The Windows system is one of the most popular operating systems that is used by millions of people. It has a graphical user interface, programming and gaming support and many other features.
It allows you to view and save files, run applications, play games, watch videos, etc. It also has an AI-powered bot called Cortana, file explorer, command prompt, task manager and a browser (Edge). It is widely used and has a good market share.
Basics
The windows system is the most popular operating system for personal computers and tablets. It is developed and marketed by Microsoft.
It has a number of features and functions, which include file, memory and process management, input and output, and controlling hardware devices such as disk drives and printers. It also implements a graphical user interface in the form of a desktop with icons and a task bar.
A start menu (or menu bar) is a collection of shortcuts to applications, programs and settings. Clicking on any of these will open the program or application.
Another group of shortcuts are the ‘invisible’ shortcuts along the top of the task-bar which open a program or a set of related programs. When you have several windows open, clicking on one of these ‘invisible’ shortcuts will bring that window to the front of all other windows.
Computer knowledge is an important topic for many Government exams and candidates need to prepare accordingly. This article will help them understand the basics of the Windows system.
Applications
Applications are programs that you can install and use to perform tasks on a computer. They have a number of different features and can run in multiple instances.
The applications on a computer are usually managed by an operating system (OS), which controls how programs are executed and what hardware is used. It handles file and memory management, input and output and can even manage how programs divide up their processing between different processors on a multiprocessor system.
Desktop apps can be given administrative permissions by the user, which allows them to alter the OS and other apps. They can also install additional Windows services that give them access to different system resources and perform more complex tasks for the user.
Some of these services can be quite resource-heavy, so they can slow a system down. However, some of them are necessary for a smooth and secure operation. For example, some of them protect the system from malware and ransomware.
Hardware
Hardware is the physical components that are installed in your computer. It includes the motherboard, CPU, monitor, keyboard and other devices.
There are many tools that can help you check the hardware specifications of your computer. They can provide you with important details like processor type and RAM size so that you buy the right upgrade or replacement.
Microsoft Windows also comes with a built-in tool called System Information that gives you a full overview of your hardware and software specs. You can save these details to create a report that you can use for future reference, inventory or share with technical support.
The system hardware can be divided into categories: Input Devices, Hard Disk Drives, Mass Storage, Motherboard, Controllers and Ports, Video Devices, Cooling Devices, and Networking Devices. Each category has its own detailed list of properties, which can be exported to a text file.
Security
Security measures in Windows help users protect their devices, data, and identity from cyber attacks. This is done by preventing bad actors from accessing a system and disabling its features.
These security features can include a firewall, antivirus protection, and tamper protection. Tamper protection is especially important during cyber attacks as it helps prevent bad actors from installing malware on a device or gaining access to the user’s data, identity, and devices.
Another feature is network protection, which helps prevent access to dangerous IP addresses and domains that may host phishing scams or exploits. It uses reputation-based services to block these IP addresses and domains.
Finally, there is exploit protection, which aims to block malicious software that takes advantage of vulnerabilities in the OS. This feature is backed up by SmartScreen, a built-in tool that scans and blocks downloads of known malware or low-reputation apps. It also compares websites and emails with Microsoft’s blacklist to stop a potential threat before it can infect your device.