Windows

Windows is a series of operating systems developed by Microsoft. It was first released in 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS due to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces (GUIs). Windows has since become one of the most widely used operating systems in the world.

History

The first version of Windows, Windows 1.0, was released in 1985, two years after Bill Gates announced it at the Comdex trade show. It was a graphical operating system shell for MS-DOS, an operating system that many businesses were already using.

The success of Windows 1.0 was modest, but it set the stage for the GUI revolution. The release of Windows 3.0 in 1990 brought more success, with improved performance, advanced graphics with 16 colors, and the introduction of the Aero interface.

Windows 95, released in 1995, was a major upgrade that integrated MS-DOS and Windows into one package. It introduced the Start menu, which is still a key feature of the operating system today.

In 2001, Windows XP was released, introducing a new streamlined interface and significant improvements in stability and performance. It was followed by Windows Vista in 2006, Windows 7 in 2009, Windows 8 in 2012, and Windows 10 in 2015.

Features

Windows provides a wide range of features, including the ability to run multiple applications at once, a feature known as multitasking. It also supports plug and play, which allows users to install hardware and software with minimal technical knowledge.

The Windows Registry is a database that stores settings and options for the operating system. It includes information about hardware, software, users, and preferences.

Windows also includes a number of applications, such as Internet Explorer for web browsing, Windows Media Player for playing digital media, and Windows Office Suite for productivity tasks.

Security

Security has been a key concern for Windows due to its popularity. Microsoft has made significant efforts to improve security, including the introduction of Windows Defender, a built-in antivirus program. Other security features include User Account Control, which limits the privileges of software applications, and Windows Update, which automatically installs security patches.

See also

• Microsoft
• Operating system
• MS-DOS
• Windows 1.0
• Windows 3.0
• Windows 95
• Windows XP
• Windows Vista
• Windows 7
• Windows 8
• Windows 10
• Aero
• Start menu
• Multitasking
• Plug and play
• Windows Registry
• Internet Explorer
• Windows Media Player
• Windows Office Suite
• Windows Defender
• User Account Control
• Windows Update