for Business. Which will save administrative costs, give them control over how updates deploy and provide them quicker access to security updates. And give them continuous access to Microsoft’s most recent innovations.

Windows 10 Education:

Based on Windows 10 Enterprise, Windows 10 Education design to meet the concerns of teachers, and managers. And students in educational contexts. Schools and students may be able to upgrade from Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro. The Windows 10 Education through the use of educational Volume Licensing.

Windows 10 Mobile Enterprise:

A Windows 10 Mobile Enterprise is also built to deliver the greatest user experience on smartphones and small tablets. It will be accessible to our Volume Licensing customers. All of Windows 10 Mobile’s excellent productivity, security, and mobile device management capabilities. Include more adaptable update management options for businesses. Furthermore, Windows 10 Mobile Enterprise will include fresh security and innovation features as soon as they become accessible.

Why are Microsoft windows called windows?

All Microsoft users require to utilize the MS-DOS operating system before the release of Microsoft Windows. Most of Microsoft’s products have a single name, therefore the company required. A new Word to represent their new GUI operating system. Microsoft picked the name Windows for it because it can do several tasks and run multiple applications simultaneously.

The fact that a well-known brand like Windows could not patent was another justification for choosing the name Windows. Its original name was Microsoft Windows, and version 1.0 of Windows was published in 1995.