Windows system is a GUI operating system developed, sold and marketed by Microsoft. It is one of the world’s most widely used computer software systems.
Its main function is to manage computer resources and provides an interface to users. There are several features of the windows system that make it unique from other OSes.
History
The first Windows release, in 1985, allowed users to interact with the computer using icons, buttons and visual menus rather than text commands. The operating system ran on top of MS-DOS and utilized preemptive multitasking, allowing multiple applications to be executed simultaneously.
Windows 3.1, released in April 1992, incorporated more improvements including display of TrueType scalable fonts, improved disk performance in 386 Enhanced Mode and multimedia support. It also removed the need for real mode and only ran on an 80286 or higher processor.
Microsoft redesigned Windows with the launch of XP in 2001. The new release used a 32-bit kernel and included USB and Plug and Play hardware support, accelerating speed and eliminating the need for legacy MS-DOS programs. The release incorporated Web technology and was one of the key factors in the U.S. Justice Department antitrust lawsuit against the company in the 1990s. A separate business-oriented version, based on NT code, was released as Windows 2000.
Compatibility
Windows systems are designed to support a wide variety of hardware and software devices. The operating system also includes tools to facilitate network setup and provide compatibility with programs that were developed for previous versions of the system.
Most existing desktop applications are expected to work without modification in the new operating system, although applications that interface with Windows at a low level or use undocumented APIs may experience issues. The Windows Hardware Compatibility List, sometimes referred to as the HCL, can be a useful troubleshooting tool when attempting to identify incompatible hardware.
Microsoft’s PC Health Check is a free Windows application that checks whether your computer meets the minimum and recommended system requirements for running the latest version of Windows. It can be downloaded from the Microsoft website. Alternatively, there are several third-party compatibility checkers available, including WhyNotWin11, a GitHub project that runs as a standalone application. Other options include the Windows Hardware Dev Center dashboard, which allows you to submit submissions, track performance and review telemetry.
Ease of Use
Unlike the command-line interface of MS-DOS, windows systems use point-and-click user interfaces. This makes them easier to operate for computer users with less technical experience. Windows also features a multitasking capability that allows multiple applications to run simultaneously, as well as plug-and-play support for additional hardware components.
Microsoft’s Windows system is one of the most popular operating systems in the world. It is widely used on personal computers and laptops, as well as in businesses and schools. It offers an array of functions that make it easy to use, including file management, multimedia playback, and internet access.
The latest version of windows system provides many new features that improve the overall functionality of the software. These include focus sessions that automatically turn off notifications to help people stay productive, and a video editor called clipchamp. The software also supports several languages to meet the needs of different users. It can also be used on touch screen devices, making it a convenient option for tablet users.
Security
Windows systems are prone to malware attacks. Many hackers target them because of their widespread use and a large user base. Fortunately, this does not mean that these devices are impossible to protect. They are simply more vulnerable to hacks than other systems, but if proper security measures are taken, users can mitigate these risks.
Windows provides a variety of built-in and third-party security tools to keep data and programs secure from cyberattacks. The Windows Security dashboard offers at-a-glance status indicators for virus and threat protection, account protection, firewall and network protection, app and browser controls, and device security.
These features include Windows Defender Application Guard, which uses Hyper-V virtualization technology to isolate untrusted websites and Microsoft Office files in containers that cannot access the host operating system or enterprise data. They also include secure boot, which stops more sophisticated types of malware known as rootkits from loading when the system is starting or rebooting.