Windows Operating System
V E S R N TECHNOLOGIES
Operating Systems
An operating system (OS) is a set of computer program that manages the hardware and software resources of a computer.At the foundation of all system software, the OS performs basic tasks such as
controlling and allocating memory,
prioritizing system requests,
controlling input and output devices,
facilitating networking, and managing files.
It also may provide a graphical user interface for higher level functions
Process management:
It deals with running multiple processes. Most operating system allow a process to be assigned a priority which affects its allocation of CPU time.Memory management:
The memory manager in an OS coordinates the memories by tracking which one is available, which is to be allocated or deallocated and how to swap between the main memory and secondary memoriesDisk and file systems:
Operating systems have a variety of native file systems that controls the creation, deletion, and access of files of data and programs.Networking:
Most current operating systems are capable of using the TCP/IP networking protocols. This means that one system can appear on a network of the other and share resources such as files, printers, and scanners.Security:
most operating systems include some level of securityDevice drivers:
A device driver is a specific type of computer software developed to allow interaction with hardware devices.Types of operating systems:
There are different types of operating systems. These are as follows:1. Real-time Operating System:
It is a multitasking operating system that aims at executing real-time applications.2. Multi-user and Single-user Operating Systems:
The operating systems of this type allow a multiple users to access a computer system concurrently.3. Multi-tasking and Single-tasking Operating Systems:
When a single program is allowed to run at a time, the system is grouped under a single-tasking system, while in case the operating system allows the execution of multiple tasks at one time, it is classified as a multi-tasking operating system.Distributed Operating System:
A distributed operating system manages a group of independent computers and makes them appear to be a single computer. When computers in a group work in cooperation, they make a distributed system.Embedded System:
Embedded operating systems are designed to be used in embedded computer systems. They are designed to operate on small machines like PDAs with less autonomy. They are able to operate with a limited number of resources. They are very compact and extremely efficient by design. Windows CE and Minix 3 are some examples of embedded operating systems.Microsoft Windows history
MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System) Originally developed by Microsoft for IBM, MS-DOS was the standard operating system for IBM-compatible personal computers. The initial versions of DOS were very simple and resembled another operating system called CP/M.IT-APSAC-AKWindows 1.0 – 2.0 (1985-1992):
Introduced in 1985, Microsoft Windows 1.0 was named due to the computing boxes, or "windows" that represented a fundamental aspect of the operating system. In 1987 Microsoft released Windows 2.0, which was designed for the designed for the Intel 286 processor. This version added desktop icons, keyboard shortcuts.Windows 3.0 – 3.1 (1990–1994)
Windows 3.0 was released in May, 1900 offering better icons, performance and advanced graphics with 16 colors designed for Intel 386 processors. This version is the first release that provides the standard "look and feel" of Microsoft Windows for many years to come. Windows 3.0 included Program Manager, File Manager and Print Manager and gamesWindows 95 (August 1995)
Windows 95 was released in 1995 and was a major upgrade to the Windows operating system.Windows 98 (June 1998)
Windows 98 offers support for a number of new technologies, including FAT32, AGP, MMX, USB, DVD, and ACPIWindows ME - Millennium Edition (September 2000)
Windows NT 31. - 4.0 (1993-1996)Windows 2000 (February 2000)
Windows XP (October 2001)
Windows XP was released in 2001. Along with a redesigned look and feel to the user interface, the new operating system is giving the user a more stable and reliable environment than previous versions of Windows. Windows XP comes in two versions, Home and Professional. Microsoft focused on mobility for both editions, including plug and play features for connecting to wireless networks.
